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Easy English Pea Salad Recipe with Bacon, Cheddar, and Creamy Dressing

Easy English Pea Salad Recipe

A creamy, refreshing pea salad made with thawed frozen peas, cheddar cheese, red onion, bacon, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Optional hard-boiled eggs and celery add classic Southern-style flavor and texture.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 16 ounces Frozen green peas, thawed and well drained
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Sour cream
  • 1/2 cup Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup Finely chopped red onion
  • 6 slices Bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
Seasonings
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Optional Add-Ins
  • 2 large eggs Hard-boiled eggs, cooled, peeled, and chopped
  • 1/2 cup Chopped celery

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 8 to 12 minutes. Transfer it to paper towels to drain, then crumble it once cool.
  2. If using eggs, hard-boil them for about 12 minutes, then cool completely, peel, and chop. Thaw the frozen peas in the refrigerator or under cold running water, drain very well, and pat dry.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth and evenly combined.
  4. Fold in the peas, red onion, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and optional chopped eggs and celery. Stir gently so the peas stay whole and the cheese remains distinct.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Stir gently before serving, adjust the seasoning if needed, and garnish with reserved bacon or cheddar.

Notes

Drain the thawed peas thoroughly because excess water can make the dressing thin. For the best flavor, prepare the salad several hours ahead or overnight, reserving a little bacon and cheese for the top just before serving.