Paula Deen Green Pea Salad Recipe

why make this recipe

Paula Deen’s Green Pea Salad is a delightful and easy dish that brings together fresh flavors with a creamy dressing. It’s perfect for warm weather gatherings like picnics and barbecues. The combination of crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and crunchy onions makes this salad full of texture and taste. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

how to make Paula Deen Green Pea 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
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1 Tbsp. mayonnaise
• 1 Tbsp. white vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, make the dressing by whisking together the sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and vinegar.
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 to combine.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 to 4 hours.
5. Just before serving, stir in the remaining dressing to your desired creaminess.

how to serve Paula Deen Green Pea Salad

Serve this salad chilled as a side dish at your next cookout, picnic, or family gathering. It pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a light lunch. Garnish with extra parsley for added color.

how to store Paula Deen Green Pea Salad

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days, as the ingredients will stay fresh, but the salad may become slightly soggy over time.

tips to make Paula Deen Green Pea Salad

• Make sure the peas are mostly thawed but not mushy for the best texture.
• Use freshly cooked bacon for extra crunch and flavor.
• Adjust the seasoning in the dressing according to your taste. If you like it tangier, add a bit more vinegar.

variation

For a twist on this classic salad, you can add diced bell peppers for extra color and crunch or swap out the cheddar cheese for feta cheese for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
A: Yes, you can use fresh peas! Just blanch them in boiling water for a couple of minutes, then cool them in ice water before adding them to the salad.

Q: Is there a way to make this salad lighter?
A: Absolutely! You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise for a healthier option.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to this salad?
A: Yes! You can include other ingredients like diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or even nuts for added texture and flavor. Feel free to experiment with what you like!

Green Pea Salad

A delightful and easy salad combining fresh flavors with a creamy dressing, featuring crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and crunchy onions—perfect for warm weather gatherings.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Salad Ingredients

• 4 cups frozen green peas, mostly thawed Ensure they are not mushy for the best texture.
• 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped Use freshly cooked bacon for extra crunch.
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 6 oz. cheddar cheese, cubed Feta cheese can be used as an alternative.
• 3 Tbsp. minced fresh parsley Garnish with extra parsley for added color.

Dressing Ingredients

• 1/3 cup sour cream Can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
• 1 Tbsp. mayonnaise Can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
• 1 Tbsp. white vinegar Adjust to taste for a tangier dressing.
• 1 Salt and pepper to taste Adjust the seasoning in the dressing according to your taste.

Method

 

Dressing Preparation

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and vinegar to make the dressing.

Salad Preparation

1. In a large bowl, combine the thawed green peas, chopped bacon, sliced red onion, cubed cheese, and parsley.
2. Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the salad and stir to combine.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 to 4 hours.
4. Just before serving, stir in the remaining dressing to your desired creaminess.

Notes

Serve chilled as a side dish at cookouts or picnics. It's best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days stored in an airtight container.