Paula Deen’s Green Pea Salad

why make this recipe

Paula Deen’s Green Pea Salad is a delightful dish that brings together the sweet taste of green peas and the salty crunch of bacon. This salad is easy to make and is perfect for gatherings, barbecues, or as a side dish for family meals. Its creamy dressing and fresh ingredients make it a refreshing choice that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and can be made ahead of time, freeing up your schedule for other tasks.

how to make Paula Deen’s Green Pea Salad

Ingredients:

• 4 cups frozen green peas, mostly thawed
• 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 6 oz. cheddar cheese, cubed
• 3 Tbsp. minced fresh parsley
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1 Tbsp. mayonnaise
• 1 Tbsp. white vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, make the dressing by whisking together the sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and vinegar.
2. In a large bowl, combine the thawed green peas, chopped bacon, sliced red onion, cubed cheese, and parsley.
3. Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the salad and stir to combine.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 to 4 hours.
5. Just before serving, stir in the remaining dressing to your desired creaminess.
6. Serve chilled and enjoy!

how to serve Paula Deen’s Green Pea Salad

You can serve Paula Deen’s Green Pea Salad as a refreshing side dish at barbecues, picnics, or family dinners. It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as part of a potluck spread. For added flair, consider serving it in a large bowl with extra parsley sprinkled on top for a beautiful presentation.

how to store Paula Deen’s Green Pea Salad

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad can last up to 3 days, though it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days for optimal freshness and flavor. If the peas absorb too much dressing, you can add a little sour cream or mayonnaise to restore creaminess before serving.

tips to make Paula Deen’s Green Pea Salad

• If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked bacon or bacon bits for convenience.
• Make sure the peas are mostly thawed but still a bit cold for the best flavor and texture.
• For extra flavor, consider adding shredded carrots or bell peppers for crunch and color.

variation

You can customize this salad by adding chopped boiled eggs, sliced cucumbers, or even swapping the cheddar cheese for a different type, such as pepper jack. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise.

FAQs

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh peas. Just blanch them briefly in boiling water to retain their color and then cool them before adding to the salad.

How can I make this salad vegetarian?
Simply omit the bacon and consider adding in some nuts for a crunchy texture and flavor.

Can this salad be made ahead of time?
Yes, it’s a great make-ahead dish! Just prepare it a few hours or even a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld.

Green Pea Salad

A delightful and refreshing salad combining sweet green peas, crispy bacon, and creamy dressing, perfect for gatherings and barbecues.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 cups frozen green peas, mostly thawed
• 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 6 oz. cheddar cheese, cubed
• 3 Tbsp. minced fresh parsley

Dressing

• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1 Tbsp. mayonnaise
• 1 Tbsp. white vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and vinegar to make the dressing.
2. In a large bowl, combine the thawed green peas, chopped bacon, sliced red onion, cubed cheese, and minced parsley.
3. Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the salad and stir to combine.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 to 4 hours.
5. Just before serving, stir in the remaining dressing to your desired creaminess.

Notes

This salad is perfect as a side dish for barbecues and picnics. Serve chilled with grilled meats or sandwiches. For presentation, sprinkle extra parsley on top.