Southern Pea Salad Classic
This Southern pea salad combines sweet peas, crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and a creamy mayonnaise-sour cream dressing. Green onions, cheddar cheese, and a hint of garlic powder, celery seeds, and cayenne add layers of flavor. Chill before serving to let the tastes meld into a delightful, crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for gatherings or barbecues.
This Southern pea salad has been a staple at our family gatherings for generations, combining the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory elements that make it irresistible at any potluck or Sunday dinner.
I first brought this to my husband’s family reunion, nervous about meeting everyone. His grandmother pulled me aside afterward and whispered that it was better than hers—the ultimate Southern compliment that sealed my place in the family.
Ingredients
- Frozen sweet peas: Thawed completely to maintain their bright color and prevent watering down the dressing
- Hard boiled eggs: Adding richness and protein making this side dish more substantial
- Bacon: Cooked until perfectly crisp for that smoky flavor that elevates the whole dish
- Green onions: Providing a milder flavor than regular onions without overpowering the delicate peas
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Creating pockets of savory goodness throughout each bite
- Black pepper: Freshly ground if possible for the best flavor profile
- Salt: To enhance all the other flavors in the dish
- Garlic powder: Offering subtle depth without the harshness of fresh garlic
- Celery seeds: Bringing that classic Southern flavor without the crunch of actual celery
- Cayenne pepper: Just a tiny pinch wakes up the entire salad without making it spicy
- Mayonnaise: Use a good quality brand for the creamiest results
- Sour cream: Balancing the richness of the mayo with a pleasant tanginess
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine Base Ingredients:
- Add the thawed peas to your mixing bowl first, making sure they’re fully drained to prevent a watery salad. Gently fold in the chopped eggs, being careful not to mash them too much so you maintain those beautiful yellow and white specks throughout the salad. Sprinkle in your crumbled bacon or ham, ensuring it’s evenly distributed for the perfect bite every time. Add the green onions and shredded cheese, tossing lightly to combine without crushing the tender peas.
- Season Thoughtfully:
- Sprinkle the seasonings evenly over the mixture, making sure to use a light hand with the cayenne unless you prefer more heat. The combination of black pepper, salt, garlic powder and celery seeds creates that distinctive Southern flavor profile that makes this salad instantly recognizable. Take time to stir thoroughly after adding the seasonings to ensure they coat all ingredients evenly.
- Create The Dressing:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the mayonnaise and sour cream until completely smooth with no streaks remaining. This extra step ensures your dressing will coat the salad evenly rather than having pockets of just mayo or just sour cream. The combination provides the perfect balance of richness and tanginess.
- Marry The Flavors:
- Pour the dressing over the seasoned pea mixture and fold together with a gentle hand, being careful not to mash the peas. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour, though overnight is even better as it allows the flavors to truly meld together and the dressing to slightly firm up.
The celery seeds are my secret weapon in this recipe. My grandmother always insisted on them rather than fresh celery, saying they provide all the flavor without disrupting the creamy texture. To this day, I keep a jar just for this salad, and the distinctive aroma instantly transports me back to her kitchen.
Storage Tips
This pea salad keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. The flavors actually continue to develop and improve after the first day, making it perfect for meal prep. I often make a double batch on Sunday to enjoy throughout the week. Just give it a gentle stir before serving if any liquid has separated during storage.
Clever Variations
CONTINUE READING ON THE NEXT PAGE 🥰💕
