Easy Pea Salad
A creamy, flavorful pea salad with eggs, cheese, and bacon bits, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a hearty side dish for family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.
- Transfer to a serving bowl of your choice.
- Refrigerate until chilled and ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can substitute Greek yogurt for some of the sour cream. If you're looking for a lighter option, consider using low-fat mayonnaise. Feel free to add diced bell peppers or celery for extra crunch. Adjust the amount of bacon bits based on your preference for saltiness. This salad can also be made ahead of time, making it perfect for gatherings or to pair with dishes like Christmas Rock Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Easy Pea Salad chilled as a refreshing side dish at barbecues or potlucks. It pairs well with grilled meats or alongside a light pasta dish. For a more vibrant presentation, garnish with fresh herbs like dill or parsley. This salad is a perfect complement to summer picnics or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the salad fresh, try to avoid adding bacon bits until serving time. If you need to reheat, do so gently on low heat, but it's best enjoyed cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Pea Salad contains roughly 928 calories, with 18g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (45% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1096mg per serving (48% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad can be prepared a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and add any crunchy toppings, like bacon bits, right before serving to maintain their texture.
What can I use instead of hard-boiled eggs?
If you want to skip the eggs, you can increase the amount of cheese for added creaminess, or substitute diced avocado for a similar texture. Keep in mind that this will alter the flavor profile slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Easy Pea Salad can be made vegetarian by omitting the bacon bits or using plant-based alternatives like Bac*Os. It's a great option for vegetarian recipes and still delivers on flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).