Bacon Pea Salad Recipe

The Easy Summer Side Dish Everyone Loves

When summer rolls around, I’m always looking for easy side dishes that can be made ahead and served alongside whatever is coming off the grill. This Loaded Bacon Pea Salad has become one of my favorites because it’s simple, creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor.

Sweet peas, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, crunchy celery, and a creamy homemade dressing come together to create the perfect summer salad. Whether you’re headed to a backyard barbecue, a family reunion, a church picnic, or simply making dinner at home, this easy pea salad recipe fits right in.

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The best part? It comes together in minutes and tastes even better after it has chilled in the refrigerator for a few hours.

If you’re searching for a classic pea salad recipe with plenty of texture and flavor, you’ve come to the right place.

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Bacon Pea Salad

• Easy to make ahead
• Perfect for cookouts and potlucks
• Loaded with crispy bacon and cheddar cheese
• Creamy homemade dressing
• Ready in about 20 minutes
• Great for summer gatherings
• Tastes even better the next day

A Little Note From Nettie’s Kitchen

Some recipes never go out of style, and pea salad is definitely one of them.

Growing up in Pennsylvania, there was always a creamy salad sitting on the picnic table. Whether it was macaroni salad, potato salad, or pea salad, those dishes always seemed to bring everyone together.

What I love most about this version is the balance of flavors and textures. The peas are sweet, the bacon adds a smoky crunch, the cheddar cheese brings richness, and the celery keeps everything fresh and crisp.

In fact, I usually make this salad a few hours before serving because the flavors blend together beautifully as it chills. Plus, it’s one less thing to worry about when guests arrive. This bacon pea salad is one of my favorite make-ahead side dishes for cookouts, potlucks, and summer picnics.

Tools I Use

Many readers ask what tools I use when testing recipes for The Recipe Bowl.

👉 See my full list of favorite kitchen tools here.

Ingredients for Loaded Bacon Pea Salad

Salad Ingredients

• 4 cups frozen peas, thawed
• 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
• 1 cup celery, finely diced
• ½ cup red onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (optional)

Dressing Ingredients

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Bacon Pea Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Thaw the frozen peas and drain away any excess moisture.

Cook the bacon until crispy and crumble it into bite-sized pieces. Dice the celery and red onion, cube the cheddar cheese, and chop the fresh dill if using.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Add the peas, bacon, cheddar cheese, celery, red onion, and dill to a large mixing bowl.

Pour the dressing over the top.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

Gently stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.

Step 5: Chill

Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

Step 6: Serve

Give the salad a quick stir and garnish with extra bacon, cheddar cheese, or fresh dill before serving.

Tips for the Best Pea Salad

Dry the Peas Well

After thawing the peas, drain them thoroughly. Too much moisture can thin the dressing.

Use Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor and balances the sweetness of the peas.

Make It Ahead

This salad actually improves after a few hours in the refrigerator.

Don’t Skip the Bacon

The crispy bacon adds smoky flavor and crunch that takes this salad to the next level.

What to Serve with Loaded Bacon Pea Salad

This easy summer side dish pairs perfectly with:

• Grilled hamburgers
• Hot dogs
• Pulled pork sandwiches
• BBQ chicken
• Smoked ribs
• Grilled steak
• Fried chicken
• Cookout favorites

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Loaded Bacon Pea Salad ahead of time?

Yes. This salad is actually best when made several hours ahead so the flavors have time to blend together.

How long does pea salad last?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this salad will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

Can I use canned peas?

Frozen peas are recommended because they maintain a much better texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy summer side dish that’s creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor, this Loaded Bacon Pea Salad is hard to beat.

The combination of sweet peas, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, crunchy celery, and creamy dressing creates a salad that’s perfect for cookouts, potlucks, family dinners, and holiday gatherings.

Make it once, and don’t be surprised if everyone asks for the recipe.

If you enjoy this Bacon Pea Salad, be sure to try my Big Dill Pasta Salad, Deviled Egg Pasta Salad, and Gram’s Sweet-Tangy Potato Salad for your next cookout

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