A sunny day in the garden always sparks my creativity, and that’s exactly when I whipped up this Loaded Pea Salad. With vibrant green peas, crispy bacon, and creamy cheddar, every bite bursts with flavor and texture. Imagine a dish that transforms a simple gathering into a feast — that’s this salad in a nutshell. Perfect as a side for barbecues or a light lunch on its own, it’s a versatile recipe that you’ll want to keep on hand for any occasion.
When friends drop by unexpectedly or the kids are coming home from school hungry, this Loaded Pea Salad comes together in a flash. All you need are a few staple ingredients and a bit of time in the fridge to let those delightful flavors meld together. Trust me, once this colorful salad graces your table, you might just find it disappearing faster than you can say, “seconds, please!” Let’s dive into this easy-to-make, flavor-packed dish that will surely become a staple in your kitchen.
Why will you love this Loaded Pea Salad?
Flavor Explosion: Each bite brims with the delightful combination of sweet peas, salty bacon, and creamy cheddar, ensuring your taste buds are always satisfied.
Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy cooks, this salad comes together in minutes with minimal prep, making it a go-to recipe for unexpected guests or casual lunches.
Versatile Delight: Whether as a side at barbecues or a light meal on its own, this salad suits any occasion, ensuring you never run out of ideas for serving!
Chill Factor: Letting it relax in the fridge allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the taste even further.
Crowd-Pleasing: With its vibrant colors and delicious mix, this salad is sure to impress family and friends, making it an easy choice for gatherings.
Loaded Pea Salad Ingredients
For the Salad
• Frozen peas – 4 cups – The star of this salad, offering vibrant color and sweetness.
• Bacon – 6 slices, sliced ¼ inch pieces, cooked and crumbled – Adds a delicious crunch and savory flavor.
• Cheddar cheese – 8 oz block, cut into small cubes – Provide creamy texture and richness; feel free to use sharp cheddar for more flavor!
• Red onion – 2 thin slices – Introduces a zesty bite that complements the dish beautifully.
For the Dressing
• Sour cream – ¼ cup – Creamy base that ties all ingredients together.
• Mayonnaise – ¼ cup – Adds a rich and luscious mouthfeel to the salad.
• Fresh dill – 1 teaspoon, minced or ½ teaspoon dried dill – Brings a lovely herbaceous note, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Salt – ½ teaspoon – Essential for balancing the flavors; adjust to taste!
• Black pepper – ½ teaspoon – A little bit of spice to elevate the profile of your loaded pea salad.
Let the flavors harmonize in your fridge, and get ready for a show-stopping side dish!
How to Make Loaded Pea Salad
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the frozen peas, crumbled bacon, and cheddar cheese cubes. This colorful combination provides the perfect foundation for your Loaded Pea Salad!
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Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, dill, salt, and black pepper. This creamy dressing will add a luxurious touch to your salad.
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Mix Together: Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and stir gently until everything is well combined. The vibrant colors will start to shine through as the dressing coats all the ingredients.
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Add Onion: Gently fold in the red onion slices, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. This adds a lovely crunch and a burst of flavor to every bite.
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Chill: Transfer the salad to the refrigerator and chill for at least one hour. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Optional: Garnish with extra crumbled bacon before serving for added flavor and texture.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Loaded Pea Salad?
For a delightful dining experience, let’s complement this creamy and colorful salad with a range of mouthwatering options.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy and tender, these add a savory protein that pairs well with the salad’s creamy base.
- Cornbread Muffins: A touch of sweetness and a crumbly texture, cornbread makes for a comforting side that balances the salad’s richness.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies adds a crunchy, earthy note, enhancing the freshness of the peas.
- Coleslaw: Crunchy and tangy, coleslaw brings a delightful contrast, making it a perfect companion for gatherings.
- Potato Chips: For a fun, crunchy bite, serve alongside chips for a casual touch that guests can’t resist.
- Iced Tea: A refreshing drink choice, its slight sweetness beautifully complements the savory notes of the loaded salad.
These pairings not only elevate your meal but create an inviting feast that your friends and family will love!
Loaded Pea Salad Variations
Feel free to get creative with this Loaded Pea Salad by incorporating these fun variations tailored to your tastes!
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Vegetarian: Omit the bacon and substitute with toasted sunflower seeds for a nutty crunch that complements the peas beautifully.
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Dairy-Free: Swap cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative and use cashew cream instead of sour cream and mayonnaise for a creamy texture without the dairy.
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Herb Boost: Add chopped fresh parsley or cilantro alongside the dill for an extra herbaceous flair that brightens the dish.
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Spicy Twist: Mix in diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to introduce heat, making your salad wonderfully vibrant and exciting.
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Crunchy Additions: Toss in some diced bell peppers, celery, or cucumbers to introduce delightful crunch and varying textures that invigorate each bite.
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Fruit Fusion: Incorporate diced apples or grapes for a sweet contrast to the savory elements, enhancing the flavor profile of this colorful salad.
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Whole Grain: Mix in cooked quinoa or farro to make the salad heartier. It’s a delicious way to add fiber and more substance to your side dish.
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Smoky Flavor: Consider using smoked bacon or adding a dash of smoked paprika to the dressing for a unique depth of flavor that will surprise everyone at your table.
How to Store and Freeze Loaded Pea Salad
Fridge: Keep your Loaded Pea Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its fresh flavors and textures.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended due to the mayonnaise and sour cream in the dressing, which may separate upon thawing.
Reheating: If you happen to have leftovers, consume them cold for best taste. Just give the salad a gentle stir before serving to blend any separated dressing.
Make-Ahead: Feeling organized? Prepare the salad a day in advance and let it chill overnight; the flavors will meld beautifully, making it even tastier!
Expert Tips for Loaded Pea Salad
- Choosing Peas: Use frozen peas instead of fresh for a sweeter flavor and vibrant color, perfect in your Loaded Pea Salad.
- Crispy Bacon: Ensure your bacon is well-cooked and crispy to add a delightful crunch. Under-cooked bacon may make the salad soggy.
- Dressing Balance: Adjust the sour cream and mayonnaise to your taste; if it feels too rich, add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
- Chill Time: Don’t rush the chilling process; letting the salad sit for at least one hour allows the flavors to fully develop.
- Onion Alternatives: If red onion feels too strong, swap with green onions for a milder flavor without losing the crunch.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing this Loaded Pea Salad in advance is a real time-saver for busy weeknights or unexpected gatherings! You can mix the salad ingredients—frozen peas, bacon, and cheddar—up to 24 hours ahead, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the dressing, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, dill, salt, and pepper, and keep it separate for optimal freshness. This way, you prevent the peas from becoming soggy. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the dressing with the salad mixture, add the red onion, and let it chill for an hour to harmonize those delightful flavors. Enjoy this creamy, crowd-pleasing delight with minimal last-minute effort!
Loaded Pea Salad Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best peas for my Loaded Pea Salad?
For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using frozen peas rather than fresh ones. Frozen peas are typically picked at their peak ripeness, ensuring delightful sweetness and vibrant color in your salad. When selecting, look for packages that are free from ice crystals or freezer burn for the freshest result!
How should I store my Loaded Pea Salad?
You can store your Loaded Pea Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will help keep the flavors fresh and maintain the crunchiness of the bacon. Just be sure to give it a gentle stir before serving, as the dressing may separate slightly after sitting in the fridge.
Can I freeze my Loaded Pea Salad?
Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to the presence of mayonnaise and sour cream in the dressing. These ingredients can separate and change texture when frozen, which can affect the overall taste of your dish. It’s best enjoyed fresh!
What if my Loaded Pea Salad seems too rich?
If your salad feels a bit too rich for your taste, I suggest adding a splash of lemon juice or some additional fresh herbs to brighten the flavors. This adds a refreshing twist and balances the creaminess beautifully.
Can my pets enjoy any leftover peas?
Absolutely! Cooked peas are pet-safe snacks; just be cautious about sharing the bacon or dressing with your furry friends. It’s best to serve them plain, as some dressings and other ingredients may not be suitable for pets.
What should I do if my bacon isn’t crispy?
If your bacon isn’t crispy, it’s easy to fix! Place it in a skillet over medium heat, allowing it to cook until crispy, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, you can bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Crispy bacon adds that essential crunch and flavor to your Loaded Pea Salad.
Loaded Pea Salad: A Creamy Twist to Elevate Your BBQ Game
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, mix together the frozen peas, crumbled bacon, and cheddar cheese cubes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, dill, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and stir gently until everything is well combined.
- Gently fold in the red onion slices, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
- Transfer the salad to the refrigerator and chill for at least one hour.