Classic Pea Salad with Bacon - A Savory Side Dish With a Twist
Try this delicious twist on a classic pea salad, featuring savory bacon for an extra burst of flavor.
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Looking for a delicious and unique salad to serve as a side dish? Look no further! Our classic pea salad with bacon is the perfect combination of savory and fresh flavors, guaranteed to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds.
This twist on the traditional pea salad takes this humble side dish to a whole new level. Crisp and juicy peas are combined with crispy bacon, creamy mayonnaise, and tangy red onion for a burst of flavor in every bite. The addition of crunchy celery and bright green bell pepper adds a refreshing crunch and a burst of color to this already vibrant dish.
Pea salad is a classic American side dish that has been enjoyed for generations. This updated version brings together all the traditional elements of the beloved pea salad, but with an added twist of flavors and textures. The combination of smoky bacon and sweet peas creates a perfect balance that will make this salad a hit at any gathering or potluck.
This salad is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a great option for those busy weeknight meals. Simply mix the ingredients together and let it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together. The result is a creamy, savory, and refreshing salad that will be the star of your next meal.
Ingredients
The Classic Pea Salad with Bacon recipe requires the following ingredients:
- Green peas: You will need 2 cups of fresh or frozen green peas. Make sure to thaw frozen peas before using them.
- Bacon: 6 slices of bacon will be used in this recipe. Cook the bacon until crispy and then crumble it into small pieces.
- Red onion: ¼ cup of finely chopped red onion will add a touch of sharpness to the salad.
These ingredients come together to create a flavorful and satisfying side dish that pairs well with various main courses.
Ingredients
When making Classic Pea Salad with Bacon, you will need the following ingredients:
| - Green peas |
| - Bacon |
| - Red onion |
These ingredients are essential for creating the delicious flavors and textures found in this savory side dish. The combination of green peas, crispy bacon, and red onion provides a refreshing and satisfying bite.
Green peas are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They add a fresh, sweet taste and vibrant color to the salad. Make sure to use fresh or frozen green peas for the best results.
Bacon brings a savory, smoky flavor to the salad. It is cooked until crispy and then crumbled, adding a delicious crunch and salty element to the dish. Choose good quality bacon for optimal taste.
Red onion adds a mild, tangy flavor and a pop of color. It complements the sweetness of the peas and the richness of the bacon, balancing the overall taste of the salad.
With these simple ingredients, you can create a classic pea salad with bacon that will impress your family and friends. It can be served as a side dish, a salad, or even a light meal on its own. Enjoy!
5. - Bacon
One of the key ingredients that gives the classic pea salad its savory twist is bacon. Bacon adds a smoky and salty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish. It provides a contrast to the sweetness of the green peas and balances the flavors perfectly.
To incorporate bacon into the salad, you will need to cook it first. Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the bacon slices carefully and cook them until they are crispy and browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, but keep an eye on it as cooking times may vary.
Once the bacon is cooked, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess grease. Allow it to cool for a few minutes, and then crumble it into small pieces. The crumbled bacon can then be added to the salad, providing bursts of flavor and a delightful crunch in every bite.
When adding the bacon to the salad, be sure to distribute it evenly so that every scoop of the salad contains a good amount. You can also reserve some of the bacon crumbs to sprinkle on top as a garnish, adding an extra touch of visual appeal to the dish.
In conclusion, bacon is a crucial component of the classic pea salad with bacon. Its smoky and salty flavors complement the sweetness of the green peas, creating a savory side dish that is sure to impress. So, make sure to cook your bacon to perfection and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors in this delicious salad.
Red Onion
The addition of red onion is what gives this classic pea salad with bacon its unique flavor and crunch. Red onion is a type of onion that has a mild and sweet taste, making it perfect for adding to salads.
To prepare the red onion for the salad, start by peeling off the outer skin. Then, slice the onion in half and remove the root end. Thinly slice the onion into half-moon shapes.
If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the sliced onions in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This will help to remove some of the sharpness.
When adding the red onion to the pea salad, make sure to distribute it evenly throughout the dish. The onions will add a pop of color and a refreshing bite to every bite.
Not only does the red onion add flavor and texture to the salad, but it also provides some health benefits. Red onions are rich in antioxidants, which help to reduce inflammation in the body. They also contain sulfur compounds that have been shown to have anti-cancer properties.
In conclusion, the addition of red onion to this classic pea salad with bacon takes it to the next level. It adds a unique flavor and crunch that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the peas and the saltiness of the bacon. So don't forget to include red onion in your next batch of pea salad!
Preparation
To prepare the Classic Pea Salad with Bacon, follow these simple steps:
- Cook bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it becomes crispy and brown. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain off excess grease.
- Prepare ingredients: Drain the canned green peas and chop the red onion into small pieces. Set aside.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked bacon, drained green peas, and chopped red onion. Toss gently to mix everything together.
- Add dressing: In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing by combining mayonnaise, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Combine salad: Pour the dressing over the bacon, peas, and onion mixture. Gently stir until all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
- Chill and serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve the Classic Pea Salad with Bacon chilled as a savory side dish.
This classic pea salad with a bacon twist is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. The smoky flavor of the bacon complements the sweetness of the green peas, while the red onion adds a little crunch and bite. The creamy dressing brings all the flavors together for a delicious and satisfying side dish. Enjoy!
11. - Mix the ingredients and refrigerate
Once the bacon is cooked and cooled, crumble it into small pieces and set it aside. In a large bowl, combine the green peas, crumbled bacon, and diced red onion. Gently mix the ingredients together until they are well combined.
Next, it's time to add the dressing. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and gently toss everything together until the peas are evenly coated.
Once all the ingredients are combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together. This will also help to chill the salad, making it perfect for serving on a hot day.
Before serving, give the salad a quick stir to redistribute the dressing. Serve chilled and enjoy!
11. - Prepare Pea Salad with Bacon
Once the bacon is cooked and crispy, remove it from the pan and place it on a paper towel to drain any excess grease. Allow the bacon to cool completely before crumbling it into small pieces.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked and crumbled bacon with the green peas and finely chopped red onion.
In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour the dressing mixture over the bacon, peas, and red onion and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
Once the salad is coated in the dressing, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing, and if desired, garnish with some additional bacon crumbles and chopped red onion.
| Ingredients: | |
|---|---|
| Green peas | 2 cups |
| Bacon | 6 slices, cooked and crumbled |
| Red onion | 1/4 cup, finely chopped |
| Dressing: | |
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
Some important questions about Classic Pea Salad with Bacon - A Savory Side Dish With a Twist:
What ingredients do I need to make the classic pea salad with bacon?
To make the classic pea salad with bacon, you will need the following ingredients: 2 cups of frozen peas, 4 slices of bacon, 1/4 cup of diced red onion, 1/4 cup of diced cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of white vinegar, salt and pepper to taste.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen peas?
Yes, you can use fresh peas instead of frozen peas in the classic pea salad with bacon. However, you will need to blanch the fresh peas before using them in the salad to make them tender. Simply boil them in salted water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain the peas well before adding them to the salad.
Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version of the classic pea salad with bacon. Simply omit the bacon and use vegetarian mayonnaise instead of regular mayonnaise. You can also add some diced vegetarian cheese or tofu for added flavor and protein.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the classic pea salad with bacon ahead of time. However, it's best to add the bacon and dressing just before serving to keep them fresh and crispy. You can prepare the salad without the bacon and dressing and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, cook the bacon, crumble it over the salad, and toss with the dressing.
What other ingredients can I add to this salad?
You can customize the classic pea salad with bacon by adding other ingredients to suit your taste. Some popular additions include diced ham, hard-boiled eggs, diced bell peppers, sliced black olives, or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors!
What ingredients are needed for the classic pea salad with bacon?
The ingredients needed for the classic pea salad with bacon are peas, bacon, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, red onion, and black pepper.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon in the pea salad?
Yes, you can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon in the pea salad. It will provide a similar smoky flavor without as much fat.
Is there a vegetarian version of the pea salad?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of the pea salad by omitting the bacon and using a vegetarian mayo or a dairy-free substitute.
Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh peas?
Yes, you can use frozen peas instead of fresh peas in the pea salad. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using.
How long does the classic pea salad with bacon stay fresh in the fridge?
The classic pea salad with bacon will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.
What is the recipe for classic pea salad with bacon?
The recipe for classic pea salad with bacon includes frozen peas, bacon, red onion, cheddar cheese, and a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise and sour cream.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen peas?
Yes, you can use fresh peas instead of frozen peas in the classic pea salad with bacon recipe. Just make sure to blanch the fresh peas for a couple of minutes before using them in the salad.
What kind of dressing is used in the pea salad?
The pea salad is dressed with a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise and sour cream. This dressing adds a tangy and creamy flavor to the salad.
Can I substitute the bacon with any other ingredient?
Yes, you can substitute the bacon with cooked ham or turkey bacon in the classic pea salad recipe. This will give the salad a different flavor but will still be delicious.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can make the classic pea salad with bacon in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until you are ready to serve. However, it is best to add the bacon and dressing just before serving to keep them crispy and fresh.
What ingredients are needed to make classic pea salad with bacon?
To make classic pea salad with bacon, you will need peas, bacon, mayonnaise, Cheddar cheese, red onion, and black pepper.
Can I use frozen peas for this salad?
Yes, you can use frozen peas for this salad. Just make sure to thaw them before using.
Is there any alternative to bacon that I can use in this recipe?
Yes, if you're not a fan of bacon, you can use ham or turkey bacon instead.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can make this salad in advance. Just make sure to refrigerate it until you're ready to serve. It's best to add the bacon and cheese right before serving to keep them crispy.
