Sweet Pea Salad is a classic side dish that both simple and delicious. The easy to find ingredients begin with frozen petite peas embellished with shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, green onion and a homemade dressing chock-full with pizzazz. The incredible flavor combination keeps it on the regular side dish rotation in my kitchen.
Should you Use Frozen or Canned Peas for Sweet Pea Salad?
If you've ever seen recipes for classic pea salads they often use canned peas. Although I am a huge fan of pea salad, I prefer the taste and texture of frozen petite or baby peas, instead of the canned variety when I prepare this classic side salad. Super easy to make this pea salad can literally be whipped-up in very little time with very little effort. I think it gets even tastier the longer it sits and the flavors have an opportunity to really combine. If you're a cheese and bacon fan you c adjust the amounts to suit your personal taste.
Other Ways to Add Peas to the Menu
Peas can sometimes be under used when it comes to side dishes. I firmly believe it's because of the texture of canned peas. I totally get it, they do tend to be a bit mushy in texture. That said, peas make a delicious addition to your side dishes and I wanted to give you some ideas about how to use them. Are you a fan of updated pea recipes?
- I always adds a layer of peas for color and texture in my Seven Layer Salad.
- A different kind of pea but I could make a meal out of this Chopped Chickpea Salad.
- Try these decadent Easy Creamed Peas from Julie's Eats and Treats.
- Addictive Potato and Pea Fritters from Syrup and Biscuits.
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Helpful Kitchen Items:
Sweet Pea Salad
Ingredients
- 1 24 oz package frozen petite or baby peas
- 1 ½ cup real mayonnaise or Miracle Whip dressing
- 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar, adjust to taste omit if using Miracle Whip
- 2 teaspoon Mrs Dash Original Blend
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- table salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 4 oz diced pimentos drained reserve 1 tablespoon juice
- 5 green onions thinly sliced
- 1 ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon cooked & crumbled
- 2 large eggs boiled, peeled & chopped
Instructions
- To thaw the peas, place into a colander and run under hot water for around 1 minutes. Drain well. (Alternately thaw in microwave)
- In a medium-size mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Mrs Dash, garlic powder, onion powder and celery salt.
- Adjust the table salt and black pepper to your taste. Add the pimentos plus 1 tablespoon of reserved juice. Mix well.
- Add the blanched peas and the remaining ingredients. Reserve a few bacon crumbles, shredded cheese and sliced onions for garnishing.
- Use a large spatula to gently fold together until the ingredients have combined.
- Chill for at least 2 hours prior to serving.
Notes
Nutrition
My name is Melissa and I'm the Creator of Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen. Cooking, baking, developing recipes and kitchen tips is my passion. I love sharing my dishes and connecting with people through the food that I create.
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Janna
If you use fresh peas, do you need to cook them first or just as they are?
Melissa
If you use fresh peas, you'll need to blanch them first.
Olive Lavinder
I thaw my peas under the faucet with hot water. I also use ham, but the bacon is my next try. It might give more flavor... Thanks a lot. Ol
Kathy Evanoff
The pea salad, I just made is a keeper excellent flavor,
Melissa
Glad you enjoyed this one, I love it, too!
Fran
A variation of this recipe is also delicious as a main dish with a 12 oz can of drained solid white flaked tuna added (minus the bacon and cheese.)
Denise
I can't imagine using canned peas for ANYTHING! Fresh or frozen is the way to go. I love pea salad and look forward to using this recipe. Thank you!
Melissa
Hi Denise, it's not my favorite thing either. ☺
Melissa
This salad is typically served as a side and would compliment most any entree. Chicken, beef, pork or burgers.
ericka
how would you serve this? like what should i pair it with? do i use it as a side dish or treat it like i would tuna salad? i have never heard of pea salad. sounds similar to seven layer salad. hmm, maybe i can serve if with a herb salmon, layered on a bed of fresh baby spinach..
Anonymous
I had this salad years ago and have been looking for a recipe since then, I absolutely love it and will be making it this weekend for a family reunion. Thank You, Carol
Melissa
Hi Missy, your comment makes me smile. I'm delighted to help you re-create such a precious memory. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Missy M
Oh, yum! My Mamaw made the best pea salad with fresh or frozen peas - never canned. I only have her recipe from memory watching her make it, but this comes pretty close. Thank you! I will be making it this week.
Melissa
Thank you Melissa!
Melissa @ My Recent Favorite Books
This looks delicious! =)
I love Peas!
Melissa
Thank you!
Arthur in the Garden!
Great combination of flavors!