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Southern Pea Salad Recipe

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4.4 from 12 reviews

Southern Pea Salad is a creamy, flavorful side dish featuring tender peas, savory bacon or ham, sharp cheddar cheese, and a tangy mayonnaise and sour cream dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a refreshing complement to any meal, this salad combines a delightful mix of textures and classic Southern spices for a crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients

Main Items

  • 1 package (16 ounces) frozen peas, thawed or canned
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped up
  • 4 to 6 strips cooked bacon, crumbled or 1 cup chopped cooked ham
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions or regular onions
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or any preferred cheese

Spices

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds or 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • A pinch of cayenne pepper

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Instructions

  1. Combine ingredients: Grab a big bowl and toss together the peas, chopped eggs, bacon or ham, green onions, and shredded cheese.
  2. Add spices: Throw in the black pepper, salt, garlic powder, celery seeds or chopped celery, and cayenne pepper. Stir all that well so the flavors get mixed good.
  3. Prepare dressing: In a separate bowl, blend the mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth. Pour this on top of the pea mixture and fold gently so everything gets evenly coated.
  4. Chill the salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together nicely before serving.

Notes

  • Use canned peas if frozen peas are unavailable, but drain well before using.
  • Substitute ham with bacon or vice versa depending on preference or dietary restrictions.
  • For a lighter version, use low-fat mayonnaise and sour cream.
  • Celery seeds add a subtle crunch and flavor; if unavailable, finely chopped celery is a great substitute.
  • The salad tastes even better if made the day before serving to enhance flavor development.

Find it online: https://dishesbydiana.com/southern-pea-salad-recipe/