Table of Contents
Classic Southern Pea Salad brings cool, creamy comfort with a crunchy snap in every bite. Tender peas tumble with crisp celery, sharp cheddar, and a silky dressing that leans tangy, never heavy. A sprinkle of fresh dill and a whisper of mustard wake up the flavors, while a little bacon (optional) adds a savory wink. It’s the kind of crowd-pleasing bowl that disappears fast at potlucks and makes weeknight dinners feel effortless.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Balanced texture: creamy dressing meets crisp veggies for a forkful that never feels flat.
- Pantry-friendly build: most components are simple staples you might already have on hand.
- Bright, tangy lift that keeps Classic Southern Pea Salad light, fresh, and satisfying.
- Make-ahead magic—flavors meld beautifully after a short chill for even better results.
- Easy to customize with swaps like turkey bacon, Greek yogurt, or extra herbs.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Side Dish |
| Cuisine: | Southern, Classic |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 10 minutes (for bacon/eggs, optional) |
| Total Time: | 25 minutes |
| Dietary: | Gluten-Free |
| Serves: | 6 |
| Best Served: | Cold |
Ingredients – Classic Southern Pea Salad
- Frozen peas – tender, sweet base; thawed (learn about peas).
- Hard-boiled eggs – richness and satisfying protein.
- Sharp cheddar – bold, tangy bite in small cubes.
- Bacon (optional) – smoky crunch; pan-crisped and finely chopped.
- Celery – clean crunch and freshness (see celery).
- Red onion – sweet bite; finely minced.
- Dill pickles – briny pop that brightens every spoonful.
- Mayonnaise – creamy backbone (more on mayonnaise).
- Greek yogurt – lightens texture and adds tang with extra protein.
- Dijon mustard – subtle heat and depth (what is mustard?).
- Apple cider vinegar – bright acidity that keeps Classic Southern Pea Salad lively.
- Fresh dill – herbaceous lift; finely chopped.
- Kosher salt & black pepper – to balance and sharpen flavors.
Classic Southern Pea Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Thaw peas under cool water in a colander. Drain very well and pat dry.
- Cook bacon until crisp, then drain and chop. Set aside.
- Chop eggs, cheddar, celery, onion, and pickles into small, uniform pieces.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayo, yogurt, mustard, vinegar, dill, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Fold peas, bacon, cheese, celery, onion, and pickles into the dressing gently to avoid mashing the peas.
- Cover and chill for 30 to 60 minutes before serving for best flavor.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with extra dill or a dash of paprika if desired.
Notes
How to Make the Recipe
Think cool, creamy, and gently tangy—this quick mix comes together in minutes once your components are chopped and ready.
Step 1: Prep the base
Thaw peas in a colander under cool water; drain very well and pat dry so the dressing clings instead of watering down.
Step 2: Crisp for texture
Cook bacon until shatter-crisp; drain on paper towels and chop. If skipping bacon, toast a handful of chopped almonds for crunch.
Step 3: Chop for balance
Dice celery and cheddar, mince red onion, and chop dill pickles small so every bite gets a little of everything.
Step 4: Whisk the dressing
Stir together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon, apple cider vinegar, dill, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until smooth.
Step 5: Fold the Salad
Add peas, bacon, cheddar, celery, onion, and pickles to the bowl; gently fold to coat without smashing the peas.
Step 6: Chill the Salad
Cover and refrigerate 30–60 minutes to let flavors marry and the dressing set slightly.
Step 7: Finish the Salad
Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar; top with extra dill or a pinch of paprika before serving.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Dry matters: well-drained peas keep the dressing thick and luxurious.
- Softer onion: soak minced red onion in water 10 minutes, then pat dry for a gentler bite.
- Half-mayo blend: equal parts mayo and yogurt stay creamy with a bright finish.
- Sharp cheddar wins: small cubes beat shreds for pops of flavor and tidy texture.
- Season late: chill first, then re-season—cold temp mutes flavors, so adjust right before serving.
How to Serve Classic Southern Pea Salad
Bring Classic Southern Pea Salad out cold and pair it with simple mains to let its creamy-tangy personality shine.
- With grilled chicken or fish
- Alongside BBQ ribs or pulled pork
- In lettuce cups for a picnic-ready bite
- With buttery crackers as a hearty dip
- Over mixed greens for a quick lunch
- Next to baked potatoes (or stuffed inside!)
- With hot cornbread for hot–cold contrast
- In a sandwich wrap with extra greens
- On a party board with pickles and cheeses
- Beside roasted turkey or ham on holidays
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
• Store in an airtight container up to 3 days; stir before serving.
• If watery, fold in a spoon of yogurt to refresh body.
• Keep crunchy add-ins (nuts, extra bacon) separate until serving.
• Taste and re-season after chilling—cold dulls acidity and salt.
Freezing
• Not recommended; the creamy dressing can split after thawing.
• If you must, freeze the pea/veg/cheese mix only, undressed, up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge and pat dry before dressing.
• Add fresh herbs and dressing just before serving.
Reheating
• Serve cold or cool—no heating needed for Classic Southern Pea Salad.
• To take the chill off, rest 10 minutes at room temp.
• If bacon lost its crunch, add a freshly crisped sprinkle on top.
• Revive flavor with a squeeze of lemon or splash of vinegar.
FAQs
What are the health benefits of Classic Southern Pea Salad main ingredients?
Peas provide fiber that supports fullness and digestion (fiber), while eggs and yogurt contribute quality protein and nutrients. The herb dill adds aroma with minimal calories.
Can I substitute a major ingredient in Classic Southern Pea Salad?
Yes—use turkey bacon or toasted almonds for crunch, swap cheddar for Colby-Jack, try scallions instead of red onion, and replace some mayo with more yogurt for a lighter profile.
How can I add flavor without extra calories to Classic Southern Pea Salad?
Lean on fresh dill, parsley, and chives, add acidity with vinegar or lemon, and include mustard for depth. Herbs and acids boost taste without relying on extra fat or sugar.
Can I meal prep Classic Southern Pea Salad?
Absolutely. Mix the dressing and chop components 1–2 days ahead, store separately, then combine day-of. Add crunchy toppings right before serving to maintain texture.
Final Thoughts
Classic Southern Pea Salad is a cool, creamy staple that instantly upgrades potlucks and weeknights alike. With simple ingredients and smart technique, it turns into something special—fresh, tangy, and satisfyingly crisp. Make it once and you’ll keep a batch chilling in the fridge for easy sides and quick lunches. Stir, taste, and enjoy how effortlessly delicious home cooking can be.
