Name: Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup sour cream; 3 Tbsp mayonnaise; 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice; 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley; 1 Tbsp minced fresh chives; 1 Tbsp chopped fresh dill; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 4 cups frozen petite peas, thawed; 8 oz bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped; 4 oz medium cheddar cheese, cut into tiny cubes or shredded; 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted

There’s something about this bright and creamy combination that always gets me excited at any gathering. The **Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheese Recipe** brings together fresh peas, smoky bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese all tossed in a tangy, herby dressing — it's a real crowd-pleaser and refreshingly different from your typical green salads.

A close-up view of small pieces of bacon frying in a dark gray nonstick pan, submerged in sizzling and bubbling hot oil, showing light golden to deep reddish brown colors with a slightly crispy texture forming in some areas. The lighting highlights the shiny bubbles and the varying shades of cooked bacon against the smooth black surface of the pan, with a small piece of bacon resting on the edge. The background has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheese Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This salad quickly became one of my favorites because it feels both indulgent and fresh at the same time. If you’ve ever struggled to find a side dish that’s hearty but still bright and flavorful, this one nails it.

Perfect Balance: The combination of tangy sour cream and mayo with fresh herbs complements the sweetness of the peas beautifully.
Crunch and Creaminess: Toasted almonds add that satisfying crunch while creamy cheese and bacon give a rich texture.
Quick & Easy: It comes together in about 25 minutes, so it’s a great make-ahead salad when you’re short on time.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a barbecue, potluck, or family dinner, this recipe always gets compliments.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheese Recipe plays a key role in creating that perfect harmony of flavors and textures. I'll quickly run through the essentials and share why I keep these staples in my pantry and fridge for this salad.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of sour cream, a small white ceramic bowl of mayonnaise, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh lemon juice, a small white ceramic bowl filled with finely chopped fresh parsley, a small white ceramic bowl with minced fresh chives, a small white ceramic bowl containing chopped fresh dill, a small white ceramic bowl with garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl of salt, a small white ceramic bowl of black pepper, a pile of bright green fresh petite peas, crispy chopped bacon pieces, tiny cubes of medium cheddar cheese, and toasted slivered almonds arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Sour Cream: Adds tang and creaminess that makes the salad luscious without overpowering the peas.
Mayonnaise: Balances sour cream with smooth, rich texture.
Fresh Lemon Juice: A hit of acidity that brightens and lifts the whole salad.
Fresh Parsley, Chives, Dill: These herbs give freshness and an aromatic depth—you can’t skip them!
Garlic Powder: Subtle savory punch that blends effortlessly into the dressing.
Frozen Petite Peas: Convenient, sweet, and tender once thawed. No need to cook!
Bacon: Crispy and smoky, it adds richness and savory complexity.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, crumbly texture that complements the sweetness of the peas.
Slivered Almonds: Toasted for crunch and nuttiness—trust me, don’t skip the toasting step!

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

I find that the beauty of this Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheese Recipe lies in how easy it is to tweak. I often swap in almonds for pecans or add a little red onion for an extra punch — you can make it your own depending on what you love.

Variation: Adding diced red bell pepper adds a sweet crunch that I adore during summer picnics.
Dietary Swaps: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter but still creamy dressing.
Cheese Choices: Sharp cheddar shines, but a smoked gouda can take it in a deliciously different smoky direction.
Extra Herbs: Sometimes I throw in a bit of fresh tarragon or mint to keep things fresh and interesting.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheese Recipe

The dish is shown in a white oval bowl filled with a colorful pea salad. The salad has three main layers mixed together: bright green peas that make up the bulk of it, small orange cubes of cheese scattered evenly throughout, and crispy dark red-brown bacon pieces spread on top and inside the mix. There are also thin beige almond slices sprinkled all over, adding texture. The salad is lightly coated with a creamy white dressing that slightly shines under the light. The bowl sits on a wooden board, with a silver spoon placed inside on the left side. A dark green cloth is partially visible on the left, and the whole setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisk Together the Dressing

Start with the small bowl where you whisk sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, chives, dill, and garlic powder. Season it gently with salt and pepper. The key here is to balance the tanginess and creaminess — taste as you go! This dressing is the flavor glue of the salad, so don’t rush it.

Step 2: Prepare the Main Ingredients

Make sure your frozen petite peas are fully thawed — I usually do this by letting them sit in a colander under cold running water and then draining really well. Also, cook your bacon until it’s crispy and chop it into bite-sized pieces, and cube or shred your cheddar cheese into small bits. Toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for just a few minutes until fragrant — watch closely so they don’t burn!

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the peas, bacon, cheese, and almonds. Pour the dressing over them and gently toss everything just until coated. Be careful not to mash the peas or shred the cheese too much — you want each bite to have distinct textures and flavors.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Although you can serve it immediately, I recommend chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes to let those flavors meld. This also thickens the dressing slightly, so it clings to every delicious morsel.

Top Tip

From cooking this Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheese Recipe dozens of times, I’ve discovered a few handy pointers that make all the difference to the final result.

Thaw Peas Properly: Rushing this step leads to watery salad—always drain well and pat dry if needed to avoid sogginess.
Crisp Bacon is Key: Soft bacon won’t give that signature satisfying crunch and smoky bites; cook it until crisp but not burnt.
Fresh Herbs Matter: Don’t skip them even if you’re in a pinch; frozen or dried herbs won’t give that fresh flavor burst.
Toast Nuts Carefully: Almonds can quickly go from toasted to burnt—keep an eye on the skillet and stir often.

How to Serve Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I like adding a little extra chopped fresh dill or chives right before serving—it adds a pop of color and fresh aroma. Sometimes if I'm feeling fancy, a sprinkle of extra toasted almonds on top makes a pretty, inviting presentation.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or BBQ ribs. I often bring it alongside some crusty bread or a light pasta salad for summer cookouts. It’s also a fantastic picnic companion because it holds up well without wilting.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I’ve served it scooped into avocado halves or little lettuce cups, turning it into a fun finger food. Layered in a clear glass bowl for a buffet also showcases all the vivid colors beautifully, making your salad table the envy of your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and the salad stays fresh for about a day. The dressing may thicken, so give it a gentle stir before serving again.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well because the peas and dressing texture change when thawed. I recommend enjoying it fresh or within a day or so after making it.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you have leftovers straight from the fridge, I let it sit out for about 15 minutes for the flavors to shine and cheese textures soften slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen petite peas?

Fresh peas are great if in season, but you’ll want to cook them briefly until tender before using. Frozen petite peas are convenient, sweet, and require no cooking, which makes this recipe quick and easy.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can swap sour cream and mayonnaise for dairy-free versions or use plain vegan yogurt and a dairy-free mayo alternative. For cheese, consider a dairy-free cheese substitute or omit it entirely. The bacon and almonds still add plenty of flavor and texture.

What’s the best way to cook bacon for this salad?

I like cooking bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s evenly crispy. You can also bake it on a foil-lined sheet for easy cleanup. Just be sure to drain it well on paper towels before mixing in the salad to avoid greasy dressing.

Can I prepare this salad a day ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, letting the salad chill overnight helps the flavors melt together beautifully. Just give it a gentle stir before serving. However, I wouldn’t recommend prepping it much earlier than one day to keep the peas and bacon tasting fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheese Recipe is one I come back to again and again because it hits all the right notes: fresh, flavorful, creamy, and perfectly indulgent without feeling heavy. It’s become a staple at our summer dinners, and I’m sure you’ll find it a go-to that impresses your friends and family just as much as mine. Give it a try and make it your own—you won’t regret it!