This Easy Pea Salad is the perfect summer salad for potlucks and gatherings. Crisp green peas float alongside bacon, cheddar cheese and thinly sliced red onion in a sweet and creamy dressing.
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I know it's not technically summer yet, but it sure feels like it! I prepare for the weekends by making pasta salads and no-bake desserts.
I'm not sure it gets any better than that. If you make a lot of pasta salads in the summer, too, you're going to love this pea salad recipe. It's a little different from your typical pasta salad but still a classic summer dish you're going to find yourself making again and again.
It all starts with frozen peas. Then just add a few classic salad ingredients like bacon, cheese and red onion. Bring it all together with this creamy dressing that my family uses for all sorts of things like pasta salads and potato salads and get ready to be impressed. Seriously this salad is so good, and you won't regret making it for your next family cookout!
This easy pea salad pairs perfectly with my Air Fryer Corn on the Cob or Mexicorn Dip, making it a delightful addition to any summer spread!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick To Make: This delicious summer potluck salad is so easy to make and can be whipped up in less than 20 minutes!
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need just a few simple ingredients to throw together this delicious, flavorful salad.
- Unique Twist: This pea salad is a little different from your typical pasta salad but still a classic summer dish you're going to find yourself making again and again.
Ingredients
Gather the ingredients below to make this easy pea salad!
- Frozen Peas: I just thaw them slightly for this recipe. I find that the peas stay nice and firm during the mixing process when they're a bit frozen yet. This method can also be used with our Ham Pasta Salad.
- Bacon: I cheat and use the pre-packaged bacon pieces, but you could also cook your bacon and crumble it into pieces, yourself.
- Cheese: I used sharp cheddar, but you could try just a mild cheddar.
- Red onion: Give this salad the perfect amount of bite!
- Miracle Whip: Miracle Whip is a sweeter, more flavorful alternative to regular mayonnaise. I love the taste and texture Miracle Whip gives this dressing but feel free to substitute with regular mayo if needer or preferred. You might just want to add additional sugar if using mayonnaise.
- Milk: Adjust the amount of milk to get your desired consistency for the dressing. I've found 2 tablespoons works best for me but feel free to experiment!
- Sugar: Just a little bit of granulated sugar gives this dressing the perfect amount of sweetness. Feel free to adjust the amount based on desired level of sweetness.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
- Cheese: Go ahead and experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or feta for a unique twist.
- Mix-ins: Consider incorporating diced ham, hard-boiled eggs, chopped celery, or sliced almonds for added texture and flavor.
- Protein: Add diced grilled chicken, ham, hard-boiled eggs, or cooked shrimp to make it a complete meal.
- Crunch: Toss in chopped celery, water chestnuts, or toasted sunflower seeds for added texture. If you like adding sunflower seeds to your recipes, try our Broccoli and Tomato Salad as well!
- Sweetness: Include a handful of dried cranberries, raisins, or sliced grapes for a touch of sweetness.
How to Make Pea Salad
Once you've gathered all your ingredients, follow the steps below for this delicious pea salad.
- Step 1: Frozen peas are the foundation of this recipe. Slightly thawing them keeps the peas firm and intact during mixing, ensuring a fresh and crisp texture in every bite.
- Step 2: Add first four ingredients to large bowl.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix together Miracle Whip, milk and sugar to create a creamy dressing.
- Step 4: Add the dressing to the large bowl and stir to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste. Chill for at least an hour before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Thawing Frozen Peas: To slightly thaw the frozen peas, place them in a colander and rinse them under cold water for a few minutes.
Alternatively, you can let them sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes before using them in the salad. This ensures that the peas are not too frozen and have a tender texture in the salad. - Customize Ingredients: Feel free to customize the salad by adding additional ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Consider incorporating diced ham, hard-boiled eggs, chopped celery, or sliced almonds for added texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or feta, for a unique twist.
- Adjusting Dressing Consistency: If you prefer a thinner dressing, you can adjust the consistency by adding a little more milk until you reach your desired thickness. Conversely, if you prefer a thicker dressing, reduce the amount of milk used. Adjusting the dressing consistency allows you to tailor the salad to your personal preference for creaminess.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least an hour after preparing it. It gives the peas more time to thaw and helps the flavors meld together.
Miracle Whip has the same basic ingredients as mayonnaise (eggs, oil and vinegar) but also contains water, sugar and spices. The added sugar in Miracle Whip makes it perfect for recipes like this easy pea salad, Amish Pasta Salad or Cauliflower Potato Salad.
Use low-fat Miracle Whip or mayo, reduce the cheese, and add more fresh vegetables for a lighter option.
Yes, it can be prepared a day in advance. Just wait to add the dressing until shortly before serving to keep the salad fresh.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Storage Instructions
Store leftover pea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. This salad will keep its flavor, but most likely lose its smooth, creamy texture after a few days.
Freezing Instructions
No, this salad is not ideal for freezing. Freezing can affect the texture of the peas, cheese, and dressing, resulting in a watery and less appealing consistency when thawed. It’s best to prepare and enjoy this salad fresh.
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Easy Pea Salad
Ingredients
- 2 packages 16 ounce frozen peas (slightly thawed)
- 2.8 ounce package real bacon pieces
- 1 cup diced sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup Miracle Whip
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Add first four ingredients to large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix together Miracle Whip, milk and sugar to create a creamy dressing.
- Add the dressing to the large bowl and stir to combine.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill for at least an hour before serving.
Notes
- Thawing Frozen Peas: To slightly thaw the frozen peas, place them in a colander and rinse them under cold water for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can let them sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes before using them in the salad. This ensures that the peas are not too frozen and have a tender texture in the salad.
- Customize Ingredients: Feel free to customize the salad by adding additional ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Consider incorporating diced ham, hard-boiled eggs, chopped celery, or sliced almonds for added texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or feta, for a unique twist.
- Adjusting Dressing Consistency: If you prefer a thinner dressing, you can adjust the consistency by adding a little more milk until you reach your desired thickness. Conversely, if you prefer a thicker dressing, reduce the amount of milk used. Adjusting the dressing consistency allows you to tailor the salad to your personal preference for creaminess.
Mary McKinnon
Hi a was just looking at your recipes, could you please tell me what miracle whip is please, and if there is an alternative if I can't get this
Thanks
Mary
Sara
You could also use mayonnaise. Just use a little bit more sugar in the recipe.
Anonymous
Miracle Whip is made by Kraft and is found in the grocery store with the mayonnaise. It is like mayonnaise but has a zing to it. It adds a little something to sandwiches, salads, burgers and anything else you would use mayonnaise for.
Where have you been living you poor thing?
Deborah Whittier
Miracle Whip is a salad dressing sold in the US, generic brands call it "whipped dressing", looks similar to mayonnaise, but is sweeter and has less fat.