English Pea Salad

Craving a cool and creamy side dish that’s perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or a casual weeknight dinner? Look no further than English Pea Salad, a Southern-inspired classic that’s equal parts refreshing and satisfying.

With its crisp peas, creamy dressing, crunchy bacon bits, and sharp cheddar cheese, this dish delivers both comfort and flavor in every bite.

Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or prepping ahead for weekday meals, this easy recipe comes together in minutes and is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients List

Salad Dressing Base

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Salad Ingredients

• 13 oz. to 16 oz. frozen peas (thawed and drained)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup red or purple onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup real bacon bits

Each of these ingredients brings something special to the dish — from the creamy tang of the dressing to the sweet snap of the peas and the salty crunch of bacon. Simple, straightforward, and full of flavor.

Required Kitchen Tools

When making English Pea Salad, you don’t need fancy gadgets — just a few basic tools to keep prep fast and hassle-free:

1. Mixing Bowls: One large bowl for combining the salad and one smaller bowl for whisking the dressing.
2. Whisk: To ensure the dressing comes together smoothly and evenly.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy and consistency in flavor.
4. Colander: Ideal for thawing and draining the peas quickly and easily.
5. Spatula or Large Spoon: For folding everything together gently without breaking the peas.

Having these simple tools at the ready makes this recipe a breeze from start to finish.

Dressing Preparation

Creating the creamy dressing is where all the magic begins. It’s the flavorful glue that holds this entire salad together and gives it that rich, tangy, slightly sweet Southern charm.

Mixing the Dressing

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, I start by whisking together the mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth. These two ingredients give the salad its signature creamy texture. Then, I add the apple cider vinegar and sugar — the vinegar brings a gentle tang, while the sugar balances everything out with a hint of sweetness.

Finally, I season the dressing with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper to taste. Once everything is well combined, I set the bowl aside while I prepare the rest of the ingredients. It’s that easy — no cooking, no waiting, just quick flavor-building in under five minutes.

Pro Tip

If you’re looking to lighten up the dish, you can easily swap in Greek yogurt for the sour cream or use a low-fat mayonnaise. The taste remains creamy and delicious with a little less richness.

Preparing the Peas

The key to the perfect English Pea Salad lies in properly handling the peas. I prefer using frozen peas because they’re picked and frozen at peak freshness, locking in that sweet flavor and crisp texture.

To thaw them quickly, I place the peas in a colander and run cold water over them for a few minutes. This not only softens them but also keeps their vibrant green color intact. Once thawed, I make sure to drain them thoroughly — nobody wants a watery salad!

Assembling the English Pea Salad

Now comes the fun part — bringing everything together into one irresistible bowl of goodness. This step is super simple but makes all the difference in how the flavors and textures come together.

Mixing the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, I combine the thawed and drained peas, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, and real bacon bits. These ingredients create the perfect balance — sweet peas, sharp cheese, savory bacon, and the subtle bite of onion.

Once everything is in the bowl, I pour the creamy dressing over the top. Using a rubber spatula or large spoon, I gently fold everything together until the peas are evenly coated and the mix looks rich and creamy. Be careful not to stir too hard — the peas are delicate, and we want to keep them whole for that signature pop with every bite.

Optional Add-Ins

This salad is super versatile, and I sometimes like to switch things up. You can add:

• Chopped boiled eggs for a protein boost
• Diced pickles or dill relish for extra tang
• Chopped fresh herbs like dill or chives for a touch of brightness

The base recipe is delicious as is, but feel free to customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

Let It Chill

After mixing, I cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This gives all the flavors time to meld together and makes the salad taste even better. Plus, it’s served best cold — especially on warm days.

Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips

How to Serve English Pea Salad

Once chilled, your English Pea Salad is ready to enjoy! I usually serve it as a side dish with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or burgers. It’s also a great addition to potlucks, picnics, and holiday tables. The creamy texture and pop of flavor from the peas make it a standout alongside heavier mains.

For presentation, I like to sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar or a pinch of bacon bits on top just before serving. If you’re entertaining, transfer it to a serving bowl with a garnish of fresh herbs like parsley or dill for that final touch.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as the dressing may settle a bit.

Freezing:
I don’t recommend freezing this salad — the creamy dressing and peas tend to lose their texture and become watery once thawed.

Conclusion

This English Pea Salad is a quick and satisfying recipe that proves simple ingredients can still deliver big flavor. From its creamy dressing to the burst of sweetness from the peas and the crunch of bacon and onion, it’s no wonder this dish is a staple in so many Southern kitchens — mine included!

Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer side or an easy make-ahead dish, this salad has you covered. Feel free to customize it, pair it with your favorite meals, or simply enjoy it on its own. Once you try it, I’m pretty sure it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.