Old Fashioned Pea Salad

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Old Fashioned Pea Salad is a beloved classic recipe that has stood the test of time. This simple side dish is a crowd-pleaser, so it's perfect to take along to a summer barbecue, baby showers, or even family picnics during the summer months.

With its combination of tender sweet peas, crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and a creamy dressing, this delicious salad is sure to become a favorite!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Delightful Fresh Flavors: The combination of sweet peas, salty bacon, and creamy dressing creates a harmonious blend of flavors.

Versatile Ingredients: This recipe offers flexibility in ingredient choices, allowing for substitutions and variations based on your preferences.

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this old-fashioned pea salad is a breeze to prepare.

Perfect Side Dish: This salad pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses, making it an ideal choice for summer barbecues, picnics, and potlucks.

Great for Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy the salad's delicious flavors the next day.

Ingredients for Creamy Pea Salad

Iceberg lettuce - chopped
Red onion - chopped
Hard-boiled eggs - quartered
Frozen peas - thawed
Grape tomatoes - halved
Cheddar cheese - shredded
Cooked bacon - roughly chopped
Mayonnaise
Sour cream
Sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Dill - fresh or dried, if desired

Equipment and kitchen tools

Mixing bowls
Whisk

How to make this Easy Pea Salad Recipe

Step 1 - Start layering the salad with the chopped lettuce. You won't need all of the lettuce; we will use more on other layers.

How to Make an Old Fashioned Pea Salad - Step 1

Step 2 - Add the red onion in a layer, focusing on the outside rim of the bowl.

How to Make an Old Fashioned Pea Salad - Step 2

Step 3 - Line the bowl for the next layer with boiled egg pieces and add the remaining eggs to the middle.

How to Make an Old Fashioned Pea Salad - Step 3

Step 4 - Sprinkle the bacon all around the outside of the bowl and fill the inside with more lettuce to make everything even.

How to Make an Old Fashioned Pea Salad - Step 4

Step 5 - Add the grape tomatoes.

How to Make an Old Fashioned Pea Salad - Step 5

Step 6 - Then, add the thawed frozen peas and for the final layer, add the shredded cheese.

To prepare the creamy dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and sugar in a small bowl. Add salt, pepper, and dill (if desired) to taste. Top the salad with the dressing, evenly coating the ingredients.

How to Make an Old Fashioned Pea Salad - Step 6

Serve and enjoy the delicious pea salad!

Time-saving Tips for the Best Results

For a slight crunch, use fresh peas instead of frozen peas.
If preparing the salad ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Add the dressing just before serving to maintain the salad's freshness.
To make hard-boiled eggs, place them in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Let them cook for 10 minutes, then transfer to a bowl of ice water to cool. You can make these ahead of time.
If you prefer a tangy twist, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to the dressing.
If you have a packaged shredded cheese that you like, you can use it in this recipe.
Customize the salad by incorporating other vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or green onions, for added freshness and color.

Substitutions and Variations

Instead of bacon, use real bacon bits or substitute it with crispy prosciutto for a unique twist.
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as sharp cheddar, Gouda, or feta, to elevate the flavors of the salad.
If you prefer a lighter dressing, replace the mayonnaise and sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
Add a touch of heat by mixing in a small amount of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Want to make this a healthy pea salad? You can omit the bacon and use a 50/50 greek yogur/ sour cream combo in place of the mayo.

FAQs about this Recipe

Can I use canned peas instead of frozen peas?

Yes, you can use canned peas if you prefer. However, keep in mind that frozen peas tend to retain more of their vibrant color and slightly firmer texture.

How long can I store leftovers of this pea salad?

You can store leftovers of this pea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to add the dressing right before serving to maintain its freshness.

Can I make this salad in advance for a party or gathering?

Absolutely! You can assemble the layers of the salad in a large bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator, and when you're ready to serve, simply add the dressing and give it a good toss.

Can I omit the bacon to make it vegetarian?

Yes, if you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon and add other ingredients like sunflower seeds or toasted almonds for a crunchy element.

Can I use other types of lettuce instead of iceberg lettuce?

Certainly! While iceberg lettuce provides a nice crunch, you can experiment with other lettuce varieties, such as romaine or butter lettuce, to change the texture and add different flavors to the salad.

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