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Creamy Zesty Pea Salad: Best Easy Bacon Cheddar Recipe

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This creamy zesty pea salad is a quick and easy side dish featuring sweet peas, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a tangy lemon dressing. Ready in 15 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and barbecues.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz (450g) frozen peas
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 cup (120g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup (120ml) mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup (60ml) sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ¼ cup finely diced red onion
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay bacon slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool, then crumble or chop into small pieces.
  2. Place frozen peas in a colander and rinse under cool running water for about 30 seconds to thaw. Shake off excess water and let drain for a minute.
  3. Finely dice the red onion. If desired, soak diced onion in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow the bite, then drain well. Zest the lemon before juicing.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine thawed peas, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, and diced red onion. Pour dressing over the top and stir gently until evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the peas.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Stir before serving. For best presentation, reserve some bacon and cheddar to sprinkle on top.

Notes

For best flavor, let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If making ahead, reserve some bacon and cheese to sprinkle on top before serving. Do not reheat; serve cold. Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: pea salad, bacon cheddar pea salad, creamy pea salad, easy pea salad, zesty pea salad, cold pea salad, summer side dish, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/creamy-zesty-pea-salad-best-easy-bacon-cheddar-recipe/