Name: Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup sour cream; 3 Tbsp mayonnaise; 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice; 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley; 1 Tbsp minced fresh chives; 1 Tbsp chopped fresh dill; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; Salt and black pepper to taste; 4 cups frozen petite peas, thawed; 8 oz bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped; 4 oz medium cheddar cheese, cut into tiny cubes or shredded; 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 17 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a side dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture, then you absolutely need to try this Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheese Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels both fresh and indulgent at the same time—perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or just adding a little wow factor to your weeknight dinner table. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll quickly become a favorite go-to that everyone raves about!

Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy yet Fresh: The dressing perfectly balances rich sour cream and mayo with bright lemon juice and fresh herbs for a salad that’s creamy without feeling heavy.
Texture Delight: Crisp bacon, juicy peas, crunchy toasted almonds, and sharp cheddar make every bite an exciting experience.
Quick to Whip Up: In just 25 minutes, you can have a flavorful side that looks impressive but requires minimal effort.
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a guaranteed hit for family dinners, picnics, or any gathering where you want to impress without stress.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheese Recipe is all about harmony between fresh, creamy, crunchy, and savory elements. Each ingredient brings its own star quality to the bowl, creating a vibrant medley that’s surprisingly easy to pull together. When you shop, look for fresh herbs and good quality bacon — trust me, it makes a difference!

Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheese Recipe - Ingredients

Sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess that lightens the heaviness of mayonnaise.
Mayonnaise: Brings smooth texture and richness which balances the bright lemon juice.
Fresh lemon juice: Gives a bright, fresh punch that lifts the entire salad.
Fresh parsley, chives & dill: These herbs infuse vibrant flavors that make every bite taste garden-fresh.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth without overpowering — easy and keeps prep simple.
Frozen petite peas: Thawed peas add natural sweetness and tender bite, and using frozen keeps it accessible year-round.
Bacon: Crispy, smoky pieces add savory crunch that contrasts beautifully with the peas and cheese.
Medium cheddar cheese: The sharpness of cheddar cubes or shreds complements the peas and bacon perfectly.
Slivered almonds: Toasted so they have that irresistible nutty crunch that elevates the salad’s texture.

Note:
Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite parts about this Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheese Recipe is how effortlessly it adapts to your taste buds or whatever you have on hand. Feel free to tweak the herbs, swap the cheese, or try different nuts—it’s all about making it your own.

Herb Swaps: I’ve sometimes used cilantro or basil instead of dill and parsley when I wanted a more Mediterranean twist, and it totally worked!
Cheese Variations: If sharp cheddar isn’t your thing, try pepper jack for a little spice or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
Nut Alternatives: Slivered almonds are great, but pecans or walnuts toasted lightly add a lovely earthiness too.
Make it Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for some smoky depth without the meat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheese Recipe

Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheese Recipe - Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Whisk the Dressing With Love

Start by whisking together the sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, parsley, chives, dill, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Be sure to season with salt and pepper as you go, tasting so you get that perfect balance of tang and herbs. I like to make the dressing first so the flavors can mingle while I prep the rest.

Step 2: Cook Bacon to Crispy Perfection

Next, cook your bacon until it’s nice and crisp—don’t rush this part, the texture here is everything! Once cooked, drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces. I usually fry mine in a skillet and save a bit of that bacon fat for another recipe, but feel free to bake them on a sheet for less mess.

Step 3: Thaw Peas and Toast Almonds

While the bacon cools, thaw your frozen petite peas by running them under cold water, then drain well so your salad doesn’t get watery. Toast the slivered almonds in a dry pan over medium heat for just a few minutes, stirring often until they’re golden and fragrant. The toasty almonds add a lovely crunch that really lifts the salad.

Step 4: Toss Everything Gently

In a large bowl, combine the thawed peas, chopped bacon, cheese cubes or shreds, toasted almonds, and the dressing. Use a gentle hand to toss everything so you don’t crush the peas or almonds. This is where your Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheese Recipe truly comes together—look for the colors and textures mingling beautifully!

Step 5: Chill for Best Flavor

I like to chill mine for at least 30 minutes before serving so all those flavors marry nicely. It’s perfectly fine to eat right away too if you’re in a hurry, but the rest time really deepens the herbaceous notes and lets every bite sing.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheese Recipe

Peas Prep: Make sure to drain your thawed peas really well, or your salad can get soggy—use a colander and press lightly with paper towels if needed.
Bacon Crispness: I once rushed cooking the bacon and it ended up chewy, so take your time to get it crispy and let it cool to keep its crunch in the salad.
Toast Almonds Carefully: Almonds go from toasted to burnt in seconds, so stir constantly and pull them from heat as soon as they smell nutty and turn golden.
Gentle Tossing: Toss the salad gently, using a folding motion to keep peas and almonds intact instead of smashing them.

How to Serve Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh chives or parsley on top right before serving for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes I toss on a few extra toasted almonds to keep that satisfying crunch at the front of your palate.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, but I’ve also served it alongside roasted vegetables or crusty bread for a simple, satisfying meal. It’s a favorite at my summer BBQs, and guests always scoop up seconds!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheese Recipe inside hollowed-out cherry tomatoes or in small individual clear cups for a pretty presentation. It instantly elevates the vibe and makes it easy for guests to grab and enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy them the next day. The salad holds up well, but I recommend giving it a light stir before serving since some dressing settles at the bottom.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad because the texture of the peas and cheese changes and the dressing can separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a day or two refrigerated.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature so I don’t typically reheat leftovers. If you want it less chilled, just let it sit out for 15 minutes before eating, and give it a gentle stir to freshen the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen for this Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheese Recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh peas add a slightly sweeter, more delicate flavor, but be sure to blanch them quickly and cool them in ice water to keep that bright color and tender-crisp texture before adding to the salad.
What cheese works best in this creamy pea salad?

Medium cheddar cheese is my favorite for this recipe because of its sharpness and firmness, which stands up nicely to the bacon and creamy dressing. However, Monterey Jack or Gouda also make delicious alternatives.
How long can I keep this pea salad in the fridge?

This salad keeps well for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Beyond that, the peas start to soften too much, and the dressing may get watery, so it’s best eaten fresh or within a day.
Can I make this Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheese Recipe vegan-friendly?

To make it vegan, you’ll want to substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with vegan versions and either skip the bacon or use a smoky plant-based bacon alternative. Also, replace the cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheese Recipe is truly one of those recipes I love having on hand because it’s quick, delicious, and always impresses. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, it’s that perfect balance of creamy, crispy, fresh, and savory that keeps everyone coming back for more. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do—it’s like giving yourself a little delicious hug!