🥗 Bacon Cheddar Pea Salad (Loaded Pea Salad)
✨ Description
This Bacon Cheddar Pea Salad, often called Loaded Pea Salad, is a creamy, crunchy, and savory side dish that’s quick to make and always crowd-pleasing. It combines sweet green peas with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and red onion, all tossed in a rich, tangy dressing.
While the classic version is indulgent, you can easily tweak it into a more anti-inflammatory recipe by using cleaner, whole-food ingredients and lighter swaps.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
For the salad:
- 4 cups frozen green peas (thawed, not cooked)
- 8 slices bacon (cooked crispy and crumbled)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup red onion (finely diced)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs (chopped, optional)
For the dressing:
- ¾ cup mayonnaise (or avocado oil mayo for a healthier option)
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prep ingredients
Thaw peas and pat dry. Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble. Chop onion and eggs. - Make dressing
In a bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. - Combine salad
In a large bowl, mix peas, bacon, cheddar, onion, and eggs. - Toss
Pour dressing over and mix until everything is evenly coated. - Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled as a summer BBQ side dish
- Pair with grilled chicken, steak, or salmon
- Add to meal prep bowls for a high-protein lunch idea
- Great for potlucks, picnics, and holiday spreads
🔄 Variations (Healthy + Anti-Inflammatory Twists)
- Anti-inflammatory version:
Swap mayo for Greek yogurt + olive oil, and use turkey bacon - Low-carb / keto option:
Reduce peas slightly and add more bacon & cheese - Vegetarian version:
Skip bacon and add smoked almonds or sunflower seeds - Dairy-free:
Use plant-based cheese and vegan mayo - Extra crunch:
Add celery or chopped bell peppers
❓ Related Questions
1. Can I make pea salad ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge.
2. How long does it last?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator.
3. Can I use canned peas?
Frozen peas are best—they’re sweeter and firmer.
4. Is this salad healthy?
The traditional version is rich, but with simple swaps it can become a healthy anti-inflammatory meal option.
🧮 Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 320–380
- Protein: 10–14g
- Carbs: 18–22g
- Fat: 22–28g
- Fiber: 4–6g
(Varies depending on ingredient choices)
💡 Final Thoughts
This Bacon Cheddar Pea Salad recipe is the perfect balance of comfort food and convenience. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, meal prep, or high-protein side dish, it’s incredibly versatile.
