Classic Bacon Pea Salad

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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!

pea salad in a bowl with red peppers and onions in a white bowl. — A creamy dressing on this pea salad makes this salad a stand out!

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.

onions, peppers, bacon, peas and ranch dressing on a cutting board and laying besides. — Chop the vegetables up and get them ready for the salad.

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.

pea salad in a bowl with chopped veggies and bacon. — Looking good!

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.

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Pea salad in a bowl with chunks of onions, peppers and bacon.

Does this salad need to stay refrigerated?

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.

How do I store this salad?

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.

If I take this salad to an outdoor event, should I throw away the leftovers?

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.