If you’re looking for a dish that shouts “picnic perfection” and feels right at home on any Southern table, you absolutely must try Southern Pea Salad. This creamy, savory-sweet classic comes together with tender sweet peas, crisp bacon, juicy ham, sharp cheddar, and a tangy dressing—making it every bit as delightful as it is nostalgic. Get ready to fall in love with a salad that’s as easy to put together as it is irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Southern Pea Salad tastes even better after it chills, which means you can prepare it in advance for stress-free entertaining.
- Burst of Color & Crunch: Every bite brings a rainbow of vibrant veggies, salty meats, and satisfying cheese—perfect for livening up any table.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: Creamy, smoky, cheesy, and just the right pop of freshness—there’s something in this salad for everyone.
- Super Simple to Customize: Switch up ingredients or make it lighter to tailor the recipe to your family’s tastes and dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Southern Pea Salad lies in its honest-to-goodness ingredients—each adding its own flair, from sweet and snappy to smoky and creamy. With just a handful of familiar fridge and pantry staples, you’ll have a vibrant side dish that everyone will want the scoop on.
- Frozen sweet peas (thawed): The sweet and tender backbone of the salad, they bring a delightful pop and freshness.
- Cubed ham: Adds savory flavor and heartiness; deli ham or leftover baked ham both work beautifully.
- Bacon crumbles: Smoky, salty, and utterly irresistible—real bacon gives the best crunch and flavor.
- Green onions: For color and a mild onion bite that brightens up every spoonful.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Classic sharp cheddar adds a tangy richness and melts ever-so-slightly into the salad.
- Mayonnaise: Provides a rich, creamy base that binds all the flavors together.
- Sour cream: Adds cool tanginess without overpowering the dish—balances the mayo perfectly.
- Garlic powder: A gentle background flavor, it rounds out the creamy dressing.
- Salt & black pepper: To sharpen and enhance every ingredient’s natural taste.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Just a little dash for those who crave a subtle kick!
Variations
Southern Pea Salad is one of those dreamy recipes that welcomes creativity! There are endless ways to make it your own—whether you’re working with what you have or adjusting to suit your family’s cravings and needs.
- Swap the Protein: Try shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or leave out the meat entirely for a vegetarian twist.
- Lighter Dressing: Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a tangy, protein-packed lighter dressing.
- Add Veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers, celery, or even chopped pickles for extra crunch and color.
- Cheese Medley: Feel free to mix in some Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or smoked gouda instead of (or in addition to) cheddar for a flavor upgrade.
How to Make Southern Pea Salad
Step 1: Gather and Prep the Salad Ingredients
Start by thawing your frozen sweet peas completely and patting them dry if there’s extra moisture—nobody wants a watery salad! Chop your ham, crisp up your bacon and crumble it (or use store-bought bacon crumbles for shortcut magic), slice up those green onions, and shred the cheddar. Once everything is ready, toss it all into a spacious mixing bowl so you have room to stir.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and that optional pinch of cayenne. This creamy blend brings just the right balance of richness, zip, and gentle heat. Take a little taste to make sure it’s perfect for you!
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
Spoon the dressing over the pea mixture, making sure each pea, chunk of ham, and cloud of cheese is glorious coated. Fold gently with a big spatula—be careful not to mash the peas so the salad stays fluffy and light.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and let the salad chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This step is magic—it draws the flavors together and gives the salad a refreshing, cool bite. When ready, give it a light stir, garnish, and watch it disappear at your next potluck!
Pro Tips for Making Southern Pea Salad
- Pea Prep Perfection: Always use fully thawed and well-drained sweet peas to avoid excess moisture that can dilute your dressing.
- Bacon Boost: For ultra-crispy bacon, cook it in the oven and let it drain on a wire rack—this ensures perfect crunch throughout the whole salad.
- Flavor Meld: Giving the salad at least an hour to chill is essential, as it allows the flavors to marry and really pop when served cold.
- Dressing Decisions: If you like your salad extra creamy, reserve a couple of tablespoons of dressing to add just before serving to refresh the texture.
How to Serve Southern Pea Salad
Garnishes
For a picture-perfect finish, sprinkle a few more bacon crumbles, extra chopped green onions, or even bits of shredded cheddar over your Southern Pea Salad just before bringing it to the table. A touch of fresh cracked pepper or a dash of paprika can also lend a gorgeous pop of color and extra zing.
Side Dishes
This classic pairs wonderfully with anything from fried chicken and BBQ ribs to grilled fish or a simple summertime sandwich. It’s a fabulous addition to a potluck spread or family holiday buffet, sitting happily beside deviled eggs, slaws, casseroles, and buttery cornbread.
Creative Ways to Present
Scoop the salad into crisp lettuce cups or individual jars for chic picnic servings. For entertaining, try mounding it on a beautiful platter and lining the edge with sliced tomatoes or cucumber for an eye-catching, garden-fresh display. Even a simple bowl lined with leaves of bibb lettuce brings a timeless Southern charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got some Southern Pea Salad left after the party? Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen and the texture stays just right, as long as it’s kept nice and cold.
Freezing
While it might be tempting, freezing isn’t recommended for this salad—as the creamy dressing can separate and the peas may become mushy when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making.
Reheating
No need to reheat! Southern Pea Salad is designed to be served chilled, keeping all those textures crisp and the flavors bright. Simply give it a gentle stir before serving leftovers to revive its creamy appeal.
FAQs
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Can I use canned peas instead of frozen for Southern Pea Salad?
Freshly thawed frozen peas really make a difference in texture and flavor—they stay firmer and brighter. Canned peas can be used in a pinch but tend to be softer and saltier, so be sure to drain and rinse them well, and go easy on added salt.
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How far in advance can I make Southern Pea Salad?
You can make it up to a day ahead of time! In fact, letting the salad chill overnight only helps the flavors meld together. Just give it a gentle stir before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.
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What can I substitute for mayo in the dressing?
If you’re not a mayo fan, swap in more sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a tangy, creamy base that’s a little lighter but still ultra-satisfying.
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Is Southern Pea Salad gluten-free?
Yes! As written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your bacon and ham are gluten-free if needed, as some packaged varieties may contain additives.
Final Thoughts
Southern Pea Salad is a joyous celebration of simple ingredients and comforting textures—and the kind of recipe that sparks fond memories at every gathering. If your table could use a touch of Southern sunshine, give this salad a try and watch it become an instant favorite!
Print
Southern Pea Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10m
- Total Time: 1h
- Yield: Serves 12–14 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Southern Pea Salad recipe that combines the freshness of sweet peas with savory ham, crispy bacon, and a creamy dressing. This salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Southern Pea Salad:
- 2 (16oz) packages frozen sweet peas, thawed
- 3/4 cup cubed ham
- 1/2 cup bacon crumbles
- 4–5 green onions, chopped
- 1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Dressing:
- 2/3 cup mayo
- 8 oz sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- dash cayenne pepper, optional
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add peas, ham, bacon, green onions, and cheese.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together mayo, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
- Coat Salad: Spoon dressing onto the salad and mix until evenly coated.
- Chill: Chill the salad for 1 hour before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
