Southern cuisine is filled with comforting, flavorful dishes that bring back memories of family gatherings, potlucks, and Sunday dinners. One dish that stands out among them is the Southern Pea Salad—a creamy, crunchy, and irresistible side dish that has been a staple at Southern tables for generations.
This Southern Pea Salad is simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and easily customizable to fit your taste. Whether you’re making it for a summer barbecue, a holiday feast, or a quick weeknight dinner, this salad will surely be a hit. Let’s dive into what makes this dish special, how to make it, and some delicious variations you can try!
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Why You’ll Love Southern Pea Salad
✅ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal ingredients.
✅ Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners.
✅ Versatile: Easily customizable with different mix-ins and dressings.
✅ Creamy & Crunchy: A delightful combination of textures with every bite.
The History of Southern Pea Salad
This dish has roots in traditional Southern cooking, where simple, wholesome ingredients are combined to create hearty, satisfying meals. Originally, Southern Pea Salad was made using fresh peas from the garden, mixed with a creamy dressing and simple seasonings. Over time, variations have emerged, incorporating ingredients like bacon, cheese, and additional seasonings to enhance the flavor. Today, it remains a beloved dish enjoyed across the South and beyond.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Southern Pea Salad is its simplicity. You only need a few pantry and refrigerator staples to bring this delicious dish to life.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (16-ounce) package frozen sweet peas, thawed (or canned peas, drained)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 4 to 6 slices crispy bacon or 1 cup chopped cooked ham (optional but highly recommended)
- ½ cup chopped green onion (or regular onion)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon celery seeds (or ½ cup chopped celery)
- Dash of cayenne pepper (for a little kick!)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor:
- Tomatoes – Adds freshness and a slight acidity.
- Green pepper – Gives a little crunch and mild spice.
- Pickles or pimentos – Enhances the tangy flavor.
- Water chestnuts – Adds a unique, crisp texture.
- Shredded carrots – Introduces a touch of sweetness and color.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Southern Pea Salad is incredibly easy. Just follow these simple steps:
1️⃣ Prepare the Ingredients: If using frozen peas, let them thaw. If using canned peas, drain them well. Chop the hard-boiled eggs, bacon (or ham), onion, and any additional mix-ins you prefer.
2️⃣ Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the peas, eggs, bacon or ham, onion, cheese, and seasonings.
3️⃣ Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth.
4️⃣ Combine Everything: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently mix until everything is well coated.
5️⃣ Chill & Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Southern Pea Salad
✔️ Use fresh or frozen peas instead of canned for better texture and flavor. ✔️ Let it chill for a couple of hours before serving—it tastes even better when the flavors have had time to meld. ✔️ Don’t overmix the salad, as peas are delicate and can break apart easily. ✔️ Add more crunch with celery, pickles, or water chestnuts. ✔️ Customize your dressing by adding a touch of Dijon mustard or a splash of vinegar for extra tanginess.
Serving Suggestions
Southern Pea Salad is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas:
🍗 With Fried Chicken: The creamy salad balances the crispy, savory chicken.
🥩 Alongside BBQ Ribs: A perfect addition to any barbecue spread.
🐟 With Grilled Fish: Light and refreshing, making it a great summer side.
🍞 As a Sandwich Filler: Spread it between slices of toasted bread for a delicious twist.
🥗 As a Dip: Serve with crackers or pita chips for an easy appetizer.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about Southern Pea Salad is how adaptable it is. Here are a few fun variations to experiment with:
🔹 Bacon Ranch Pea Salad: Add a packet of ranch seasoning for a tangy, herby flavor.
🔹 Creamy Avocado Pea Salad: Mix in mashed avocado for a healthier, creamy texture.
🔹 Spicy Jalapeño Pea Salad: Add chopped jalapeños for a little heat.
🔹 Low-Carb Version: Skip the cheese and use Greek yogurt instead of mayo and sour cream.
🔹 Southern Pea Macaroni Salad: Mix in cooked elbow macaroni for a heartier dish.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sodium: 400mg
(Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make Southern Pea Salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
Q: How long does it last in the fridge?
A: Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I use canned peas?
A: Yes, but fresh or frozen peas will give the best texture and flavor.
Q: Can I make it healthier?
A: Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt and use turkey bacon for a lighter version.
Southern Pea Salad 🥗✨
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Description
Some recipes just bring back memories of family gatherings and warm conversations. This Southern Pea Salad is one of them—creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor! Whether it’s for a holiday table or a simple weeknight dinner, this dish always gets people coming back for seconds. The best part? You can customize it however you like! Try it out and let me know what twist you’d add. 💛
Ingredients
✅ 1 (16-ounce) package frozen sweet peas, thawed (or canned peas)
✅ 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
✅ 4 to 6 slices crispy bacon or 1 cup chopped cooked ham (optional)
✅ ½ cup chopped green onion (or regular onion)
✅ 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
✅ 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
1️⃣ In a large bowl, combine peas, eggs, bacon or ham (or both!), onion, cheese, and seasonings.
2️⃣ Stir in the mayonnaise and sour cream until everything is well coated.
3️⃣ Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors blend.
4️⃣ Serve chilled and enjoy every bite!
Notes
Optional Add-Ins: Tomatoes, green pepper, pickles, pimentos, or water chestnuts for extra crunch!
This creamy, flavorful salad is a must-try! Who’s adding this to their menu? 😋
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8
- Calories: 250-300
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 10g
Final Thoughts
Southern Pea Salad is a classic Southern dish that never disappoints. It’s creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavors that remind us of home-cooked meals shared with loved ones. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, a picnic, or a simple weeknight dinner, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
So, who’s adding Southern Pea Salad to their menu? Let me know in the comments how you like to customize yours! 😋