The Best Classic Pea Salad (With Creamy Dressing)

Pea salad is a refreshing and creamy side dish made with sweet peas, mayonnaise, red onion, red pepper, celery, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and fresh dill. This side dish has a delicious and tangy flavor that’s perfect for summer picnics or barbecues.

Pea salad is a classic side dish recipe that brings comfort and flavor to family gatherings and holiday meals. This dish was a staple at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners when I was growing up. And it’s a perfect side dish option for those summer BBQs too!

Made with simple ingredients like peas, bacon, cheese, and a tangy dressing, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone loves.

One of the best things about pea salad is how quick and easy it is to make. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a delicious side dish that’s perfect for potlucks, cookouts, family reunions, baby showers, and more!

Ingredients Needed For Green Pea Salad

• Frozen peas – thawed (fresh peas are great too!)
• Red onion – diced
• Celery – diced
• Red bell pepper – diced
• Sharp cheddar cheese – shredded
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Dried dill
• Apple cider vinegar
• Pink salt and black pepper

​NOTE: Please refer to the handy printable recipe card at the bottom of the post for more recipe details!

How To Make Classic Pea Salad

Getting a pea salad ready is a breeze. You’ll want to start with thawing and prepping the peas, mixing the creamy dressing, and then combining all the ingredients together.

Step 1 – Combine Veggies

In a large bowl, combine the peas, red onion, celery, red bell pepper, and cheddar cheese.

Step 2 – Mix Pea Salad Dressing Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, dill, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 3 – Mix Dressing Into Salad

Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 4 – Refrigerate

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 5 – Garnish And Serve

Before serving your delicious pea salad, garnish with additional fresh dill or extra crispy bacon pieces, if desired. 

Expert Tips

Thawing Peas – I take frozen peas and let them thaw. I like to place them in a colander, letting them drain any excess water. If I’m short on time, running cool water over the peas helps speed up the process.

Dry Peas – Use paper towels if needed. This ensures that the salad doesn’t get watery. The peas should be bright green and firm to the touch.

Serving temperature – I recommend serving it chilled (not room temperature) to enhance the crispness of the peas and the creamy texture of the dressing. Pro tip: Make the salad a few hours ahead and chill it – a cold pea salad offers perfectly melded flavors!

Best type of peas to use – I highly recommend frozen peas or fresh peas. Canned peas don’t have the best flavor or texture for a salad like this.

Easy Pea Salad Variation Ideas

Spices – A dash of paprika not only adds color but a subtle smokiness.

Fresh Herbs – Top fresh pea salad with green onions, fresh parsley, or your favorite fresh herbs.

Bacon – I love mixing in crispy, salty bacon bits because they add a savory element that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the peas!

Cheese – add cubed cheddar or Swiss

Water chestnuts – up the crunch with these delicious bites!

Cherry tomatoes – these add a splash of color and flavor!

Hard-boiled eggs – Dice the eggs and mix them in to add protein. Make sure the eggs are cooked well and are nicely chilled before adding them to the salad.

Lemon juice – add a splash of lemon juice to introduce a bright element!

How To Serve This Creamy Pea Salad Recipe

Old Fashioned pea salad shines as a side dish, especially at family gatherings and cookouts. It pairs nicely with grilled meats.

• Grilled Chicken – A light and flavorful choice.
• Burgers – complements any burger, but is great with my Easy Fajita Burgers
• Flank Steak – Adds a hearty element to your meal.
• Kabobs – It pairs well with any kabobs, and make sure to try them with my Honey Garlic & Pineapple Shrimp Skewers
• Broccoli Salad – Another crunchy and fresh option.
• Side Dishes – Pair it with fruit salad, ambrosia salad, potato salad, cucumber salad, or Hawaiian Macaroni Salad! 
• BBQ Chicken Wings or any other side dish for an easy, yummy BBQ night!

Pea Salad Storage Notes

I always place my pea salad in an airtight container to keep it fresh. This helps prevent any unwanted flavors from the fridge from mingling with the salad.

Refrigerator Storage

The pea salad stores well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure it’s kept cool. Proper storage helps maintain the salad’s crispness and flavor.

Important Tips

• Do not freeze: Freezing pea salad isn’t recommended as it can make the peas and dressing watery when thawed.
• Always give your salad a good stir before serving your leftovers. This ensures that everything is well mixed and tasty.

I find that pea salad actually tastes even better after it’s had a few hours to chill. The flavors blend together perfectly!

Special Variations Of Pea Salad

When making pea salad, there are many different tweaks you can try to suit different dietary needs or preferences.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

For a vegan version, replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo or mashed avocado. Diced tofu or vegan cheese can sub in for the usual cheddar. You can also mix in some nuts or seeds for added protein and texture.

Light and Healthy Alternatives

To make a lighter version of pea salad, try using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Greek yogurt is creamy but lower in fat and calories. It also adds a nice tangy flavor to the salad.

For a healthier twist, you can add more fresh veggies like cucumbers or cherry tomatoes. Including greens like spinach or arugula can also boost the salad’s nutrient content.

More Delicious Side Dishes

• Crispy Garlic Parm Accordion Potatoes (TikTok Viral Recipe)
• Apple Cranberry Coleslaw (Light, Creamy + Healthy)
• Easy Creamy Grape Salad Recipe With Pecans
• Old-Fashioned Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad
• Loaded Cowboy Pasta Salad (Cowboy Caviar Recipe)

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