Discover the Creamy Delight of Paula Deen Green Pea Salad

Ever had a salad that you couldn’t resist going back for seconds? Paula Deen’s Green Pea Salad combines all the good stuff into one creamy, tasty mix that’ll have everyone asking for your secret! It’s quick to whip up and brings together sweet green peas, crispy bacon, and cheddar cheese for a flavor explosion. Whether a side dish for a potluck or a family gathering, this recipe will definitely steal the show.

Why Make This Recipe?

First off, making this salad means easy cleanup! You only need a couple of bowls — one for the dressing and another for the salad. Plus, it’s budget-friendly with ingredients that don’t break the bank. Who doesn’t love a delicious, homemade recipe that doesn’t take all day? And let’s be honest, it’s a hit with both kids and adults, marking it as a family-friendly winner.

Ingredients:

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

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:

In a small bowl, make the dressing by whisking together the sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and vinegar.
In a large bowl, combine the thawed green peas, chopped bacon, sliced red onion, cubed cheese, and parsley.
Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the salad and stir everything to combine.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 to 4 hours to let those flavors dance together!
Just before serving, stir in the remaining dressing to your desired creaminess.

How to Make Paula Deen Green Pea Salad (Overview)

Making this creamy goodness is as easy as 1, 2, 3! First, whip up your dressing, then mix all your colorful ingredients in a bowl. Remember to let it chill; patience is key as it really helps the flavors meld. Pro tip: Don’t skip the fridge time — it’s like a flavor party in there! 🎉

How to Serve Paula Deen Green Pea Salad

The presentation is everything! Serve this vibrant salad in a beautiful bowl to accentuate its bright colors. Pair it with grilled chicken for a savory meal, or serve it alongside a cheesy casserole for that perfect crunch and creaminess. The aroma of bacon and fresh parsley will have your guests drooling before they even take a bite!

How to Store Paula Deen Green Pea Salad

This salad can chill in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Just make sure not to leave it out too long at room temperature. If you want to save some for later, store it in an airtight container. For make-ahead meals, prepare everything and keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve for the freshest taste.

Tips to Make Paula Deen Green Pea Salad

Use thawed peas to save time; just pop them in warm water for a quick thaw if needed.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning! Add a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor.
Looking for a twist? Try using crumbled feta cheese instead of cheddar.
Adjust the creaminess of the salad by adding more or less dressing based on your preference.
Fresh herbs like dill also make a fabulous addition if you’re feeling adventurous.

Variation

Want to make it vegan? Substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with a vegan version or plain coconut yogurt! You can also swap out bacon for crispy tempeh bits to keep that crunch and flavor without the meat.

FAQs

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just blanch them lightly to maintain their color and crunch.

How long can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can make it up to two days in advance to let those flavors mingle.

Can I freeze Paula Deen Green Pea Salad?
Not recommended, as the texture of the peas and dressing may suffer after freezing.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Green Pea Salad

A creamy and delicious mix of sweet green peas, crispy bacon, and cheddar cheese, perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Total Time 3

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 220

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

4 cups frozen green peas, mostly thawed Use thawed peas for best results.
8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped Crispy bacon adds great flavor.
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced Adjust according to taste.
6 oz. cheddar cheese, cubed Feel free to substitute with feta for variation.
3 Tbsp. minced fresh parsley Fresh herbs enhance flavor.

Dressing Ingredients

1/3 cup sour cream Can be substituted with vegan yogurt.
1 Tbsp. mayonnaise Use vegan mayo for a vegan option.
1 Tbsp. white vinegar
to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.

Method

Preparation

In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and vinegar to make the dressing.
In a large bowl, mix together thawed green peas, chopped bacon, sliced red onion, cubed cheese, and parsley.
Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the salad and stir everything to combine.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 to 4 hours to let the flavors meld.
Just before serving, stir in the remaining dressing to your desired creaminess.

Notes

This salad can chill in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Store in an airtight container. For best results, prepare the dressing separately until ready to serve.

Paula Deen Green Pea Salad