Disgustingly Easy Pea Salad Recipes: Only 9 Ingredients

Alright, let me tell you about pea salad. It might not sound like the most exciting dish, but trust me on this one. I’ve been making pea salad recipes for every family gathering since forever! From Easter to summer barbecues, it’s always a hit. And the *best* part? These pea salad recipes are ridiculously easy. I mean, seriously simple. You can whip it up in minutes, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. We’re talking a classic flavor combo that’s sweet, savory, and creamy all at once. Perfect as an easy and delicious side dish, especially when you need something quick!

Why You’ll Love These Pea Salad Recipes

Okay, so why make this? Let me give you the rundown:

• It’s ridiculously **easy to make**. Seriously, anyone can do it!
• The **flavor is amazing**. Creamy, sweet, and savory? Yes, please!
• It’s **super versatile.** You can tweak it to your liking – more bacon, different cheese, whatever!
• Total **crowd-pleaser.** I’ve never seen it NOT get devoured at a party.
• It’s **perfect for any occasion**. Holidays, potlucks, weeknight dinners… you name it!

Gather Your Ingredients for Pea Salad Recipes

Alright, so what do you need to make this magic happen? Here’s the lowdown:

• 16 ounces frozen peas, thawed (don’t skip the thawing!)
• ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat is my go-to!)
• ¼ cup sour cream (Greek yogurt works in a pinch!)
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped (gotta have that zing!)
• ½ cup cheddar cheese, cubed (small cubes are key!)
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (because bacon!)
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar (adds a lil’ tang)
• ½ teaspoon salt (enhances all the flavors)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (a must!)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pea Salad Recipes

Okay, let’s get down to business! This is so easy, you’ll be snacking on pea salad in no time. Promise!

1. Combine the goods: Grab a large bowl (big enough so you can stir without making a mess!). Toss in your thawed peas, chopped red onion, cubed cheddar cheese, and that glorious crumbled bacon. Mmm, bacon.
2. Whisk the dressing: In a separate, smaller bowl (I just use a measuring cup!), whisk together the mayo, sour cream, white vinegar, salt, and pepper. Don’t worry if it looks a little thin; it’ll thicken up in the fridge.
3. Dress it up: Pour that creamy dressing over the pea mixture. Now, stir gently! You don’t want to smash the peas or break up the bacon too much. Just enough to coat everything evenly.
4. Chill out: Cover that bowl with plastic wrap (or a lid, if you’re fancy) and pop it in the fridge. This is important! You need at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld together. Overnight is even better! Trust me, it makes a difference.
5. Serve & enjoy: Once it’s had a good chill, take it out and serve it up! I like mine super cold.

See? Told you it was easy! Now go enjoy your amazing pea salad!

Tips for the Best Pea Salad Recipes

Want to take your pea salad game to the next level? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve!

• Don’t overcook the bacon! Crispy bacon is essential for that perfect crunch and smoky flavor. I like to bake mine – so much easier!
• Taste and adjust the dressing. Does it need a little more zing? Add a splash more vinegar. Too tart? A tiny pinch of sugar can balance it out.
• Use good quality mayo. This makes a HUGE difference. Trust me, go for the good stuff!
• Don’t be afraid to experiment. This recipe is just a jumping-off point! Add different herbs, spices, or veggies to make it your own.

Variations for Your Pea Salad Recipes

Okay, so you’ve got the classic down. Wanna mix it up? Here are a couple of my favorite ways to tweak this pea salad!

• Ham & Swiss: Swap out the bacon for diced ham and use Swiss cheese instead of cheddar. Gives it a whole new, kinda fancy vibe!
• Mediterranean Twist: Add some crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives (halved), and a drizzle of olive oil to the dressing instead of mayo. SO good!
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing. Or, dice up a jalapeño (seeds removed, unless you’re feeling brave!) and toss it in with the peas. Careful, though – it can get hot!

Seriously, don’t be shy! Play around with different flavors and ingredients until you find YOUR perfect pea salad. That’s the best part about cooking, right?

Serving Suggestions for Your Pea Salad Recipes

Okay, so you’ve made this amazing pea salad…now what? Well, first of all, EAT IT! But seriously, serve it up alongside some grilled chicken or fish for a super easy and satisfying meal. It’s also a total winner at potlucks and BBQs. I love pairing it with a cool, creamy cucumber salad – the textures are just perfect together. And hey, don’t forget it at Thanksgiving or Christmas – it’s way more versatile than you think! It fits in just about anywhere you need a simple, refreshing side.

Storing Your Pea Salad Recipes

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This pea salad is great the next day (or two!). Just pop it in an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for about 2-3 days. Don’t freeze it, though – the texture gets kinda weird after thawing. Just sayin’!

Frequently Asked Questions About Pea Salad Recipes

Got questions about pea salad? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked. Let’s dive in!

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Okay, so you *can* use fresh peas, but honestly, frozen peas are the way to go for *pea salad recipes*. They’re already blanched, which means they have that perfect tenderness and sweetness. Plus, they’re super convenient. Fresh peas can be a bit…well, finicky. But hey, if you’ve got a garden overflowing with ’em, go for it! Just give them a quick blanch in boiling water before adding them to the salad.

How long does pea salad last in the fridge?

Alright, so you’re wondering about leftovers. *Pea salad recipes* are usually good in the fridge for about 2-3 days. After that, the mayo can start to get a little…watery. Nobody wants watery pea salad! Make sure you store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh as long as possible.

Can I make pea salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend it! Making *pea salad recipes easy* ahead of time actually lets the flavors meld together, making it even more delish. Just whip it up a day before you need it and store it in the fridge. Easy peasy!

Is pea salad recipes healthy?

Well, that depends on what you mean by “healthy”! It’s got veggies (peas!), which is great. But it also has mayo and bacon, so maybe not the *healthiest* thing on the planet. You could lighten it up by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, or using less mayo. But hey, everything in moderation, right?

Nutritional Information for Pea Salad Recipes

Please note: The nutritional information provided here is just an estimate. Actual values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, keep that in mind!

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