Cooking the bacon in a large skillet
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces when cool.
Editor’s Tip: For extra crispy bacon, try baking it in the oven on an aluminum-lined baking sheet at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the salad
Stirring the pea salad ingredients together
Add the cheddar cheese, red onion, ranch dressing, salt and pepper to the bowl with the peas. Mix everything together until it’s evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill and serve
Stirring crumbled bacon into the chilled pea salad
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir in the crumbled bacon before serving.Overhead shot of pea salad with bacon served on a large plate
Pea Salad with Bacon Variations
Add some herbs: Stir in chopped mint, dill or parsley for an extra burst of freshness and color to the salad.
Try different cheese: Swap the sharp cheddar for feta or mozzarella for a different cheese flavor.
Make it lighter: Use Greek yogurt in place of ranch dressing for a lighter version of this pea salad with bacon.
Include nuts: For added crunch and texture, add a handful of chopped walnuts or almonds. Or, keep things nut-free and use pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead.
Add dried fruit: For a sweeter version of this pea salad with bacon, stir in a cup of dried cranberries or raisins.
Make it vegetarian-friendly: Use soy-based tempeh or tofu bacon to turn this recipe meat-free.
How to Store Pea Salad with Bacon
Any leftovers of this pea salad with bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Can you freeze pea salad with bacon?
Unfortunately, freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the texture of the peas will be mushy and the dressing may separate when thawed.
Can you make pea salad with bacon ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this green pea salad recipe with bacon ahead of time. Prepare the salad as directed, then cover and refrigerate it until ready to serve. When you’re ready to serve, add the crumbled bacon and stir well to combine.
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