Southern Pea Salad Recipe
If you’re looking for a classic Southern Pea Salad Recipe that’s as easy to whip up as it is irresistible, you’re in for a treat! This dish bursts with creamy, zippy flavor, crunchy bits, and a pop of color—making it the unsung hero of potlucks, family reunions, and weekday lunches alike. With just a few pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients, you’ll have a delightfully nostalgic salad that’s loved by Southerners and salad skeptics everywhere. Once you try a spoonful, it’ll be hard to stop at just one serving of this Southern comfort staple!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This beloved Southern Pea Salad Recipe relies on just a handful of simple but well-chosen ingredients. Every item plays a role—peas for sweetness, crunchy veggies, creamy dressing, and just a hint of tang and smoke. Here’s what makes this salad shine:
- Sweet peas (2 cans, 15 oz each): The foundation of the salad, drained for the best texture and unmistakable sweetness.
- Red onion (1/2 cup, diced): Adds a crisp bite and beautiful color contrast—dice it small so every forkful gets a little punch.
- Cheddar cheese (1/2 cup, diced): Sharp and creamy, cheddar gives richness and a playful pop of yellow.
- Celery (1/2 cup, diced): For that signature crunch and a refreshing, earthy undertone.
- Sweet pickles or relish (1/4 cup, chopped): Sweet and tangy complexity—don’t skip it if you want authentic flavor.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy glue that brings everything together. Use your favorite brand!
- Yellow mustard (1 tablespoon): Classic Southern zip—you’ll notice its mellow tang in every bite.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Just a pinch brings every flavor into harmony.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and bringing out the best in each ingredient.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a hint of background warmth to round things out.
- Bacon (2 slices, cooked and crumbled, optional): Smoky, salty goodness if you want an extra treat.
- Chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish, optional): For a fresh, pretty finish that brightens the whole bowl.
How to Make Southern Pea Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you start, get everything ready: drain your canned peas thoroughly to avoid extra moisture, dice the red onion, cheddar, and celery, and chop the pickles or measure out your relish. If you’re making bacon, go ahead and cook, then crumble that too. A bit of prep makes mixing a breeze!
Step 2: Mix the Veggies and Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the drained peas, diced red onion, diced cheddar cheese, celery, and sweet pickles or relish. Try to fold everything together with a soft touch, so you don’t mash the peas—you want to keep them plump and distinct.
Step 3: Whisk the Creamy Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and uniform. This creamy blend is what takes your Southern Pea Salad Recipe from good to legendary, marrying all the flavors.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the dressing over the vegetable and cheese mixture. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently fold the dressing throughout, making sure every morsel gets a nice coating. If you’re adding bacon, stir it in now for a smoky finish. Go slow to keep that beautiful pea texture!
Step 5: Chill for Maximum Flavor
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—an hour is even better. This time allows the flavors in your Southern Pea Salad Recipe to meld, making every bite more delicious and refreshing.
How to Serve Southern Pea Salad Recipe
Garnishes
When you’re ready to serve, give your salad a sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh, vivid touch. Not only does the garnish add color, it perks up the flavor and makes your Southern Pea Salad Recipe worthy of a special occasion spread.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs perfectly with all your Southern cookout stars—think fried chicken, baked ham, pulled pork, or even simple grilled hot dogs and burgers. Its cool, creamy crunch is a soothing counter to anything spicy or smoky.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Southern Pea Salad Recipe in individual glass jars or small lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held party snack! Layer it in a trifle dish for a showstopping buffet centerpiece, or stuff it in a tomato or avocado half for a charming lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, lucky you! Store the Southern Pea Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days—just stir gently before serving, as some moisture may collect at the bottom.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, as the peas and dressing can become watery and lose their lovely texture once thawed. Stick to the refrigerator for the best taste and crunch.
Reheating
Southern Pea Salad Recipe is meant to be served chilled, so there’s thankfully no reheating required. In fact, it’s at its delicious best when cold from the fridge! If you like, let it sit out for a few minutes to take the chill off before serving.
FAQs
Can I use fresh or frozen peas instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer, blanch frozen or fresh peas in boiling water for about one minute, then drain and chill before using. This swaps in a slightly firmer, brighter pea flavor for your Southern Pea Salad Recipe.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you’d like a lighter option, replace some or all of the mayo with Greek yogurt or a tangy sour cream. This tweak lightens up the salad while keeping it creamy and satisfying.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors only get better after a few hours in the fridge. Make your Southern Pea Salad Recipe a day ahead and store it covered; just stir gently before serving, and add garnishes last for best texture.
Is this salad gluten-free?
It sure is! All the main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it safe for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac to enjoy a big bowlful of this classic.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Definitely—this salad is versatile! Try tossing in chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced bell pepper, or shredded carrots for extra color and nutrition. You can even experiment with using different cheeses or smoky additions for your own twist on the Southern Pea Salad Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never had a proper Southern Pea Salad Recipe, it’s high time you discover what the fuss is about. Creamy, bright, and savory with a sweet finish, this salad is the very definition of comfort food. Give it a try, share it at your next gathering, and watch it become the talk of the table!
Print
Southern Pea Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Southern Pea Salad recipe is a classic side dish that’s creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a refreshing side on a hot day.
Ingredients
Pea Salad:
- 2 (15 oz) cans sweet peas (drained)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup diced cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup chopped sweet pickles or relish
- 2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix peas, red onion, cheddar, celery, and pickles.
- Prepare Dressing: Whisk together mayo, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Pour dressing over pea mixture, fold gently. Add bacon if desired.
- Chill: Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Garnish with parsley or green onions before serving.
Notes
- Best served cold and can be made a day ahead.
- Use light mayo or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Customize with hard-boiled eggs or shredded cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
