Name: Southern Pea Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 cups frozen green peas (thawed and drained); 3 hard-boiled eggs (chopped); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled); 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced); 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Looking for a vibrant, creamy, and classic side dish with a true Southern twist? This Southern Pea Salad delivers just that. Packed with crisp green peas, smoky bacon, tangy red onions, and creamy mayonnaise, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for potlucks, picnics, and Sunday dinners. Each bite delivers a crunchy, savory, and slightly sweet experience that keeps guests coming back for seconds.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or preparing a quick family dinner, this chilled salad is an easy go-to that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Best of all, it’s made with common ingredients you probably already have at home. It’s a retro favorite that deserves a spot on your modern table.

What Kind of Peas Should I Use for Southern Pea Salad?

Frozen peas are ideal for Southern Pea Salad. They stay sweet, bright green, and maintain a tender-but-firm texture after thawing. Avoid canned peas, which are too soft and can become mushy in the mix. Simply thaw your frozen peas under cool water and drain thoroughly before mixing them in.

Ingredients for the Southern Pea Salad

Frozen Green Peas: These are the base of your salad, providing that signature crisp texture and natural sweetness.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: They add creaminess, protein, and classic Southern comfort to the mix.
Mayonnaise: Brings the whole salad together with a rich, creamy coating.
Bacon: Crumbled, salty bacon adds a smoky crunch that’s essential to the Southern flavor profile.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a mild kick of sharpness and color contrast.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar offers richness and a hint of sharpness to round out the creamy texture.
Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning to bring all the flavors into balance.

How To Make the Southern Pea Salad

Step 1: Prep the Peas

Place your frozen peas in a colander and run them under cool water until fully thawed. Let them drain completely. You don’t want any excess water that could make the salad soggy.

Step 2: Cook and Crumble the Bacon

Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble once cool. This step can be done ahead of time for convenience.

Step 3: Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed peas, diced hard-boiled eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, and red onion slices. Gently toss to distribute evenly.

Step 4: Stir in the Dressing

Add the mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until everything is coated evenly. Be careful not to mash the peas.

Step 5: Add the Crunch

Sprinkle in the crumbled bacon and give it one last gentle toss. Save a bit of bacon for garnishing on top if you like.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

How to Serve and Store Southern Pea Salad

Southern Pea Salad is best served chilled, making it perfect for warm-weather gatherings or as a cool side to hot entrees. Spoon it into a serving dish and garnish with extra bacon or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill or parsley if you want to elevate the presentation.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving again to redistribute the creamy dressing. Avoid freezing this salad, as the texture of the peas and mayo won’t hold up.

What to Serve With Southern Pea Salad?

Grilled BBQ Chicken

The smoky sweetness of grilled BBQ chicken perfectly complements the cool, creamy pea salad.

Crispy Fried Catfish

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, fried catfish pairs beautifully with the chilled, creamy texture.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

The tangy richness of pulled pork meets its match in the sweet and savory notes of this salad.

Cornbread Muffins

A soft, buttery cornbread muffin is the perfect bite to balance the salad’s bold flavors.

Deviled Eggs

Stick with a Southern-style spread and add deviled eggs for a double eggy delight.

Coleslaw

A crunchy slaw on the side adds extra texture and a refreshing vinegary bite.

Grilled Vegetables

A mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus adds color and earthiness to your plate.

Want More Salad Ideas with a Southern Spin?

If you loved this Southern Pea Salad, here are a few more fresh and flavorful options worth exploring:

Creamy Cranberry Salad with tangy-sweet flair and holiday vibes.
Cheesecake Fruit Salad for a creamy, fruity dessert-style twist.
Tex-Mex Salad for a zesty upgrade with bold spices.
California Spaghetti Salad for a veggie-packed pasta delight.
Refreshing Marinated Cucumbers, Onions and Tomatoes for a vinegar-based, crisp summer classic.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe added fresh dill, a touch of mustard, or a new type of cheese? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your thoughts in the comments below.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.

Southern Pea Salad Recipe

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Chilled, creamy, and bursting with Southern charm, this easy Southern Pea Salad is a classic side dish perfect for everything from summer BBQs to holiday dinners. With sweet green peas, crisp bacon, tangy red onion, cheddar cheese, and hard-boiled eggs folded in a rich mayo dressing, it’s satisfying yet simple. Whether you’re looking for a quick side, a make-ahead salad, or just something comforting and flavorful, this dish checks all the boxes. Great for potluck ideas, easy dinner sides, summer lunch, and all your Southern food cravings.