Fresh Pioneer Woman Pea Salad Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s pea salad emerges as a delightful culinary creation that transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Cool and refreshing, this salad brings a vibrant splash of color to any gathering.

Crisp vegetables mingle with creamy textures, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and sensations.

Southern-inspired dishes often celebrate simplicity, and this recipe embodies that cherished tradition perfectly.

Hearty and satisfying, the combination of ingredients promises a memorable eating experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Unexpected elements elevate this classic side dish from ordinary to remarkable.

Why Pea Salad Recipe Is Always a Picnic Hit

• Flavor Explosion: Dive into a creamy, tangy salad that bursts with rich tastes from sour cream, mayonnaise, and white vinegar, creating a mouthwatering blend that'll make taste buds dance.
• Texture Party: Enjoy a delightful mix of crispy bacon bits, smooth cheese cubes, tender peas, and crunchy red onions that provide an exciting contrast in every single bite.
• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up this crowd-pleasing side dish in just minutes, with simple mixing and no complicated cooking techniques, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Embrace the convenience of a recipe that actually gets better with time, as the salad can be prepared hours in advance and chilled, allowing flavors to develop and intensify while you relax.

Fresh Ingredients for the Pioneer Woman Pea Salad Recipe

• Sour Cream: Creamy base that adds rich tangy flavor to the salad.
• Mayonnaise: Helps bind the dressing and provides smooth texture.
• White Vinegar: Adds bright, sharp acidity to balance the creamy ingredients.
• Salt: Essential seasoning to enhance overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and depth to the dressing.

• Frozen Peas: Sweet, tender vegetable that forms the core of the salad. Best when thawed and not overcooked.
• Bacon: Crispy protein that adds smoky, salty crunch to the dish. Thick-cut bacon works best for maximum flavor.
• Red Onion: Sharp, colorful vegetable that provides a zesty bite. Thinly sliced for best texture.

• Cheese Cubes: Sharp cheddar adds creamy, tangy element to the salad. Choose a high-quality block cheese for best results.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds color and fresh finish to the dish. Flat-leaf variety recommended for more flavor.

How to Prepare a Simple Pea Salad Recipe

Step 1: Create Creamy Dressing

• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• White vinegar
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk ingredients until smooth and taste for perfect seasoning.

Step 2: Dress the Peas

Pour 2/3 of the prepared dressing over of frozen peas in a large bowl. Gently stir to coat every pea evenly without crushing them.

Step 3: Mix in Delicious Add-Ins

• 6 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Cheddar cheese, cubed
• Chopped fresh parsley

Mix carefully to distribute ingredients throughout the salad.

Step 4: Chill and Marinate

Transfer salad to a serving dish and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours, allowing flavors to blend and develop.

Step 5: Final Flavor Boost

Just before serving, stir in remaining dressing if salad looks dry. Sprinkle remaining parsley on top for a fresh garnish. Serve cold and enjoy!

Tips to Make Your Pea Salad Recipe Even Better

• Chill Dressing Beforehand: Let the dressing sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to intensify its tangy and creamy characteristics.
• Customize Cheese Blend: Mix multiple cheese varieties like sharp cheddar and mild Monterey Jack for a more complex flavor profile.
• Soften Raw Onion Bite: Rinse sliced onions under cold water or soak them briefly to reduce their sharp, overpowering taste.
• Select Premium Bacon: Grab thick-cut bacon strips for maximum crunch and rich, smoky undertones in your salad.
• Gently Thaw Peas: Remove frozen peas from the freezer and allow them to partially defrost at room temperature to preserve their perfect texture.

Storing Tips for Your Pea Salad Recipe

Seal in Freshness: Transfer the Pea Salad to an airtight glass container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain crisp textures and prevent soggy ingredients. Glass containers protect delicate ingredients better than plastic and help preserve the salad’s vibrant colors and flavors.

Quick-Chill Method: Before storing, spread the salad on a wide, shallow dish and place it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This rapid cooling technique helps set the dressing and keeps vegetables crunchy, preventing premature wilting or separation of ingredients.

Portion Control Strategy: Divide the salad into individual serving-sized containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick side dishes. Smaller portions prevent repeated reheating and keep the entire batch fresher by minimizing exposure to air and moisture each time you serve.

Quick Variations for Pea Salad Recipe Fans

• Summer Garden Pea Salad: Swap bacon with grilled zucchini and add fresh cherry tomatoes for a lighter, vegetarian version packed with garden-fresh flavors.
• Southwest Fiesta Pea Salad: Replace bacon with spicy chorizo, add diced jalapeños, swap cheese cubes with pepper jack, and mix in fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Herbed Greek-Style Pea Salad: Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, swap bacon for crispy pancetta, add crumbled feta cheese, and incorporate chopped fresh dill and mint for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
• Smoky Ranch Pea Salad: Use ranch dressing instead of sour cream mixture, add smoked paprika, replace bacon with smoked almonds, and mix in green onions for extra crunch and depth of flavor.

Wrapping Up Your Pea Salad Recipe

Pioneer Woman Pea Salad emerges as culinary magic, blending creamy textures with crisp bacon and zesty flavors.

Subtle dressing notes dance around sweet green peas, creating harmony in each delightful bite.

Chilled perfection awaits those seeking summer’s most refreshing side dish.

Bacon provides salty crunch while cheese cubes offer rich complexity to this simple recipe.

Southern charm radiates through this classic comfort combination that connects generations around dinner tables.

Hungry souls can elevate their meal experience by crafting this irresistible salad – share its deliciousness, comment with personal twists, and spread pure culinary joy.

Pioneer Woman Pea Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Pioneer Woman Pea Salad brings classic Southern comfort to your table with crisp bacon, sharp cheddar, and sweet green peas. Creamy dressing and crunchy textures create an irresistible side dish you’ll want to share at summer gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (960 ml) frozen green peas, almost totally thawed
• 8 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
• 6 ounces (170 grams) cheddar or American cheese, cut into small cubes

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• ½ small red onion, halved and sliced very thin
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

Binding Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup (80 ml) sour cream
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise

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Instructions

1. Whisk together the tangy sour cream, creamy mayonnaise, zesty white vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a compact mixing vessel until the dressing achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
2. Pour approximately two-thirds of the prepared dressing over the fresh green peas in a spacious mixing bowl, gently folding to ensure each pea is elegantly coated without bruising the delicate legumes.
3. Incorporate the crisp, crumbled bacon pieces, thinly sliced crimson onion, cubed cheese, and roughly 80% of the chopped parsley into the dressed peas, using a delicate folding technique to distribute ingredients evenly.
4. Carefully transfer the dressed salad into a serving container, sealing with plastic wrap and nestling it in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to harmonize and intensify.
5. Just before presentation, assess the salad’s moisture level and blend in the remaining dressing if needed, then garnish with the reserved parsley to add a vibrant, fresh flourish to the dish.

Notes

• Maximize flavor development by preparing this salad a few hours before serving, allowing ingredients to blend seamlessly.
• Customize the dish with your favorite cheese varieties, experimenting with sharp cheddar or creamy monterey jack.
• Leftovers stay fresh and delicious when stored in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator.
• Summer gatherings become memorable with this crowd-pleasing side dish that requires minimal preparation time.
• Elevate the salad’s texture by ensuring bacon remains crispy and peas are tender but not mushy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 214 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 487 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 24 mg