When it comes to Southern comfort food, simplicity meets heartiness in the most delightful way. This Classic Southern Pea Salad is a nostalgic favorite that has graced picnic tables, family reunions, church potlucks, and backyard barbecues across the South for generations. It’s creamy, savory, tangy, and just the right amount of crunchy—and it only takes minutes to make.

This easy side dish is a great go-to for cooks of all skill levels. Whether you’re whipping up a last-minute addition to a summer cookout or preparing your menu for a holiday gathering, this salad delivers comfort and charm in every bite.

Let’s dive into what makes this dish a Southern staple and how you can make it your own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Classic Southern Pea Salad is perfect for:

Busy weeknight cooks who want a fast, no-cook dish.
Southern food lovers looking to recreate a nostalgic favorite.
Potluck hosts who need a crowd-pleasing side dish.
Beginner cooks looking for an easy and forgiving recipe.

It combines frozen (or canned) sweet peas with savory bacon, creamy dressing, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of spice to create a refreshing yet hearty salad. Plus, it’s flexible—swap ingredients, add extra heat, or make it vegetarian.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need for this delightful side dish:

1 (16-ounce) package of frozen sweet peas, thawed (or canned peas, drained)
2 eggs, hard-boiled and chopped
4 to 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled (or substitute 1 cup chopped cooked ham)
1/2 cup chopped green onions (or substitute regular onions)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon celery seeds (or 1/2 cup chopped celery)
A sprinkle of cayenne pepper
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream

Kitchen Equipment Needed

This recipe doesn’t require any fancy tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

Large mixing bowl
Small bowl (for dressing)
Measuring spoons and cups
Mixing spoon or spatula
Knife and cutting board
Small saucepan (for boiling eggs, if needed)
Skillet (for cooking bacon, unless using pre-cooked)

How to Make Classic Southern Pea Salad

1. Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the thawed sweet peas, chopped hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon (or chopped ham), green onions, and shredded cheese.

2. Season the Salad

Sprinkle in the black pepper, salt, garlic powder, celery seeds or chopped celery, and a light dash of cayenne pepper. Stir gently to distribute evenly.

3. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise and sour cream together until smooth and creamy.

4. Dress and Toss

Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and gently stir until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the peas.

5. Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour. This helps the flavors meld together for a well-rounded taste.

Flavor Notes & Tips

Pea perfection: Don’t over-thaw or microwave the peas. Room-temperature thawing is best for texture.
Cheese choice: While sharp cheddar is traditional, feel free to use pepper jack for a spicy kick or smoked gouda for depth.
Bacon bits: For convenience, store-bought bacon crumbles work, but freshly cooked bacon gives a better crunch and flavor.
Egg tip: Use eggs that are a few days old—they peel more easily after boiling.

Variations & Ingredient Swaps

This Southern Pea Salad is incredibly versatile. Customize it to match your dietary needs or taste preferences:

Make It Vegetarian:

Omit the bacon or ham.
Add chopped roasted red peppers or diced pickles for extra bite.

Add More Crunch:

Toss in sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts.
Include a handful of diced red bell pepper.

Spice It Up:

Add more cayenne or a squirt of hot sauce in the dressing.
Toss in some diced jalapeños or banana peppers.

Lighten It Up:

Use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Try a light mayo or avocado-based mayo.

What to Serve with Southern Pea Salad

This dish pairs beautifully with classic Southern or summer fare:

Barbecue meats like pulled pork, ribs, or grilled chicken
Fried or baked fish
Roast turkey or ham for holiday meals
Sandwiches and burgers
Fresh cornbread or biscuits on the side

It’s also a great addition to buffet-style meals or picnic spreads alongside potato salad, coleslaw, and deviled eggs.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

How to Store Leftovers:

Place the pea salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Stir gently before re-serving, as some separation may occur.

Can You Make It Ahead?

Absolutely! In fact, this salad tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop. Make it the night before your event for optimal taste and convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use canned peas instead of frozen?

Yes! Just make sure to drain and rinse them well. Note that canned peas are softer, so stir gently to avoid breaking them.

Is this dish keto or low-carb?

Not quite—peas contain natural sugars and carbs. You can reduce the portion size or explore lower-carb substitutions like chopped broccoli or cauliflower florets.

Can I freeze this salad?

Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy dressing may separate, and the peas can become mushy when thawed.

Can I use Miracle Whip instead of mayo?

You can, but keep in mind Miracle Whip is sweeter and tangier than mayo. Adjust seasonings to balance the flavors.

What if I don’t like sour cream?

Swap it with plain Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier, protein-rich version.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Southern Pea Salad is a simple yet sensational dish that’s stood the test of time for good reason. With its creamy texture, bursts of salty bacon, zesty seasoning, and the mild sweetness of peas, it’s the kind of recipe that makes memories around the table.

Whether you’re serving it up at a summer cookout or adding it to your holiday menu, it brings color, comfort, and a taste of Southern tradition to every bite.

Share the Love

Did you try this recipe and fall in love with it? Share it with your friends and family, pin it for later, and subscribe to the blog for more crowd-pleasing Southern favorites, easy side dishes, and flavor-packed classics.

Happy cooking, and don’t forget—food tastes better when it’s shared.

Classic Southern Pea Salad

Classic Southern Pea Salad: A Creamy, Crunchy Crowd-Pleaser