Description
This classic Southern Pea Salad is a creamy, flavorful side dish perfect for any gathering. It features sweet peas, crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and sharp cheddar cheese tossed in a tangy mayonnaise and sour cream dressing. A hint of cayenne and celery seeds adds a distinctive Southern touch.
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) package frozen sweet peas, thawed and drained
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 4–6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed sweet peas, chopped hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, celery seeds, and cayenne pepper over the pea mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and fold gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- This Southern pea salad can be made ahead and actually improves in flavor after chilling.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon.
- Ensure peas are well-drained to prevent a watery salad.
- Celery seeds are key for authentic Southern flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salads
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/6 of the salad
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 21.4 g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 12.5 g
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 10.8 g
- Cholesterol: N/A
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