Description
Southern Pea Salad is a cherished Southern classic made with sweet peas, creamy dressing, and savory mix-ins like bacon and eggs. It’s a perfect side dish for barbecues, holidays, and weekday meals alike. This recipe is easy to make, affordable, and packed with comforting flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
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1 (16-ounce) package of frozen sweet peas, thawed (or 1 can of peas, drained)
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2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
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4 to 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled (or 1 cup chopped cooked ham)
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
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¼ cup finely chopped red onion
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½ cup mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon sour cream
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, add the sweet peas, chopped eggs, crumbled bacon (or ham), cheddar cheese, and red onion.
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In a separate small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
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Season the dressing with salt and black pepper to your preference.
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Pour the dressing over the pea mixture.
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Gently stir until all ingredients are evenly coated.
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Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
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Serve chilled as a side dish.
Notes
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Chill before serving: For best flavor and texture, always refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the ingredients to meld and enhances the creamy consistency.
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Ideal pairings: Southern Pea Salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, fried chicken, BBQ ribs, burgers, or sandwiches. It also makes a great addition to holiday dinners and potluck tables.
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Leftover storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving again.
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Avoid freezing: This salad does not freeze well due to the mayo-based dressing and the delicate texture of the peas, which can become watery or mushy after thawing.
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Make ahead: You can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just keep it chilled until ready to serve and give it a quick stir to freshen it up.