# Bacon Pea Salad: A Tasty and Simple Side Dish
Bacon Pea Salad is a scrumptious side dish that merges the sweetness of peas with the savory flavor of bacon, hearty cheddar cheese, and the crispness of red onion, all coated in a luscious dressing. This straightforward yet delicious salad is ideal for potlucks, festive meals, or any occasion where you want to wow your guests without dedicating too much time in the kitchen.
## Ingredient Tips for Pea Salad
This quick pea salad not only comes together in no time but is also best prepared in advance, allowing the flavors to blend wonderfully. It’s a favorite at our Easter and Thanksgiving celebrations. Here’s an overview of the main ingredients and tips for preparing them:
### 1. **Peas**
– Fresh or frozen peas can both be used for this recipe. I personally prefer frozen peas as they are sweet, tender, and don’t require cooking. If you choose fresh garden peas, make sure to shell them and boil for 5-8 minutes until tender. Drain thoroughly and let cool completely before mixing into the salad.
### 2. **Bacon**
– You can cook and crumble bacon yourself or use pre-cooked bacon or bacon bits. If using pre-cooked bacon, microwave it for about one minute to make it crispy before adding it to the salad.
### 3. **Cheese**
– Sharp cheddar cheese provides a fantastic flavor, but feel free to explore other cheese varieties based on your taste.
### 4. **Onion**
– Red onion is commonly used for its mild taste, but green onions or sweet white onions can be good substitutes if you wish.
### 5. **Dressing**
– The dressing for this pea salad is a straightforward combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, and spices. It’s quick to prepare and elevates the salad’s overall taste.
## Holly’s Tips for the Ideal Pea Salad
– **No Cooking Needed**: If using frozen peas, there’s no need for cooking. Just rinse them under cold water to thaw.
– **Pick the Right Peas**: Little peas, often known as baby peas or sweet baby peas, are sweeter and are better for this salad.
– **Dressing Substitutes**: While the homemade dressing is quick and tasty, you can use Ranch dressing or store-bought coleslaw dressing if you’re in a rush.
– **Additions**: For added protein, consider incorporating chopped boiled eggs into the salad.
– **Storage**: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep in mind this salad doesn’t freeze well.
## More Veggie Salads to Explore
This classic pea salad is a favorite on any potluck spread. If you’re looking for more quick salad suggestions, consider trying:
– **Classic Coleslaw**
– **Caprese Salad**
– **Mediterranean Chickpea Salad**
– **Cucumber Tomato Salad**
## Conclusion
Bacon Pea Salad is a creamy, tasty side dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your gatherings. With its simple ingredients and fast preparation, it’s the perfect complement to any meal. Whether you’re serving it with a festive feast or a laid-back barbecue, this salad is sure to impress.
Did you enjoy this Pea Salad? Leave a rating and a comment below!
### Recipe Summary
– **Prep Time**: 20 minutes
– **Chill Time**: 2 hours
– **Total Time**: 2 hours 20 minutes
– **Servings**: 6
### Nutritional Information (per serving)
– **Calories**: 301
– **Carbohydrates**: 18g
– **Protein**: 12g
– **Fat**: 20g
– **Fiber**: 6g
Enjoy your culinary journey with this delightful Bacon Pea Salad!