🌿 Introduction
Nothing says Southern charm quite like a bowl of Classic Southern Pea Salad — cool, creamy, and dotted with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and tender sweet peas. This timeless dish has graced picnic tables, potlucks, and family gatherings for generations.
It’s the kind of recipe that feels both nostalgic and fresh — a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy in every bite. The peas bring gentle sweetness, while the crisp bacon and sharp cheddar add richness and crunch. A creamy dressing made with mayonnaise and sour cream ties everything together with smooth tangy perfection.
I first made this salad after moving to Georgia, hoping to contribute something traditional to a neighborhood cookout. By the end of the night, the bowl was spotless, and three neighbors had already asked for the recipe. That’s when I knew I’d found a keeper.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🕐 Ready in just 25 minutes — no complicated steps or long prep times.
- 🧀 Creamy meets crunchy — the perfect texture balance.
- 🌽 Versatile — serve it as a side, snack, or picnic staple.
- 🌞 Make-ahead friendly — flavors deepen beautifully after chilling.
- 🥓 Customizable — switch up the meats, cheeses, or spices to your liking.
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
🌱 Base Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce / 450 g) package frozen sweet peas, thawed (do not cook)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 4–6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled (or 1 cup diced ham)
- ½ cup chopped green onions (or regular onions, finely diced)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp for more flavor)
🌶️ Seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp celery seeds (or ½ cup chopped celery)
- A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for gentle warmth)
🥣 Creamy Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Thaw the peas completely but do not cook them — you want them tender yet firm.
Pat them dry with paper towels to remove extra moisture.
In a large mixing bowl, combine peas, chopped eggs, bacon (or ham), green onions, and cheddar cheese.
Step 2: Season with Care
Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, celery seeds, and cayenne.
The celery seeds are key — they give this dish its authentic Southern flavor.
🪶 My grandmother always said, “You can’t call it pea salad without celery seeds.” She was right — skip them, and it’s just not the same.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth and lump-free.
This ensures a silky texture that coats the salad evenly.
Step 4: Combine and Chill
Pour the creamy dressing over the pea mixture.
Fold gently using a spatula — you want to mix without mashing the peas.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
This chilling step allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
🧡 You Must Know
- Tastes even better the next day — the flavors deepen overnight.
- Travels beautifully for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks.
- High in protein thanks to the eggs, bacon, and cheese.
- Easy to make ahead up to 24 hours in advance.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Bacon Tip: If preparing ahead, keep the bacon separate and add just before serving to maintain crispness.
- Freezing: Not recommended — the texture of peas and dressing will change.
🔁 Easy Variations
- Lighter version: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Vegetarian: Skip bacon and add sunflower seeds or extra cheese.
- Different protein: Swap bacon for diced ham or turkey.
- Add crunch: Include diced bell peppers or celery.
- Add color: Stir in diced red onion or shredded carrots for visual appeal.
🥗 Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs wonderfully with:
- Grilled chicken, ribs, or pulled pork.
- Fried chicken or baked fish.
- Cornbread, collard greens, or biscuits for a full Southern spread.
- Or serve a scoop on top of mixed greens for a light lunch.
🍴 Pro Tip: Let the salad sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving — cold mutes flavor, and this short rest brings the dressing to life.
🌾 The History Behind the Dish
Southern Pea Salad has deep roots in rural communities where fresh garden peas thrived during the summer. Families often combined them with farm eggs, cured bacon, and homemade mayonnaise for hearty, make-ahead meals that could travel to church picnics and community potlucks.
Over time, the recipe spread across the South — each family adding its own twist, but the essence stayed the same: a humble dish that turns simple ingredients into celebration food.
💡 Pro Tips
✅ Pat peas dry — prevents watery salad.
✅ Cook bacon until extra crisp — adds texture contrast.
✅ Don’t skip chilling time — it’s essential for flavor blending.
✅ Adjust seasoning after chilling — cold dulls spice slightly.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I use canned peas?
Yes. Drain them thoroughly and pat dry before using to avoid excess moisture.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s best after sitting overnight — just add bacon before serving.
→ What if I don’t have celery seeds?
Use chopped celery for crunch or a pinch of celery salt (reduce added salt).
→ Is it gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure all ingredients, especially the mayo, are certified GF.
→ Can I serve it warm?
Traditionally, it’s served chilled — but letting it sit briefly at room temperature before serving gives the best flavor.
📋 Recipe Summary
| Prep Time: | 15 Minutes |
| Cook Time: | 10 Minutes |
| Total Time: | 25 Minutes |
| Servings: | 6 |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Cuisine: | American |
| Category: | Salads |
| Dietary: | Gluten-Free |
❤️ Nutrition Note
Nutritional values vary based on ingredients used. Always check product labels if managing sodium, calories, or allergens.
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