If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, loaded with hearty ingredients, and offers the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory, you have to try this Southern Pea Salad with Ham, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe. It’s a classic Southern favorite that brings together sweet peas, smoky ham, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a tangy, creamy dressing that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re at a family barbecue, potluck, or just want a satisfying side, this salad is a total crowd-pleaser that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Southern Pea Salad with Ham, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe calls for simple, straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of texture and flavor. From the sweetness of peas to the sharpness of cheddar and the smoky saltiness of bacon and ham, every component shines through, making the salad unforgettable.
- Frozen sweet peas (2 packages, 16oz each): Thawed peas bring a vibrant color and naturally sweet crunch to the salad.
- Cubed ham (3/4 cup): Adds savory depth and a hearty bite perfect for this Southern staple.
- Bacon crumbles (1/2 cup): Crispy bacon delivers smoky flavor and delightful texture contrast.
- Green onions (4-5, chopped): Fresh green onions provide a mild oniony zest and bright green color.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/4 cups): Sharp cheddar enriches the salad with creamy, melty taste and a beautiful golden hue.
- Mayo (2/3 cup): Creates a luscious base for the dressing, balancing the flavors.
- Sour cream (8 oz): Adds tanginess and a smooth, creamy texture to the dressing.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Infuses subtle warmth and depth to the creamy dressing.
- Salt (1/2 tsp) & black pepper (1/2 tsp): Essential seasonings that perfectly enhance every ingredient.
- Dash of cayenne pepper (optional): For a gentle kick of heat that wakes up the palate.
How to Make Southern Pea Salad with Ham, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by taking a large mixing bowl and adding the thawed sweet peas, cubed ham, crispy bacon crumbles, chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese. Gently toss them together to evenly distribute all these mouthwatering ingredients before the dressing is added. This step sets the foundation for your salad’s irresistible flavor and delightful texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and a dash of cayenne pepper if you’re feeling adventurous. The combination of creamy mayo and tangy sour cream creates a luscious coating that brings all the savory flavors together, with a touch of warmth from the spices. This dressing is the magic behind the salad’s signature taste.
Step 3: Coat the Salad
Pour the prepared dressing over the bowl of mixed peas, ham, bacon, onions, and cheddar. Use a large spoon to fold everything together until every bite is generously coated. This ensures that every forkful delivers that smooth, creamy tang alongside bursts of sweet peas and smoky meat. Once mixed, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour. Chilling lets the flavors meld beautifully and the salad firm up just right.
How to Serve Southern Pea Salad with Ham, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra bacon crumbles or a handful of chopped fresh parsley right before serving to add a pop of texture and color. You can also add a few extra green onion slices on top for crunch and a fresh fragrance that invites everyone to the table.
Side Dishes
This Southern Pea Salad with Ham, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, or even fried catfish for a full Southern feast. It’s the perfect cool, creamy counterpoint to spicy or smoky mains and makes picnics and potlucks extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bowl! Serve this salad layered in clear glass jars for grab-and-go lunches, or scoop it onto crunchy lettuce leaves for an elegant appetizer. For a festive touch, use mini bell peppers halved as edible cups filled with the salad—guests will love this fun presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After serving, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This salad holds up wonderfully for up to 3 days, and the flavors often intensify and improve after sitting for a bit, making your next meal just as delicious.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this Southern Pea Salad with Ham, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe because the creamy dressing may separate and the texture of peas can change. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
Since this salad is meant to be served cold, reheating isn’t necessary or advised. If you want a warm option, consider serving alongside a hot entree instead.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh peas can work beautifully, especially when they’re in season and naturally sweet. Just blanch them briefly to keep that perfect tender-crisp texture.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This Southern Pea Salad with Ham, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe is fantastic for meal prep since it tastes great after sitting overnight and keeps well for a couple of days.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the ham and bacon, and consider adding in extra cheese or some toasted nuts for crunch and flavor.
What can I substitute for mayo?
You can use Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative to mayo, which will add tanginess and creaminess while keeping the dressing delicious.
How spicy is this salad with cayenne?
The dash of cayenne pepper adds just a gentle warmth without overpowering the other flavors. You can easily leave it out if you prefer a milder dish.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made a Southern Pea Salad with Ham, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe before, you’re in for a real treat! It’s a delightful mix of flavors and textures that feels like a warm Southern hug on your plate. Give it a try for your next gathering or weeknight meal—you might just find yourself making it again and again.
Print
Southern Pea Salad with Ham, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
A creamy, flavorful Southern Pea Salad combining sweet peas, ham, bacon, green onions, and cheddar cheese, all tossed in a tangy mayo and sour cream dressing with garlic and spices. Perfect as a refreshing side dish for picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 (16 oz) packages frozen sweet peas, thawed
- 3/4 cup cubed ham
- 1/2 cup bacon crumbles
- 4–5 green onions, chopped
- 1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Dressing
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 8 oz sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Dash cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the thawed sweet peas, cubed ham, bacon crumbles, chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese, gently mixing to combine all the salad components evenly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and dash of cayenne pepper (if using) until smooth and well blended.
- Coat Salad: Spoon the prepared dressing over the combined salad ingredients and mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
- Chill Salad: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together and to serve it chilled for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- This salad is best served chilled for a refreshing taste.
- Use fresh green onions for a mild onion flavor.
- You can substitute smoked ham for cubed ham for a smokier flavor.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level or omit it for a milder salad.
- Make ahead up to one day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator.
- For a lighter version, you can use low-fat sour cream and mayo alternatives.
