Creamy and Crunchy: The Ultimate Bacon Pea Salad Recipe

Bacon pea salad. The name alone evokes images of summer picnics, backyard barbecues, and potlucks overflowing with deliciousness. This isn’t your grandma’s boring pea salad, though. This is a modern twist on a classic, packed with crispy bacon, sweet peas, a creamy dressing, and a satisfying crunch. Get ready to elevate your salad game with this easy-to-make and utterly addictive recipe!

Why This Bacon Pea Salad Recipe Rocks

There are countless pea salad recipes out there, so what makes this one special? Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

* **Flavor explosion:** The combination of salty bacon, sweet peas, crunchy vegetables, and tangy dressing is a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Texture heaven:** Creamy, crunchy, and chewy all in one bite? Yes, please! The variety of textures makes this salad incredibly satisfying.
* **Easy to make:** This recipe requires minimal cooking and comes together in minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
* **Versatile:** Customize it to your liking by adding your favorite ingredients. More on that later!
* **Crowd-pleaser:** This salad is always a hit at parties and potlucks. Be prepared to share the recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for this bacon pea salad:

* **Bacon:** The star of the show! Use your favorite kind of bacon, but thick-cut bacon is recommended for extra flavor and texture. Aim for about 8-12 slices.
* **Peas:** Frozen peas are the most convenient and readily available option. No need to thaw them beforehand.
* **Mayonnaise:** Use a good quality mayonnaise for the best flavor. Full-fat or light mayonnaise will both work.
* **Sour Cream:** Adds tanginess and creaminess to the dressing. You can substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
* **Red Onion:** Provides a sharp and pungent flavor that complements the other ingredients. Use a small red onion or half of a larger one.
* **Celery:** Adds a refreshing crunch and subtle flavor.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** Cubed cheddar cheese adds a savory and satisfying element. Sharp cheddar is recommended.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness of the peas and the richness of the mayonnaise.
* **Sugar:** A small amount of sugar enhances the sweetness of the peas and balances the acidity of the vinegar.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Don’t be afraid to season generously!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

* **Bacon:** If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use turkey bacon or even skip the bacon altogether. Smoked ham is another delicious alternative.
* **Peas:** Fresh peas can be used when they are in season. Blanch them briefly before adding them to the salad.
* **Mayonnaise:** Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for mayonnaise for a lighter option. You can also use a combination of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt.
* **Sour Cream:** Greek yogurt or crème fraîche can be used as substitutes for sour cream.
* **Red Onion:** Yellow onion or shallots can be used as substitutes for red onion. If you find red onion too strong, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** Any cheese that you like can be used in this salad. Monterey Jack, Colby, or even crumbled blue cheese would be delicious.
* **Vinegar:** White wine vinegar or lemon juice can be used as substitutes for apple cider vinegar.
* **Additions:** Consider adding chopped hard-boiled eggs, sunflower seeds, water chestnuts, or chopped pickles for extra flavor and texture.

How to Make Bacon Pea Salad: Step-by-Step Instructions

Now for the fun part! Here’s how to make this incredible bacon pea salad:

**Step 1: Cook the Bacon**

* Cook the bacon until crispy. You can do this in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven at 400°F (200°C), or in the microwave.
* Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess grease.
* Let the bacon cool slightly, then crumble it into small pieces.

**Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables**

* Dice the red onion and celery into small pieces.
* Cube the cheddar cheese into small pieces.

**Step 3: Make the Dressing**

* In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
* Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

**Step 4: Assemble the Salad**

* In a large bowl, combine the frozen peas, crumbled bacon, diced red onion, diced celery, and cubed cheddar cheese.
* Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.

**Step 5: Chill and Serve**

* Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
* Serve chilled and enjoy!

Detailed Instructions

Let’s break down each step with even more detail to ensure perfect bacon pea salad every time.

**Step 1: Cooking the Bacon – Three Ways**

* **Skillet Method:** This is the most common method. Place the bacon strips in a cold skillet. This helps the bacon render its fat slowly and evenly. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crispy. This usually takes 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon.
* **Oven Method:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy. This method is great for cooking a large batch of bacon at once and prevents splattering.
* **Microwave Method:** Place the bacon strips on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Cover with another paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes per slice, or until crispy. This is the quickest method, but it can be tricky to get the bacon perfectly crispy without burning it. Watch it closely.

**Important Bacon Tip:** Don’t discard the bacon fat! Save it to cook eggs, potatoes, or other vegetables. It adds a delicious smoky flavor.

**Step 2: Preparing the Vegetables – The Key to Crunch**

* **Red Onion:** Finely dicing the red onion is crucial. Large chunks of raw red onion can be overpowering. If you’re sensitive to the strong flavor of red onion, try soaking the diced onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad. This will help to mellow out the flavor.
* **Celery:** Choose crisp, fresh celery stalks. Remove any tough outer strings. Dicing the celery into small, even pieces ensures a consistent crunch throughout the salad.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** Use a block of cheddar cheese and cube it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly and can affect the overall texture of the salad.

**Step 3: Making the Dressing – Balancing Flavors**

* **Mayonnaise and Sour Cream:** Use full-fat mayonnaise and sour cream for the richest flavor and creamiest texture. If you’re using light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, you may need to add a touch more sugar or adjust the other seasonings to compensate for the lower fat content.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** This adds a subtle tanginess that brightens up the salad. Don’t skip it! If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.
* **Sugar, Salt, and Pepper:** These are essential for balancing the flavors. Start with a small amount of sugar and add more to taste. Be generous with the salt and pepper, but be sure to taste as you go.
* **Whisking is Key:** Make sure to whisk the dressing ingredients together until they are completely smooth. This will ensure that the dressing is evenly distributed throughout the salad.

**Step 4: Assembling the Salad – Gently Does It**

* **Frozen Peas:** No need to thaw the frozen peas. Adding them frozen helps to keep the salad cold and refreshing. The peas will thaw quickly once they are mixed with the dressing.
* **Gentle Tossing:** Use a light hand when tossing the salad. Overmixing can cause the peas to break down and the dressing to become watery.

**Step 5: Chilling and Serving – Patience is a Virtue**

* **Refrigeration Time:** At least 30 minutes is recommended, but an hour or two is even better. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill completely. You can even make the salad a day ahead of time.
* **Serving Suggestions:** Serve the bacon pea salad chilled as a side dish at picnics, barbecues, potlucks, or family dinners. It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, and burgers.

Tips for the Best Bacon Pea Salad

* **Use high-quality ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the salad.
* **Don’t overcook the bacon:** Crispy bacon is essential for the best texture.
* **Dice the vegetables into small, even pieces:** This ensures a consistent flavor and texture throughout the salad.
* **Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors.
* **Chill the salad before serving:** This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to chill completely.
* **Make it ahead of time:** The salad can be made a day ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
* **Add a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.**
* **For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.**
* **Garnish with fresh parsley or dill before serving.**

Serving Suggestions

Bacon pea salad is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:

* **As a side dish:** Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, pork chops, or fish.
* **As a topping:** Top sandwiches, burgers, or wraps with bacon pea salad.
* **As a dip:** Serve it with crackers, vegetables, or pita bread.
* **As a light lunch:** Enjoy a bowl of bacon pea salad with a side of fruit or crackers.
* **At a picnic or potluck:** This salad is always a crowd-pleaser.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover bacon pea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become slightly watery as it sits, but the flavor will still be delicious. It is not recommended to freeze bacon pea salad, as the texture of the peas and dressing will change.

Bacon Pea Salad: A Recipe for Success

This bacon pea salad recipe is a guaranteed hit. With its delicious flavor, satisfying texture, and easy preparation, it’s the perfect dish for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate bacon pea salad experience! You will not regret it.

This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for larger crowds. Just be sure to adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.

Enjoy!

Recipe Card

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Chill time:** 30 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 8-12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
* 1 (10-ounce) package frozen peas, not thawed
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup sour cream
* 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
* 1/4 cup finely diced celery
* 1/2 cup cubed cheddar cheese
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Cook bacon until crispy; crumble.
2. In a large bowl, combine peas, bacon, red onion, celery, and cheddar cheese.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated)

* Calories: Approximately 300-400 (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Fat: 25-35g
* Saturated Fat: 10-15g
* Cholesterol: 50-70mg
* Sodium: 400-600mg
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g
* Fiber: 3-5g
* Sugar: 5-7g
* Protein: 10-15g

**Note:** This is an estimated nutritional breakdown and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. For precise nutritional information, use a nutritional calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.