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Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 3 reviews
  • Author: Julie
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 7 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

A fresh and flavorful pea salad combining tender peas with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and toasted almonds, all tossed in a creamy, herb-infused dressing. Perfect as a side dish for picnics or gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

Dressing

  • 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

Salad

  • 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


Instructions

  1. Prepare the dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, parsley, chives, dill, and garlic powder. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, mixing until smooth and well combined.
  2. Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the thawed peas, crispy chopped bacon, cheddar cheese, and toasted slivered almonds.
  3. Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and gently toss everything together to evenly coat the ingredients with the dressing.
  4. Chill and serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for up to 1 day to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add extra almonds or seeds for crunch.
  • Make sure to fully thaw and drain the peas to prevent excess water in the salad.
  • To toast almonds, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant.
  • This salad is best served chilled but can be brought to room temperature before serving if preferred.
  • Use low-fat sour cream or mayonnaise to reduce calories if desired.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg