This 5 ingredient Classic Bacon Pea Salad is easy to put together and can be made quickly. Made with frozen peas, bacon, pepper and onions and the topping, ranch dressing! Yes, this salad will be great at BBQ's, parties and potlucks. Enjoy it for your supper too!
This classic bacon pea salad recipe couldn't be easier! With layers of vegetables and a creamy ranch dressing, the flavors blend so well.
Did I mention the bacon?
Because there is bacon. Bacon makes every recipe a little better, right?
Ingredients
- frozen peas
- bacon
- red pepper
- onion
- ranch dressing
Have you noticed there isn't cheddar cheese in this recipe? If you have had pea salad somewhere before, you know that cheese is a common addition to the salad.
I don't feel it is necessary because in this recipe, the ranch dressing is the perfect amount of depth and flavor needed.
If you want to add cheese to your recipe, go ahead! It will be great!
The process
The key is to set the frozen peas out early enough so they have time to thaw. Though I will say, it won't be tragic if the peas don't have enough time to thaw completely.
I wouldn't put completely frozen peas in the salad, and thawed is preferred but semi thawed is okay.
This salad recipe is really an add and go type of recipe. It is necessary to allow time to chill in the fridge for about 1-2 hours.
Ranch dressing
So there are many different types of dressings to go with a pea salad. Most commonly, mayonnaise and sour cream is used.
I like to go a different route. For this bacon pea salad, ranch dressing is used. I mean, really, how can a recipe go wrong with ranch dressing?
It doesn't matter the type of ranch dressing, just choose your favorite. I am not overly particular on ranch dressing so I just got a bottle of Great Value dressing. You may want a different brand, and that is fine.
Pin for later!
Yes, it does. If you take this salad to a potluck or picnic, you need to keep it in a tub of ice or something like this serving bowl would work.
Leftovers need to be kept in an airtight container, in the fridge. Make sure the container is covered with plastic wrap or a lid. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Yes! I am always very cautious with outdoor events and food. Even if the food has been kept at the proper temperature, there are always flies. My advice is to enjoy the salad at the party, then toss it when you get home.
Classic Bacon Pea Salad
Ingredients
- 12 oz frozen sweet peas thawed
- 4 strips bacon cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup red pepper chopped
- ½ cup white onion chopped
- ⅓ cup ranch dressing
Instructions
- Add peas, chopped peppers and onions and crumbled bacon to a medium sized bowl
- Stir
- Fold in ranch dressing
- Serve
- Optional: You can add in cheddar cheese cubes if preferred
Nutrition
Need more salad recipes? Try:
Italian Tortellini Salad, Apple Cranberry Lettuce Salad and Grape Jello Salad
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!