Classic Southern Pea Salad

Classic Southern Pea Salad is a beloved dish that brings together the comforting flavors of Southern cuisine in a simple, easy-to-make salad. Often enjoyed at gatherings, picnics, and potlucks, this dish is made with a base of sweet peas, hard-boiled eggs, crispy bacon or ham, and a creamy dressing of mayonnaise and sour cream, all seasoned with classic spices like garlic powder and celery seeds. It’s a refreshing yet hearty salad, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors, from the crispness of the bacon to the smoothness of the dressing, making it a timeless addition to any meal. The history of Southern Pea Salad can be traced back to the Southern United States, where peas have long been a staple ingredient in Southern cuisine. Known for their versatility and ease of cultivation, peas have been used in many traditional dishes. Over the years, Southern Pea Salad became a popular side dish, often found alongside other Southern comfort foods like fried chicken, cornbread, and mashed potatoes. The dish’s simplicity and ability to be made ahead of time made it a favorite for gatherings and family meals. This salad reflects the resourceful and flavorful nature of Southern cooking, making use of pantry staples and seasonal ingredients. Today, the recipe remains a classic in Southern households and is enjoyed by people of all backgrounds. Whether served as a side dish or as part of a larger meal, it continues to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients Breakdown

The ingredients for Classic Southern Pea Salad are simple, yet each one adds its own unique flavor and texture. Frozen sweet peas are the base of the salad, providing a burst of sweetness and color. The addition of hard-boiled eggs brings a creamy texture and protein, making the salad more filling. Bacon or ham (or both) add a savory, salty crunch, while green onion contributes a mild sharpness that balances the other ingredients. Shredded cheddar cheese not only enhances the flavor but also adds richness. Seasoning is key in this dish, with black pepper, salt, garlic powder, celery seeds (or chopped celery), and a dash of cayenne offering the perfect blend of savory and spice. Finally, the dressing, made with mayonnaise and sour cream, brings it all together in a creamy, tangy coating that binds the ingredients while keeping them fresh and vibrant.

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Prepare the Ingredients – Thaw the peas (microwaving and draining works well), chop the hard-boiled eggs, crumble the bacon (or chop the ham), and dice the green onion.
2. Combine the Salad – In a large salad bowl, add the thawed peas, chopped eggs, bacon or ham (or both), green onion, shredded cheese, and seasonings (black pepper, salt, garlic powder, celery seeds or chopped celery, and cayenne).
3. Make the Dressing – In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and sour cream.
4. Mix the Salad – Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss to combine everything evenly.
5. Chill – Refrigerate the salad for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve – Once chilled, serve the salad as a side dish, and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Classic Southern Pea Salad

For the best flavor, be sure to use high-quality ingredients. Make sure the peas are well-thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture. When adding the bacon or ham, ensure it’s crispy or well-cooked to add a satisfying crunch. If you like a little extra flavor, consider adding a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to the dressing. To prevent the salad from becoming too dry, you can adjust the amount of mayonnaise and sour cream to suit your preference. If you prefer a bit more heat, add an extra dash of cayenne or a few chopped jalapeños for some spice.

Variations and Customizations

While the Classic Southern Pea Salad is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it. Add tomatoes, green bell peppers, or cucumbers for extra crunch and freshness. If you prefer a tangy twist, try incorporating pickles or relish into the salad. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as gouda or mozzarella, or add other proteins like grilled chicken or turkey bacon. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream, or use a lighter mayo option. The beauty of this salad lies in its flexibility, so feel free to adapt it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

Classic Southern Pea Salad, while a rich and flavorful dish, can also be a source of valuable nutrients. Sweet peas are a great source of fiber, protein, and essential vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin C, and folate, supporting healthy digestion, skin, and immune function. The hard-boiled eggs provide protein and healthy fats, while the bacon or ham adds a savory flavor. However, the dressing, made with mayonnaise and sour cream, is higher in calories and fat, so if you’re looking for a lighter version, consider reducing the amount of dressing or opting for healthier alternatives like Greek yogurt or light mayo. Despite its rich ingredients, this salad can be a good source of protein and vitamins when enjoyed in moderation, especially as part of a balanced meal.

FAQ

Can I use canned peas instead of frozen? Yes, canned peas can be used instead of frozen peas. Just be sure to drain them well before adding them to the salad.
How long can this salad be stored? Classic Southern Pea Salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. For the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to eat it within that time frame.
Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, this salad actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours or even overnight in the refrigerator, as the flavors have time to meld together.
Can I add more vegetables? Absolutely! You can add additional vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, or cucumbers to customize the salad to your liking.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians? You can make the salad vegetarian by omitting the bacon or ham and using a plant-based protein or adding extra cheese for flavor.

Classic Southern Pea Salad

Classic Southern Pea Salad is a creamy, savory dish made with sweet peas, hard-boiled eggs, crispy bacon or ham, and a tangy dressing. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing side dish that can be enjoyed at any gathering or as a tasty addition to any meal.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

• 1 16- ounce package of frozen sweet peas thawed and uncooked (canned peas can be used as an alternative)
• 2 hard-boiled eggs chopped
• 4 to 6 slices of cooked crispy bacon, crumbled (or 1 cup cooked and chopped ham, optional)
• ½ cup chopped green onion regular onion can be used
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese any type of cheese can be used
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon celery seeds or ½ cup chopped celery
• Dash of cayenne pepper
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream

Instructions

 

• In a salad bowl, combine the thawed, uncooked peas (I usually thaw them in the microwave and drain), eggs, bacon or ham (or both), onion, cheese, pepper, salt, garlic powder, celery seeds or celery, and cayenne. Stir in the mayonnaise and sour cream. Refrigerate for a couple of hours. This recipe makes 6 to 8 servings.

Notes

Feel free to add tomatoes, green pepper, dill or sweet pickles, pimentos, or water chestnuts to this salad. It’s a versatile recipe that allows you to get creative and tailor it to your preferences. While we enjoy the version above, I personally like to include both bacon and ham in my salad.