Paula Deen Green Pea Salad

A Salad So Good, You’ll Forget It’s Green!

Daydreaming of a crispy, creamy salad that tickles your taste buds? Paula Deen’s Green Pea Salad is exactly what you need! With its delightful combination of tender green peas, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar, this dish is a family favorite that brings a smile to every gathering. Plus, it’s perfect for a quick side that feels a little indulgent without being overly complicated. Who knew green peas could be this magical? 🌟

Why Make This Recipe

Let me tell you why you’ll love this recipe just as much as I do:

• Quick and Simple: This pea salad comes together in no time, making it an easy choice for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Bacon and cheese? You can’t go wrong. It’s the kind of dish that even the pickiest eaters will rush back for seconds.
• Minimal Cleanup: Who has time for complicated dishes? This one uses just a few bowls, so you’ll be in and out of the kitchen in a flash!

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

• 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

Let’s whip this up! Follow these simple steps:

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 parsley.
3. Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the salad and stir everything to combine.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 to 4 hours to let those flavors mingle.
5. Just before serving, stir in the remaining dressing to reach your desired creaminess.

How to Make Paula Deen Green Pea Salad (Overview)

Making this Green Pea Salad is a breeze. Just start with your dressing, mix in the key ingredients, and let it chill. Here’s the breakdown:

• Start with the dressing: Mix that creamy goodness — it’ll be the glue holding all those flavors together.
• Combine the components: Toss in your peas, bacon, onion, cheese, and parsley. Seriously, the aroma is already incredible!
• Chill it: This salad gets even better after a little time in the fridge. It’s like it goes to a spa and comes back fabulous.

Pro Tip: Don’t skip letting it chill! The flavors really develop and become more delicious.

How to Serve Paula Deen Green Pea Salad

Serve this salad with style! Picture a beautiful bowl filled with creamy green hues, kissed by crunchy bacon bits and specks of red onion. It looks and smells divine! Here are some ideas:

• Serve it alongside grilled chicken or a juicy steak for a perfect contrast.
• Pair it with crusty bread for a laid-back lunch.
• Use it as a delightful topping for baked potatoes — your taste buds will thank you!

How to Store Paula Deen Green Pea Salad

Planning leftovers? This salad keeps really well!

• Refrigerate: Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld!
• Make Ahead: This salad is great for prepping in advance. Just mix everything and chill it until you’re ready to serve.

Tips to Make Paula Deen Green Pea Salad

Here are some insider tips to make your salad even better:

• Bacon Choices: Use turkey bacon for a lighter version or add crispy prosciutto for a gourmet touch.
• Cheese Fun: Swap cheddar for crumbled feta or a sharp blue cheese for a twist.
• Go Herbal: Add some chopped dill or chives for a fresh kick!

Variation

Want a twist? Try swapping out the peas for edamame for a protein-packed salad, or even go vegan by using a plant-based sour cream and bacon alternative. You can also toss in some baby spinach for added color and nutrition!

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors become even better after a bit of chilling. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt works wonderfully if you’re looking for a healthier alternative — it’s creamy and tangy!

Is this salad freezer-friendly?
Not generally recommended. The creamy dressing doesn’t freeze well, and the texture of the peas can change, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Green Pea Salad

A creamy and crunchy salad with tender green peas, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar, perfect for any gathering.

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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

  

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

Dressing Ingredients

• 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 parsley.
3. Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the salad and stir everything to combine.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 to 4 hours to let those flavors mingle.
5. Just before serving, stir in the remaining dressing to reach your desired creaminess.

Notes

Don’t skip letting it chill! The flavors really develop and become more delicious. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.