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Full of vibrant flavors and textures, Green Pea Salad with Bacon is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare. Sweet peas, crunchy bacon, creamy mayo, and cheddar cheese come together to create a salad that’s both simple and satisfying. Perfect for family meals, potlucks, or meal prep, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

This green pea salad with bacon is amazing! Sweet grean peas with creamy mayo, crunchy bacon and shredded cheddar cheese – it doesn’t get better than that!

Why You’ll Love Green Pea Salad With Bacon

Bursting with flavor, the combination of sweet peas, salty bacon, and creamy mayo creates a delightful contrast that keeps every bite exciting. It’s a simple recipe with bold ingredients that blend perfectly together.
The no-cook preparation makes it an incredibly quick and convenient option, perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings. You can have a delicious dish ready in under 10 minutes!
Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing, so it’s always a hit at potlucks, family meals, or as a side dish for dinner. It looks just as good as it tastes!
With only a handful of ingredients, it’s budget-friendly and made with items you likely already have on hand. No need for fancy or hard-to-find ingredients here.
This salad is great for meal prep since it stores well in the refrigerator. Make it ahead of time for a stress-free lunch or side dish throughout the week.

Full of flavor and so colorful, this tasty Green Pea Salad with Bacon is an amazing no-cook recipe you will enjoy over and over again! Simple really is best and this recipe is truly amazing.

Ingredients For Green Pea Salad With Bacon

Frozen Green Peas – Sweet and tender, these are the star of the salad. Make sure they are thawed before mixing.
Onion – Adds a sharp, fresh flavor to balance the creamy and savory elements.
Bacon Crumbles – Crispy and salty, they bring irresistible crunch and smokiness.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Adds a rich, savory layer of flavor that complements the peas and bacon.
Mayonnaise – The creamy base that ties all the ingredients together for a perfect salad.

For exact measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Bacon improves every dish and this salad is no exception. You are going to fall in love with this bacon pea salad after just one bite. This dish brings together some of my favorite flavors. With green peas, chopped onion, salty bacon, savory Cheddar cheese, and creamy mayo, you are sure to adore the combination of flavors in this winning salad. The added bonus of this tasty recipe? It is a no-cook salad!

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Green Pea Salad With Bacon

Cutting Board – Perfect for chopping the onion into small, even pieces.
Knife – A sharp knife is essential for dicing the onion quickly and efficiently.
Mixing Bowl – Large enough to hold all the ingredients and allow for easy mixing.
Measuring Cups – Ensures you get the perfect amount of each ingredient for balanced flavors.

This no-cook pea salad with bacon is about as easy as it gets. This delicious recipe is ready for your bowl with just one step! It does not get any easier than a no-cook, one step recipe. Flavorful and bringing together a variety of textures, this green pea salad makes a whopping eight servings! That means with one step, no cooking, and just a few ingredients you can whip together a salad for your whole family to enjoy. This this recipe is also great for meal prep! You can keep it in the refrigerator and have a delicious salad to enjoy for lunch.

Okay, here we go – one step! It could not be any easier to make this tasty salad. Put all of the ingredients together in a bowl, then carefully mix them together to combine. Done. Serve it up. Dish it out. Gobble it up. Enjoy!

Sweet peas, decadent mayo, crunchy bacon, and shredded cheese – this recipe is perfection! With just that one step, you will find yourself making this recipe over and over again. Simple and delicious, this sweet green pea salad is the best.

It doesn’t get much easier than this pea salad with bacon. It is delicious and ready in just minutes. I love a recipe that I can easily whip up on busy days and this salad sure hits all my “must-haves”. It is simple, quick to prepare, delicious, and flavorful. What’s not to enjoy?

I love a recipe that brings together unexpected ingredients. This bacon pea salad is a unique and tempting dish that is easy to prepare and tastes great. Bringing together tasty green beans and crunchy bacon, I love this recipe more than I can possibly describe! I am certain you are going to love this easy to make recipe, too.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a side dish with Easy Grilled Chicken, Tender Air Fryer Steak, or Oven Roasted Grouper Fish for a complete and satisfying meal.
Add it to a potluck spread alongside other salads and appetizers; it’s sure to be a crowd favorite.
Pair with fresh Cheesy Garlic Bread or Soft and Fresh Pita Bread for a light lunch or snack.
Use it as a topping for Perfect Baked Potatoes to create a unique and flavorful twist.
For a colorful and vibrant presentation, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional Real Bacon Crumbles.

Tips For Success

Thaw the Peas Properly: Make sure to thaw the frozen green peas completely before mixing. You can leave them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water in a colander to speed up the process. Pat them dry with a paper towel to prevent excess water from diluting the dressing.
Use Freshly Cooked Bacon: While store-bought bacon crumbles are convenient, cooking bacon fresh and crumbling it yourself adds extra flavor and a crispier texture.
Adjust the Mayo to Taste: If you prefer a lighter salad, reduce the amount of mayonnaise slightly. You can also use a low-fat version or a Greek yogurt-mayo blend for a healthier twist.
Dice the Onion Finely: For a balanced flavor, ensure the onion is chopped into small pieces. If raw onion is too strong for your taste, try soaking the diced onion in cold water for a few minutes before adding it to the salad.
Make Ahead for Enhanced Flavor: While this salad is delicious immediately, letting it sit in the refrigerator for an hour or two allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Variations and Substitutions

Cheese Options: Swap out cheddar for other flavorful cheeses like Parmesan, Monterey Jack, or feta for a unique twist. Each cheese brings a slightly different texture and taste to the salad.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and add toasted nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for a crunchy and protein-packed alternative. You can also try vegetarian bacon bits for a similar flavor.
Herb Additions: Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives can add a fresh and vibrant touch to the salad. Sprinkle them on top or mix them directly into the salad for an herbal kick.
Dressing Alternatives: Experiment with different dressings like ranch, sour cream, or a vinaigrette for a lighter option. Combining yogurt and mayo can also reduce the heaviness while maintaining creaminess.
Add Extra Veggies: Toss in some diced celery, red bell peppers, or cucumbers for added crunch and color. These vegetables pair well with the peas and add a refreshing touch.
Make It Spicy: Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or add a drizzle of hot sauce for a subtle kick of heat. Spicy bacon or pepper jack cheese can also turn up the heat.
Low-Carb Option: Replace some of the peas with chopped cauliflower florets for a lower-carb alternative that still provides crunch and texture.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store the Green Pea Salad with Bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it chilled until ready to serve.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If the salad has been in the fridge for a while, give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients evenly.
Meal Prep Tips: If making this salad ahead of time, you can mix all the ingredients except the bacon. Add the bacon just before serving to maintain its crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned peas instead of frozen peas?

Yes, you can use canned peas as a substitute for frozen peas. However, be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly to remove any excess salt or canning liquid. Keep in mind that canned peas are softer than frozen peas, so the texture of the salad may vary slightly.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep and can be made a day in advance. To keep the bacon crunchy, add it just before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully in the fridge, making it even tastier.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can use Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a combination of the two for a lighter, tangy dressing. Alternatively, you can try a vegan mayo if you need a dairy-free option.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this Green Pea Salad with Bacon is naturally gluten-free, provided all the ingredients used (like bacon and mayo) are certified gluten-free. Always double-check the labels to be sure.

Can I freeze this salad?

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the peas and the mayo-based dressing will change significantly after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What’s the best way to thaw frozen peas?

The quickest way to thaw frozen peas is to run them under cold water in a colander. Alternatively, you can leave them in the refrigerator overnight to thaw gradually. Always pat them dry with a paper towel before using them in the salad to avoid excess water.