If you are searching for a delightful dish that brings together bright flavors, satisfying textures, and a touch of Southern charm, this Savory Southern Pea Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a colorful medley that features crisp green peas, hearty bacon crunch, creamy mayo, and the rich notes of cheddar and hard-boiled eggs. This salad strikes the perfect balance of savory and fresh, making it an easy favorite to whip up for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want that comforting taste of the South on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Savory Southern Pea Salad Recipe are simple, yet they each bring a unique element that builds the salad’s unforgettable texture and flavor. From the sweetness of fresh peas to the smokiness of bacon and the creamy touch of mayonnaise, every component plays an essential role.
- 4 cups Frozen Green Peas: Using frozen peas gives you that fresh, tender bite without the mushiness of canned peas—thaw and drain well for best results.
- 2-3 Hard-Boiled Eggs: Chopped finely to distribute their richness evenly throughout the salad.
- 1 cup Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and binds the salad while keeping it luscious; use low-fat mayo if you want a lighter option.
- 4-6 Thick-Cut Bacon Strips: Cooked crisp for that irresistible crunch and smoky flavor that Southern cooking is famous for.
- 1 small Red Onion: Provides a sharp, tangy bite—alternatively, green onions can soften the flavor profile.
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the ingredients and offers a mild sharpness; swap for pepper jack if you prefer a spicy twist.
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors in the salad.
How to Make Savory Southern Pea Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peas
Start by thawing the frozen green peas under cool running water for 3 to 5 minutes. This step ensures they’re perfectly tender but still hold their shape, avoiding the mushy texture canned peas often have. Thoroughly drain them so your salad never gets watery.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Next, cook the thick-cut bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until they are crispy, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. This is a key step because crispy bacon brings that smoky crunch that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the peas and eggs. Once cooked, drain the bacon on paper towels and crumble into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Mix the Base Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the thawed peas, finely chopped hard-boiled eggs, thinly sliced red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Gently fold these together to create a colorful, hearty mix that already looks inviting and promises great balance of textures.
Step 4: Add Creaminess and Seasonings
Stir in the mayonnaise along with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The mayo envelops every ingredient in a creamy coat, while the seasoning brings out the natural flavors and ties everything together.
Step 5: Fold in Bacon and Chill
Carefully fold in most of the crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish on top. Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least one hour. This resting time lets the flavors marry and develop depth so that every bite sings with Southern goodness.
Step 6: Final Touches Before Serving
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to refresh the ingredients and sprinkle the remaining bacon over the top for a lively, crunchy finish that will delight your guests.
How to Serve Savory Southern Pea Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Savory Southern Pea Salad Recipe, garnish it with the reserved crispy bacon crumbles and consider adding a little chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. The visual contrast makes the dish even more inviting and appetizing.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with some classic Southern mains like fried chicken, barbecue ribs, or grilled brisket. It also complements lighter dishes such as grilled fish or roasted vegetables, providing a refreshing contrast that balances heavier flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this pea salad in individual clear glasses or mason jars for picnics or parties. You can also stuff it into avocado halves or even use it as a vibrant filling for sandwiches or wraps. The versatility of this Savory Southern Pea Salad Recipe makes it a great companion for many occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to keep it chilled as the mayo-based dressing needs cool temps to stay fresh and creamy.
Freezing
Because of the mayonnaise and fresh ingredients, freezing this salad is not recommended as it may cause texture changes, especially making the peas and eggs watery or rubbery.
Reheating
This dish is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you want to warm it slightly, just bring it out of the fridge a bit before serving. Reheating in a microwave or on the stove may alter the salad’s texture and should be avoided.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you have fresh garden peas, shell and blanch them quickly before cooling to maintain their bright color and tender bite. This fresh option can make your salad even more vibrant and flavorful.
What’s the best way to hard-boil eggs for this salad?
Place eggs in a pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat and cover the pot for 10-12 minutes. Cool the eggs in ice water before peeling for perfectly cooked yolks that mix well in the salad.
Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon and substitute mayonnaise with a vegan version or a creamy plant-based alternative. For added flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or crispy chickpeas to mimic some of the smoky bacon textures.
What variations can I try with this recipe?
Try swapping cheddar for pepper jack cheese if you like a little spice. Adding diced bell peppers or fresh herbs like dill or basil can bring new layers of flavor. You can also use green onions instead of red onions for a milder bite.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
Preparing the salad the day before serving is ideal. It needs at least one hour to chill and develop flavors but keeping it overnight in the refrigerator makes the taste even better. Just give a gentle stir before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Savory Southern Pea Salad Recipe is truly a gem worth having in your culinary repertoire. Its comforting mix of textures and flavors feels like a warm Southern hug in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved classic at your table just as it is in mine!
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Savory Southern Pea Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
This Savory Southern Pea Salad is a delightful, crunchy, and creamy dish combining tender green peas, crisp bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and hard-boiled eggs all tossed in a mayo-based dressing. Perfect as a side for picnics, barbecues, or any Southern-inspired meal, this salad is easy to prepare and bursting with classic Southern flavors.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups Frozen Green Peas (Do not use canned peas for best results)
- 1 small Red Onion (or green onions for a milder flavor)
Proteins & Dairy
- 2–3 Hard-Boiled Eggs, well chopped
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (or pepper jack for a spicy twist)
- 4–6 strips Thick-Cut Bacon
Condiments & Seasonings
- 1 cup Mayonnaise (low-fat mayo can be used for a lighter version)
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Thaw and Drain Peas: Run cool water over the frozen green peas for 3-5 minutes to thaw them thoroughly. Drain well to remove excess water to prevent watering down the salad.
- Cook the Bacon: Place the thick-cut bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat and cook for 8-10 minutes until crispy. Once done, drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces for a crunchy texture.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the thawed peas, chopped hard-boiled eggs, sliced red onions, and shredded cheddar cheese. Gently fold all the ingredients together to combine evenly.
- Add Dressing and Season: Toss in the mayonnaise along with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir carefully until every ingredient is well coated with the creamy dressing.
- Incorporate Bacon: Fold most of the crumbled bacon into the salad, reserving some for garnish. This adds a savory crunch and smoky flavor throughout the salad.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the salad to chill before serving.
- Serve and Garnish: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir, then sprinkle the reserved crumbled bacon over the top for an attractive and flavorful garnish.
Notes
- Using frozen peas rather than canned ensures a sweeter, fresher pea flavor and better texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute regular mayonnaise with low-fat mayo or Greek yogurt.
- If you prefer a milder onion flavor, swap red onion for green onions.
- Make sure to drain peas thoroughly after thawing to avoid a watery salad.
- This salad keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Serve chilled for the best taste and texture.
