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Old Fashioned Southern Pea Salad a Creamy Cold Side for Every Cookout

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Old-Fashioned Southern Pea Salad is a creamy, tangy side dish made with sweet peas, cheddar cheese, turkey bacon, red onion, and hard-boiled eggs—all tossed in a mayonnaise and mustard dressing. Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, and Southern-style meals, it’s a refreshing and satisfying salad that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 cans (15 oz each) sweet peas, drained

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise

  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1/3 cup finely chopped red onion

  • 2–3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

  • 1/2 cup chopped turkey bacon, cooked until crispy

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained sweet peas, mayonnaise, and mustard. Stir gently to coat the peas without mashing them.

  • Add the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and turkey bacon. Mix gently to combine.

  • Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

 

  • Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve chilled.

Notes

  • Drain peas thoroughly to avoid watery texture

  • Let salad chill for at least 1 hour for best flavor

  • Swap cheddar with Colby Jack or Monterey Jack for a twist

  • Use Greek yogurt to lighten up the dressing

  • Add fresh dill or parsley for an herbal touch

 

  • Serve cold with BBQ, fried chicken, or picnic sandwiches

Find it online: https://kitchennlove.com/old-fashioned-southern-pea-salad-a-creamy-cold-side-for-every-cookout/