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
Scale
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.
