If you’re craving a dish that captures the heart of comfort food with a fresh, tangy twist, then let me introduce you to this Savory Southern Pea Salad Recipe. It’s a deliciously bright medley of tender green peas, rich cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and creamy mayonnaise, all brought together with just the right amount of crunch and zest. Whether you’re bringing it to a family barbecue, a potluck, or just putting together an easy weeknight side, this salad makes every bite feel like a joyful celebration of Southern flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Savory Southern Pea Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity, featuring ingredients that really sing when combined. Each component plays a special role — from the sweetness of green peas, the smokiness of bacon, to the creamy tang of mayo, and the sharpness of cheddar cheese — creating a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
- 4 cups Frozen Green Peas: Using frozen peas ensures a fresh, sweet bite, and they hold up well without getting mushy.
- 2-3 Hard-Boiled Eggs: Well-chopped, these add a rich, creamy texture that blends beautifully throughout the salad.
- 1 cup Mayonnaise: The creamy base that binds everything, can be swapped with low-fat mayo for a lighter option.
- 4-6 strips Thick-Cut Bacon: Cooked crispy for that irresistible salty crunch.
- 1 small Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a zesty bite, or substitute green onions if you prefer something milder.
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, melty goodness; pepper jack can be used for a spicy variation.
- Salt: Just a pinch to bring all the flavors together.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground to add depth and warmth.
How to Make Savory Southern Pea Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peas
Start by thawing the frozen peas under cool running water for about 3 to 5 minutes. This quick rinse not only defrosts them evenly but also helps drain any excess moisture, so your salad doesn’t end up watery. Be sure to drain them thoroughly to keep the texture just right.
Step 2: Cook and Crumble the Bacon
Next, cook the thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s golden brown and nicely crispy, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, transfer the bacon to paper towels to absorb excess fat and crumble it into bite-sized pieces. This step is key to infusing your salad with that smoky, crunchy goodness.
Step 3: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the thawed peas, chopped hard-boiled eggs, thinly sliced red onions, and shredded cheddar cheese. This combination brings a vibrant mix of colors and textures that’s visually stunning and downright tasty.
Step 4: Add the Dressing and Seasonings
Now add the mayonnaise along with a dash of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir the mixture gently until every ingredient is coated in the creamy dressing, ensuring that each forkful carries the perfect harmony of flavors.
Step 5: Fold in the Bacon
Gently fold most of your crispy bacon crumbles into the salad to spread that irresistible crunch evenly throughout, but save some to sprinkle on top for a beautiful finishing touch.
Step 6: Chill and Marinate
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together, making every bite more flavorful and refreshing.
Step 7: Final Touch and Serve
Give the salad a gentle stir just before serving, and sprinkle the reserved crumbled bacon on top for an extra visual and textural delight that will make your guests’ mouths water.
How to Serve Savory Southern Pea Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a final flourish, try topping your salad with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and mild freshness. Some like to add an extra crunch with crushed toasted pecans or a few thin slices of radish for a peppery surprise.
Side Dishes
This pea salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, smoked ribs, or pulled pork for an authentic Southern feast. It’s also a fantastic partner for classic barbecue staples like baked beans or cornbread, where the creamy, tangy salad complements smoky and savory flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or endive leaves as bite-sized appetizers. You can also layer it as a side in mason jars for picnics or potlucks, making it both portable and charmingly rustic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Savory Southern Pea Salad Recipe tastes even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and enjoy it within 2 to 3 days for the best freshness and flavor.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended because the texture of peas, mayo, and cheese may suffer upon thawing.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled salad, reheating is not necessary. Simply give it a good stir after refrigeration, and it’s ready to serve cold and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen for this Savory Southern Pea Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh peas are wonderful if they’re in season. Just blanch them briefly to soften before using, as raw peas can be too firm for this salad’s creamy texture.
Is there a healthier version of this Savory Southern Pea Salad Recipe?
Definitely! Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or a mix of both to reduce fat and add tanginess. Also, using turkey bacon or reducing the bacon amount can lighten the dish without sacrificing flavor.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
At least one hour is ideal to let all the flavors marry beautifully. If you have more time, chilling it up to 4 hours or overnight only improves the taste.
What variations can I try with this recipe?
You can experiment by adding diced bell peppers for sweetness, a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tang, or swapping cheddar cheese for feta to give a Mediterranean twist.
Can this salad be made vegan or vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon or replace it with crispy smoked tempeh or mushroom bacon alternatives, and substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo to keep it plant-based.
Final Thoughts
This Savory Southern Pea Salad Recipe is a timeless dish that brings together fresh, comforting, and vibrant flavors in a way that feels like a warm hug from the South. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and flexibly suited for any occasion. I guarantee this will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection—so give it a try soon and watch it disappear from the table with delighted smiles all around!
Print
Savory Southern Pea Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
A classic Southern pea salad combining tender green peas, crispy bacon, creamy mayonnaise, sharp cheddar cheese, and hard-boiled eggs. This savory and easy-to-make side dish is perfect for picnics, potlucks, and family dinners, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors chilled to perfection.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Eggs
- 4 cups Frozen Green Peas (thawed and drained)
- 2–3 Hard-Boiled Eggs (well-chopped)
- 1 small Red Onion (thinly sliced)
Dairy and Condiments
- 1 cup Mayonnaise (use low-fat mayo for a lighter option)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (or pepper jack for spice)
Meat
- 4–6 strips Thick-Cut Bacon (cooked crispy and crumbled)
Seasonings
- Salt (to taste)
- Black Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Thaw and Drain Peas: Run cool water over the frozen peas for 3-5 minutes until thawed completely, then drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
- Cook Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook thick-cut bacon strips for 8-10 minutes until crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain fat and crumble into small pieces.
- Combine Main Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently fold together the thawed peas, chopped hard-boiled eggs, sliced red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add Dressing and Seasonings: Stir in mayonnaise, followed by salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
- Fold in Bacon: Mix most of the crumbled bacon into the salad, reserving some for garnish.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill properly.
- Serve: Before serving, gently stir the salad again and sprinkle the reserved crumbled bacon on top as a garnish for extra crunch and flavor.
Notes
- Use frozen peas instead of canned for the best texture and flavor.
- Low-fat mayonnaise can reduce calories while maintaining creaminess.
- Green onions can be substituted for red onion if a milder onion flavor is preferred.
- Pepper jack cheese can add a spicy twist to the salad.
- Salad tastes best after chilling for minimum one hour but can be refrigerated up to 24 hours before serving.
