Sandra This Paula Deen Green Pea Salad is a creamy and crunchy recipe, which is made with frozen green peas and crispy bacon. It’s the perfect side dish for a potluck, ready in about 15 minutes, plus chilling time.
Paula Deen Green Pea Salad Recipe Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen green peas, mostly thawed
- 8 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
- 1/2 small red onion, halved and sliced very thin
- 6 oz. cheddar or American cheese, cut into small cubes
- 3 Tbsp. minced fresh parsley, plus more for serving
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 Tbsp. mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp. white vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How To Make Paula Deen Green Pea Salad
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and vinegar until the dressing is smooth.
- Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, place the mostly thawed green peas. Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the peas and stir to coat.
- Add Mix-ins and Chill: Gently stir in the chopped bacon, sliced red onion, cheese cubes, and parsley until everything is well combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Finish and Serve: Just before serving, remove the salad from the refrigerator and stir in the remaining dressing to your liking. Sprinkle with a little more fresh parsley for garnish.
Recipe Tips
- How to keep the salad from getting watery? The key is to use the peas when they are almost thawed, but still very cold and firm. This helps them maintain their texture and prevents them from becoming mushy and releasing too much water.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! This salad is a perfect make-ahead side dish. The recipe requires at least 2 hours of chilling time, and the flavors are often even better if it’s made the day before you plan to serve it.
- What’s the best cheese to use? A sharp cheddar provides a great, tangy flavor contrast to the sweet peas. For the best texture, buy a block of cheese and cut it into small, uniform cubes yourself.
- How can I add more crunch? For an extra layer of crunchy texture, you can add a can of drained, sliced water chestnuts to the salad along with the other mix-ins.
What To Serve With Green Pea Salad
This is a classic Southern side dish that is a staple at potlucks, barbecues, and family gatherings. It pairs wonderfully with:
- Crispy Fried Chicken
- BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Grilled Hamburgers or Hot Dogs
- A simple baked or fried fish dinner
How To Store Green Pea Salad
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, though the bacon may soften slightly over time.
Green Pea Salad Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1/6th of recipe
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Sodium: 850mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
No, and that’s the beauty of this easy recipe! You use frozen peas and simply let them thaw. This gives the salad a wonderful, fresh, and slightly crisp texture that you wouldn’t get from cooked peas.
Yes. If you don’t have a red onion, you can substitute it with finely chopped green onions (scallions) for a milder onion flavor.
Yes, absolutely. To make a vegetarian version of this salad, simply omit the bacon. It will still be a delicious and creamy pea salad.
Try More Recipes:
- Paula Deen Hot Chicken Salad Recipe
- Paula Deen Egg Salad Recipe
- Paula Deen Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Paula Deen Green Pea Salad Recipe
Description
A classic, creamy Southern side dish featuring sweet green peas, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon, all tossed in a simple and tangy sour cream dressing.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl, make the dressing by whisking together the sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and vinegar.
- In a large bowl, combine the thawed green peas, chopped bacon, sliced red onion, cubed cheese, and parsley.
- Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the salad and stir to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 to 4 hours.
- Just before serving, stir in the remaining dressing to your desired creaminess.
Notes
- The most important tip for the best texture is to use the peas while they are still very cold and just mostly thawed, not completely at room temperature.
- For the best flavor, make this salad at least 2 hours ahead of time to allow all the flavors to meld together in the refrigerator.
- Reserving a portion of the dressing to add just before serving is a great trick to refresh the salad and ensure it’s perfectly creamy.
- Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper; proper seasoning is key to making the simple flavors pop.
