Southern Pea Salad is a classic, comforting dish that combines creamy ingredients with fresh, crunchy vegetables for the perfect balance of flavors and textures. This salad has everything you need to satisfy your taste buds—from the smooth dressing to the smoky bacon bits on top. It’s a versatile dish that works as a side for barbecues, holiday meals, or even as a light meal on its own. What makes this Southern Pea Salad so special is not only the taste but how easy it is to make, and how customizable it can be to suit any preference.
What’s in Southern Pea Salad?
Frozen peas: These tiny, green wonders form the base of our salad and are packed with fiber and vitamins A, C, and K. Frozen peas are especially great for this salad because they thaw quickly and maintain their color and flavor.
Celery: Diced celery provides that satisfying crunch and a fresh, crisp bite that complements the creamy elements perfectly. The earthy flavor of celery brightens the whole dish.
Onion: I recommend using sweet onions for a milder, sweeter flavor that balances out the other ingredients. They add a delicate sharpness without overwhelming the dish.
Cheddar cheese: Diced cheddar brings a rich, savory note to the salad. Its creamy texture and sharpness elevate the overall flavor profile.
Cooked ham (optional): Adding diced ham introduces protein and a savory flavor boost. If you want to make the dish a bit heartier, this is the perfect addition.
Mayonnaise & sour cream: These two creamy ingredients form the base of the dressing. The mayo adds richness, while the sour cream brings a slight tanginess that makes every bite smooth and decadent.
Vinegar: A small splash of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar adds a much-needed tang to cut through the creaminess and enhance the flavors.
Sugar: A teaspoon of sugar balances out the acidity from the vinegar, bringing harmony to the flavors and ensuring everything tastes just right.
Salt and pepper: Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper! They enhance all the flavors in the salad and make it pop.
Crispy bacon bits: The final touch! Bacon bits add a crispy, smoky crunch that brings everything together and takes this salad to the next level.
Is Southern Pea Salad Healthy?
Yes! While it’s a creamy dish, it still packs a nutritional punch. Frozen peas are full of fiber and vitamins, and the celery and onion add extra nutrients with minimal calories. Cheddar cheese provides a good amount of calcium and protein, and if you add ham, it boosts the protein content, too. Just remember that it’s all about moderation—this is a delightful side dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced onion (preferably sweet onion)
- 1 cup diced cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced (optional)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (apple cider or white)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup crispy bacon bits (for garnish)
Serves 6-8
How to Make Southern Pea Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed peas, diced celery, diced onion, diced cheddar cheese, and diced ham (if using).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, stir the salad again and top with crispy bacon bits for an extra crunch.
Little Twists to Try
This Southern Pea Salad is incredibly versatile! Here are a few fun twists you can try to make it your own:
- Add bell peppers for a pop of color and extra crunch.
- Try adding hard-boiled eggs for a protein boost and extra richness.
- For a burst of sweetness, toss in some corn kernels.
- Experiment with different cheeses, like feta for a tangy touch, or pepper jack for a bit of heat.
- If you want more texture, add some diced cucumber or shredded carrots.
Enjoy and Share
This Southern Pea Salad is sure to become a crowd-pleaser at your next meal. It’s quick, easy, and filled with flavors that everyone will love. Plus, you can adapt it to your tastes, making it the perfect addition to any gathering. I can’t wait for you to try it! Enjoy and feel free to share your variations with me—I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!
