There’s something so comforting about a bowl of cold pea salad waiting in the fridge. It’s the kind of dish that feels like family reunions, sunny potlucks, and those easy moments when you don’t have to fuss over anything just scoop, smile, and enjoy.
This pea salad is creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory all at once. The dressing comes together in seconds, hugging every bright green pea and tucking itself around the bacon, cheese, and little pops of red onion. It’s simple, nostalgic, and the kind of recipe you’ll make on repeat because it just feels good.
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a backyard cookout, or just a snack straight from the fridge (no judgment here), this salad brings that cozy, familiar comfort every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Creamy Dressing
Just a few whisk-together ingredients that taste like home:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon seasoned salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
The Salad
Fresh, crunchy, and perfectly simple:
- 1 (16 oz) bag frozen peas, thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 6 pieces bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
How to Make It
Mix the Cozy Dressing
Stir together the mayo, sour cream, sugar, seasoned salt, and black pepper in a big bowl. It turns creamy and silky right away, like the base of every old-school potluck classic.
Add the Good Stuff
Pour in the peas, shredded cheese, bacon crumbles, and diced red onion. Toss everything gently so the dressing hugs each pea without smashing them.
Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and let it rest in the fridge. As it chills, the flavors settle in together the perfect little marriage of creamy, salty, sweet, and smoky.
Pea Salad
Equipment
- large mixing bowl
- Spoon or Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 16 oz frozen peas, thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 6 pieces bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, seasoned salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the peas, shredded cheese, bacon crumbles, and diced red onion. Toss to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Cozy Tips & Serving Ideas
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon for a little brightness.
- Swap the shredded cheese for cubes if you like a chunkier bite.
- Cook the bacon extra crispy for the best crunch against the creamy peas.
- Stir in chopped dill pickles for a tangy twist.
- Serve it alongside grilled chicken or burgers for the easiest summer dinner.
A Cozy Final Thought
There’s magic in simple recipes like this those dishes we can toss together without thinking but still feel proud to serve. Save this pea salad for warm days, busy days, or any day that needs a little comfort.