This Green Pea Salad is an elevated version of the classic Midwestern dish, with subtle tricks that update it, including lemon zest, fresh herbs, and a technique that makes it extra creamy.

An oval platter filled with English pea salad, with a wooden spoon scooping some.

This English Pea Salad makes the perfect side dish

Pea salad is something I grew up avoiding at potlucks and parties in the Midwest. It was often gloppy and . . . weird.

One of my great joys is updating these classic recipes for a new generation and making them . . . actually delicious.

This green pea salad recipe honors the original, while using ingredients my grandma would probably never think to use, including lemon zest, shallots, and fresh chives and parsley.

And those are the things that will make people stop avoiding this salad and instead make a beeline straight to it.

Why You’ll Love This Pea Salad

  • It’ll be the best version of the classic Midwestern salad you’ve ever had, with subtle tricks that elevate and update it, including lemon zest and fresh herbs.
  • A versatile recipe to keep on hand, it’s great for Easter dinner, alongside a grilled summer entree, or as a light lunch.
  • You can make it in advance but it will taste like it’s freshly made, thanks to the two-step dressing technique.
Ingredients laid out on a light surface, including peas, bacon, shallots, herbs, condiments, spices and cheese.

Green Pea Salad ingredients

  • peas – the base of the salad. We use frozen peas that have been thawed.
  • mayonnaise – the main component of the creamy dressing.
  • sour cream – adds tanginess to the dressing.
  • sugar – adds a subtle sweetness to the dressing.
  • cider vinegar – brings brightness to the dressing that balances the earthy flavor of the peas.
  • lemon zest – updates the flavor of this classic dish with a pop of citrusy tang.
  • salt and pepper – enhances the flavors of all of the ingredients.
  • bacon – adds smoky and salty flavor, and crispy texture.
  • shallot – provides a mild onion flavor and subtle crunch.
  • cheddar cheese – the little cubes of cheese add a richness to this English pea salad recipe, and they’re my favorite part!
  • chives – adds a bit more mild onion flavor.
  • parsley – adds a pop of freshness and vibrant green color to this recipe for pea salad.
A platter of green pea salad, along with a plate filled with the salad, ham and a roll.

How to make Pea Salad with Bacon

A glass bowl filled with mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar and spices.

1. DRESSING. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, vinegar, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Transfer half of the dressing to a covered container and refrigerate until later.

A glass bowl filled with creamy dressing, peas, bacon, shallots and cheese.

2. ADD. Add the bacon, shallot, cheese and peas to the rest of the dressing mixture in the bowl.

A glass bowl filled with a recipe for pea salad.

3. TOSS AND CHILL. Toss everything together until it is well combined. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to overnight.

A glass bowl filled with cold pea salad topped with creamy dressing and herbs.

4. RESERVED DRESSING & HERBS. Just before serving, add the reserved dressing and the chives and parsley to the salad.

A glass bowl filled with pea salad with bacon.

5. TOSS AND SERVE. Toss everything together once again, and serve!

Cold Pea Salad variations

  • CHEESE – Cubed cheddar is great, but so is crumbled feta or small balls of mozzarella.
  • HERBS – Instead of chives and parsley, feel free to go with mint and basil, or whatever herbs you like best.
  • NUTS – Add a handful of toasted pine nuts or almonds for a satisfying crunch.
A dinner plate filled with ham, a dinner roll and spring pea salad.

How to serve this Recipe for Pea Salad

My favorite way to serve this green pea salad recipe is as part of Easter dinner! To put together a delicious meal, choose one entree from the list below, one type of potato, and one more veggie side dish to go with your salad. And don’t forget the homemade yeast rolls.

Closeup photo of a cold spring side dish made with green veggies, cheese and bacon.

How to store English Pea Salad

Spring pea salad can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving to refresh the dressing.

A dinner plate filled with ham, a dinner roll and spring pea salad.

Spring Pea Salad FAQs

What are the benefits of pea salad?

Peas are a good source of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.

Are frozen peas cooked?

Frozen peas are typically blanched before freezing, meaning they are partially cooked.

An oval platter filled with pea salad.
An oval platter filled with English pea salad, with a wooden spoon scooping some.

Cold Pea Salad

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

This Green Pea Salad is an elevated version of the classic Midwestern dish, with subtle tricks that update it, including lemon zest, fresh herbs, and a technique that makes it extra creamy.

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 8 slices oven bacon, crumbled
  • 1 large shallot, thinly sliced
  • 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
  • 4 cups frozen peas, thawed
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. In large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, vinegar, lemon zest, salt and pepper. 
  2. Transfer half of mayonnaise mixture to small covered container and refrigerate. 
  3. Add bacon, shallot, cheese and peas to remaining mayonnaise mixture in bowl and toss until well combined. Cover and transfer to refrigerator for 2 hours or up to overnight.
  4. Just before serving, add chives, parsley and reserved mayonnaise mixture to bowl with peas and toss until well combined.

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 295Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 433mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 5gSugar: 7gProtein: 14g

This website provides estimated nutrition information as a courtesy only. Nutrition information does not include any optional ingredients or toppings. You should calculate the nutrition information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.

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