If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances creamy, savory, and a little bit of smoky, you have to try this Southern Pea Salad with Ham, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe. It’s that delightful combination of tender sweet peas mingling with salty ham, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a luscious dressing that wraps everything in a cool, satisfying embrace. This salad isn’t just a side dish; it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and comfort to any table, especially during family gatherings or summer picnics where everyone is eager for that taste of Southern hospitality.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for this Southern Pea Salad with Ham, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe is easy and straightforward. Each component plays an essential role in building layers of texture and flavor—from the sweetness of the peas to the creamy richness of the dressing.
- Frozen sweet peas (2 x 16oz packages): Thawed peas provide the vibrant, tender base with a natural sweetness that makes this salad so refreshing.
- Cubed ham (3/4 cup): Adds a savory, meaty bite that complements the softness of the peas perfectly.
- Bacon crumbles (½ cup): Crispy, smoky crunch that brings incredible depth and texture.
- Green onions (4-5, chopped): Offers a sharp, fresh bite that brightens up the entire dish.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 ¼ cups): Creamy, sharp, and packed with flavor, this cheese melts lightly into the mix.
- Mayonnaise (2/3 cup): A rich base for the dressing that ties all the flavors together with smoothness.
- Sour cream (8 oz): Adds creaminess and a subtle tang that lifts the salad’s taste.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses a gentle garlicky warmth throughout the dressing.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the salad.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a mild heat and complexity.
- Cayenne pepper (dash, optional): A little kick that’s perfect if you love a hint of spice.
How to Make Southern Pea Salad with Ham, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by tossing together the thawed sweet peas, cubed ham, crispy bacon crumbles, freshly chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese in a large mixing bowl. This combination forms the hearty, colorful foundation of your salad—make sure everything is evenly distributed to guarantee each bite delivers a bit of every delicious element.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and an optional dash of cayenne for a subtle spicy note. This dressing is what brings it all together, giving the salad a velvety richness that complements the fresh and smoky components in perfect harmony.
Step 3: Mix and Chill
Pour the dressing over your combined ingredients and gently mix until the salad is evenly coated. The dressing should cling to every pea, piece of ham, and crumble of bacon, unifying the flavors and textures beautifully. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. This resting time lets the flavors meld and enhances the creaminess.
How to Serve Southern Pea Salad with Ham, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and texture, sprinkle some extra crispy bacon crumbles or a few chopped green onions on top just before serving. A light dusting of paprika can also add a splash of color and subtle smoky aroma that perfectly complements the salad’s Southern charm.
Side Dishes
This Southern Pea Salad with Ham, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, or even a simple crusty bread. It’s a stalwart at potlucks and picnic tables, where it balances rich mains with its fresh yet creamy profile, making every meal feel like a special occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the salad in a clear glass bowl for an eye-catching effect that reveals all those vibrant colors and textures. For individual servings, spoon it into small mason jars or hollowed-out bell peppers to add a fun twist. This salad also stuffs beautifully into pita pockets for a handheld treat that’s sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once prepared, this Southern Pea Salad with Ham, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Its flavors actually deepen with a little time, so leftovers often taste even better the next day. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to recombine any separated dressing.
Freezing
Because of the creamy dressing and fresh ingredients, freezing is not recommended. The texture of the peas and dairy-based dressing could suffer and become watery or grainy after thawing, which would detract from that wonderful cohesive flavor and silky mouthfeel.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold, so reheating is not necessary or advised. If your salad has been chilled for storage, simply take it out of the fridge and let it sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to take the chill off before serving.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen sweet peas?
Absolutely! Fresh peas will add a bright, sweet crunch, but make sure to blanch them briefly to soften their texture and keep that lovely green color before mixing into the salad.
Is there a way to make this salad lighter?
Yes, you can swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or use a light sour cream alternative. This will reduce the richness while keeping that creamy texture the salad is known for.
What can I substitute for the ham for a vegetarian version?
Consider using smoked tofu cubes or roasted chickpeas for a similar smoky and hearty bite without the meat.
How spicy should I make the salad with cayenne pepper?
Start with just a dash or omit entirely if you’re sensitive to heat. The cayenne is only there to add a subtle kick, not overpower the other flavors.
Can I prepare this salad the day before a party?
Definitely! In fact, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to marry beautifully. Just be sure to keep it covered and chilled until serving.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Pea Salad with Ham, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of comforting, hearty flavors with a fresh twist. Whether you’re hosting a potluck, looking for the perfect picnic addition, or simply craving a taste of the South, this salad is bound to become a new favorite. Give it a try and watch it disappear fast from the serving bowl!
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
Description
This Southern Pea Salad is a creamy and flavorful side dish perfect for gatherings and potlucks. Featuring sweet peas, smoky ham and bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a tangy dressing with mayo and sour cream, this salad combines savory and fresh flavors with a hint of spice. Easy to prepare and best served chilled, it’s a delightful complement to any Southern-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 (16oz) packages frozen sweet peas, thawed
- 3/4 cup cubed ham
- ½ cup bacon crumbles
- 4–5 green onions, chopped
- 1 ¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Dressing Ingredients
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 8 oz sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- ½ 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 mix these ingredients to evenly distribute them.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Coat Salad: Spoon the prepared dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to chill properly for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Make sure peas are fully thawed to prevent excess water in the salad.
- For a vegetarian version, omit ham and bacon and consider adding smoked paprika for flavor.
- You can prepare the salad a day ahead to enhance the flavors.
- The cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted according to your desired spice level.
- If preferred, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce fat content.
