Classic Southern Pea Salad: A Timeless Favorite for Every Gathering
There are some dishes that never go out of style—recipes passed down from family to family, shared at holidays, picnics, and Sunday suppers. Classic Southern Pea Salad is one of those beloved staples. It’s creamy, colorful, and delightfully simple, built on humble ingredients that come together to create something truly special. If you grew up in the South, chances are you’ve seen this salad on nearly every family reunion table. If not, you’re in for a treat!
This dish is the kind of recipe that proves comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With sweet peas, savory bacon, creamy dressing, and a gentle kick of cayenne, every bite delivers flavor and nostalgia. It works beautifully as a side dish for potlucks, cookouts, or holiday meals—and it’s especially popular during warmer months when cold salads take center stage. Best of all, it takes just a few minutes to prepare, and the ingredients are flexible enough to customize to your liking.
Whether you’re introducing this recipe to your readers for the first time or reminding them of a forgotten classic, this pea salad will bring smiles to the table. Let’s dive into the ingredients, the simple steps, and why this salad deserves a spot in your regular recipe rotation.
Classic Southern Pea Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 (16-ounce) package of frozen sweet peas, thawed (canned peas work too)
- 2 eggs, hard-boiled and chopped
- 4 to 6 slices of bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled (or 1 cup of cooked and chopped ham, optional)
- 1/2 cup of chopped green onions (substitute with regular onions if preferred)
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (feel free to use your favorite cheese)
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of celery seeds (or 1/2 cup of chopped celery)
- A sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
Directions:
1. Combine the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, mix the thawed sweet peas, chopped hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon or chopped ham (if using), chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
2. Season:
Sprinkle in the black pepper, salt, garlic powder, celery seeds (or chopped celery), and a dash of cayenne. Stir thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
3. Dress It Up:
In another bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and sour cream until they form a smooth mixture. Pour this dressing over the pea mixture and gently stir to coat all the ingredients.
4. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving. This time allows the flavors to blend together wonderfully.
5. Enjoy:
Serve this Classic Southern Pea Salad as a refreshing side dish at your next barbecue or family gathering. It’s a simple yet satisfying recipe that’s bound to become a new favorite!
Why This Salad Works
This recipe shines because it balances both texture and flavor. The peas stay firm and sweet, the eggs add richness, and the bacon provides smoky depth. The creamy dressing ties everything together without being too heavy. A hint of cayenne brings it all to life with a subtle heat that doesn’t overpower.
You can also easily customize this dish. Swap the bacon for ham, use sharp cheddar instead of mild, or add a little extra cayenne if you like a kick. It’s also a great make-ahead dish, as the flavors deepen beautifully after chilling.
Perfect Pairings
Classic Southern Pea Salad makes a refreshing companion to:
- Grilled chicken or pork chops
- Fried chicken
- Barbecue ribs or pulled pork
- Burgers and hot dogs
- Holiday ham or turkey
It’s also an excellent potluck dish because it transports well, feeds a crowd, and is universally loved.
