Bacon Pea Salad Recipe

The ingredients for this recipe are fairly common and can easily be found in most supermarkets. However, the quality of bacon can greatly affect the outcome of this salad. Opt for thick-cut bacon for a more substantial and smoky flavor. The frozen peas can be replaced with fresh ones if they are in season. As for the cheddar cheese, look for a sharp cheddar to give the salad a nice kick.

Ingredients for the Bacon and Pea Salad

Bacon: The smoky and savory flavor of bacon adds depth to this salad. Thick-cut bacon is recommended for a more substantial texture.

Frozen peas: These add a sweet note and contrasting texture to the salad. Fresh peas can be used when in season.

Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese provides a flavorful contrast to the sweetness of the peas.

Red onion: Adds a slight bite and crunch to the salad.

Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the salad dressing.

Sour cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the dressing.

Sugar: It balances the sourness of the dressing.

Vinegar: Provides the necessary acidity to the dressing.

Salt & pepper: Enhances the overall flavors of the salad.

One reader, Berni Koss says:

This bacon and pea salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of crispy bacon, sweet peas, and creamy dressing is simply divine. It's a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion. I highly recommend trying it out - you won't be disappointed!

Berni Koss

Key Techniques for Making Bacon and Pea Salad

How to cook bacon: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it is crispy and browned. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain excess grease.

How to make the dressing: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined and smooth.

How to thaw frozen peas: Place the frozen peas in a colander and run them under cold water until they are thawed. Alternatively, you can let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes until they are no longer frozen.

How to assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the thawed peas, crumbled bacon, diced red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.

How to chill the salad: Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Sweet and crunchy, this creamy pea salad with bacon truly hits the spot in the summertime. Crunchy sweet peas, crispy bacon crumbles, and shredded cheese join forces for a show-stopping bowl of salad. Every forkful is brimming with sweet, salty, and tangy flavors all at once. A great take-along to your next potluck!

I’m always on the prowl for easy side dishes with a wow factor. Sitting on top of my list are salad recipes. Generally, they’re so easy to prepare and yet still burst with awesome flavors. This bacon pea salad is no exception. It only took me 15 minutes to make this refreshing salad, but the taste remained fantastic for a few days. Besides, I know you can never go wrong with a recipe that only calls for a handful of ingredients and one that doesn’t require cooking.

I used frozen peas to make my own version of bacon pea salad, but you can opt for fresh peas if you like. Frozen peas are pretty convenient as they’re already cooked and blanched. All you have to do is defrost the frozen peas by running them under cold water. One more thing, I heard petite peas work better for this easy pea salad as they’re sweeter than regular garden peas. Canned peas are also fine to use, but your side salad won’t be as vibrant and crisp as you like. Canned peas tend to be darker and softer as compared to frozen peas.

My frozen pea salad is also loaded with bacon crumbles, adding a hint of saltiness. Of course, you would want crispy and crunchy bacon bits to up your summer salad. Cooking bacon slices until golden brown and crispy is the way to go! When cooked, put aside a few tablespoons to use as toppings. Of course, I also didn’t skimp on cheese. This recipe for pea salad uses sharp cheddar cheese cubes, but feel free to shred your cheese if you prefer. And I don’t know about you, but for me, a pile of crunchy red onions transforms a simple pea salad into a fabulous side dish.

The beauty of pea salad recipes, apart from their deliciousness, is you can play around with the ingredients. English pea salad, a tasty variation of this salad, combines frozen peas, bacon, and eggs in one bowl. There’s also a version that uses celery and water chestnuts, and it has the perfect crunchy texture! You can even make a pea salad without mayo. Greek yogurt and ranch dressing would be great swap-ins instead.

Meanwhile, a flavorful vinaigrette brought my pea salad recipe with bacon and cheese together. Mayonnaise and sour cream made for a creamy base for my salad dressing. A splash of vinegar gave my salad extra tang. To soften the bite of my creamy dressing, I added a tablespoon of sugar. Trust me, the balance of flavors is so addictive!

So, wanna know how to make pea salad? It’s such a breeze, really. To make the best bacon pea salad, first, you simply have to whip up the creamy dressing in a bowl. Then, toss the rest of the salad ingredients and stir. For the most delicious result, refrigerate it for at least two hours. I love serving this flavorsome pea salad with bacon and cheese alongside grilled chicken or grilled shrimp. Basically, anything that’s cooked on a grill is the perfect companion for this summer side dish.

Expert Tip for Perfecting Your Bacon and Pea Salad

When cooking the bacon, ensure it's crispy but not overcooked. This will add a delightful crunch to your salad, contrasting nicely with the softness of the peas. Also, when mixing the salad, be gentle to prevent the peas from getting mashed and to keep the bacon pieces intact. This will help maintain the texture and presentation of your salad.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Bacon and Pea Salad

Prep ahead: Prepare the dressing and cook the bacon in advance to save time on the day of serving.

Use pre-cooked bacon: Consider using pre-cooked bacon to cut down on preparation time and make the recipe more convenient.

Quick thaw: Speed up the thawing process for frozen peas by placing them in a bowl of lukewarm water for a few minutes.

Chop efficiently: Use a food processor to quickly chop the red onions and shred the cheddar cheese for faster prep.

Multi-task: While the bacon is cooking, use that time to prepare the dressing and other ingredients to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.

Substitute Ingredients For Bacon Pea Salad Recipe

• bacon - Substitute with tempeh: Tempeh has a similar smoky flavor and crispy texture that can mimic bacon in the salad.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a creamy texture and tangy flavor similar to mayonnaise, while also adding some protein to the salad.

• sour cream - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can add a tangy flavor and creamy consistency to the dressing, similar to sour cream.

• cheddar cheese - Substitute with smoked gouda: Smoked gouda can provide a similar smoky flavor to the salad, enhancing the overall taste.

• peas - Substitute with edamame: Edamame can offer a similar texture and color to peas, while also adding a nutty flavor to the salad.

• red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder, sweeter flavor compared to red onions, adding a subtle depth to the salad.

Presentation Tips for a Delightful Bacon and Pea Salad

1. Elevate the bacon: Crisp the bacon to perfection, ensuring it is the star of the dish. Consider creating a bacon weave for a visually stunning presentation.

2. Create a pea puree: Use a quenelle of pea puree as a base for the salad, adding a touch of elegance and vibrant color to the plate.

3. Garnish with microgreens: Sprinkle the dish with delicate microgreens to add a pop of freshness and a visual contrast to the rich bacon and peas.

4. Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce edible flowers such as nasturtiums or pansies to bring a touch of sophistication and a subtle floral note to the dish.

5. Utilize a ring mold: Layer the salad components in a ring mold to create a structured and refined presentation, ensuring each element is beautifully showcased.

6. Add a touch of flair with cheddar crisps: Create thin cheddar crisps to add a crunchy texture and a touch of artistry to the dish.

7. Consider a deconstructed presentation: Present the salad in a deconstructed style, allowing each ingredient to shine individually while still harmonizing as a cohesive dish.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Bacon and Pea Salad

• Whisk: A utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients together, often featuring a handle and loops of wire.
• Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients, typically made of wood, plastic, or bamboo.
• Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife with a broad blade that is used for a variety of cutting and chopping tasks.
• Mixing bowl: A deep bowl used for mixing ingredients, available in various materials such as glass, ceramic, or stainless steel.
• Serving spoon: A large spoon with a long handle, used for serving food from a communal dish.
• Measuring cups: Utensils used to measure the volume of liquid or dry ingredients accurately.
• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning ingredients.
• Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle and a lid, used for making sauces, boiling liquids, or reheating food.
• Tongs: A utensil with two arms and a pivot, used for gripping and lifting hot or delicate food items.
• Grater: A kitchen tool with sharp-edged holes used to shred or grate ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, or citrus zest.

Storing and Freezing Bacon and Pea Salad: A Guide

• This bacon and pea salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together and intensify over time, making it even more delicious.
• If you want to make this salad ahead of time, you can prepare the dressing and store it separately from the peas, bacon, onion, and cheese. Combine everything together just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
• While it's not recommended to freeze this salad as a whole, you can freeze the individual components separately:
  • Cook and crumble the bacon, then freeze it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month.
  • Blanch the peas in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then shock them in an ice bath. Drain well and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen peas can be stored for up to 6 months.
  • The dressing can be prepared and frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.
• When ready to serve, thaw the frozen components in the refrigerator overnight, then combine them with the freshly chopped onion and cheddar cheese. Adjust the seasoning if needed, and enjoy your delicious bacon and pea salad!

Interesting Trivia About Bacon and Pea Salad

The bacon and pea salad recipe is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the smoky flavor of bacon with the sweetness of peas. It's a perfect side dish for any meal and can be easily customized with additional ingredients such as cherry tomatoes or avocado. This salad is a great source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying option for any occasion. Plus, it's a versatile dish that can be served warm or cold, making it perfect for picnics, barbecues, or potlucks. Enjoy this flavorful and refreshing salad as a tasty addition to your menu!

Is Making Bacon and Pea Salad at Home Cost-Effective?

The bacon and pea salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, bacon and frozen peas, are relatively affordable, and the addition of cheddar cheese and red onion doesn't significantly increase the cost. The dressing ingredients, such as mayonnaise and sour cream, are also budget-friendly. The total cost for a household of 4 people would be approximately $15. The overall verdict for this recipe would be 8/10, considering its affordability, simplicity, and delicious taste.

Is Bacon and Pea Salad Healthy or Unhealthy?

The bacon and pea salad recipe, while tasty, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

• Bacon is high in saturated fat and sodium, which can contribute to heart disease and high blood pressure when consumed in excess.
• The dressing contains mayonnaise and sour cream, both of which are high in fat and calories.
• Cheddar cheese adds additional saturated fat and calories to the dish.
• The recipe lacks a significant source of fiber, which is important for digestive health and satiety.

However, the recipe does include some nutritious ingredients:

• Peas are a good source of fiber, protein, and various vitamins and minerals.
• Red onion contains antioxidants and may help support heart health.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

• Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon to reduce the saturated fat content.
• Replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to lower the fat content and increase the protein.
• Use a reduced-fat cheddar cheese or a smaller amount of regular cheddar cheese.
• Add additional vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or grated carrots, to increase the fiber content and overall nutrient density.
• Use a sugar substitute or reduce the amount of sugar in the dressing to decrease the calorie content.
• Consider using a vinaigrette-style dressing made with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs instead of the creamy dressing to reduce the fat and calorie content.

Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on This Delightful Salad Recipe

This bacon and pea salad recipe is a delightful combination of smoky bacon, sweet peas, sharp cheddar, and zesty red onion, all brought together with a creamy and tangy dressing. The flavors and textures complement each other beautifully, creating a refreshing and satisfying salad. The dressing adds a perfect balance of creaminess and acidity, enhancing the overall taste. This salad is a great addition to any meal and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!

Enhance Your Bacon Pea Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes with a hint of parmesan cheese

Grilled Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears drizzled with balsamic glaze and sprinkled with toasted almonds

Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits tossed in a honey-lime dressing

Chocolate Fondue: Rich and velvety chocolate fondue served with a variety of dippable treats

Similar Salad Recipes to Try

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a flavorful herb and garlic mixture before grilling them to perfection on skewers.

Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon: Coat the salmon in a sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze before baking it to flaky perfection in the oven.

Mango Salsa Chicken: Top juicy grilled chicken with a refreshing and vibrant mango salsa for a burst of tropical flavor in every bite.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Simmer ripe tomatoes and fresh basil in a creamy broth for a comforting and satisfying bowl of homemade tomato basil soup.

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in a decadent and rich chocolate lava cake with a gooey molten center that oozes out with every spoonful.

Perfect Appetizers and Desserts to Complement Bacon and Pea Salad

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a rich and creamy mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Indulge in the creamy and flavorful spinach and artichoke dip, served with crispy tortilla chips or warm bread. This classic appetizer is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Berry Parfait: Layered with fresh berries, creamy yogurt, and crunchy granola, this berry parfait is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors. Each spoonful is a burst of fruity goodness and satisfying crunch.

Why trust this Bacon Pea Salad Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a delightful combination of flavors and textures, ensuring a satisfying experience for your taste buds. The crispy bacon adds a savory element, while the sweet peas bring a burst of freshness. The creamy cheddar cheese and zesty red onion provide a perfect balance. The dressing, made with mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, and vinegar, enhances the overall taste. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe, as it promises a harmonious blend of ingredients that will elevate your salad game.

FAQ:

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen peas?

Yes, you can use fresh peas instead of frozen peas. Just blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until they are tender, then drain and cool them before adding them to the salad.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before serving. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Can I substitute the bacon with a vegetarian option?

Of course! You can substitute the bacon with vegetarian bacon or even smoked tofu for a delicious vegetarian version of this salad.

How can I make this salad healthier?

To make this salad healthier, you can use turkey bacon or reduce the amount of bacon used. You can also use a light mayonnaise and sour cream to cut down on the fat content.

Can I add other ingredients to this salad?

Absolutely! You can customize this salad to your liking by adding ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, avocado, or even some chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein and flavor.