Delightful Pioneer Woman Pea Salad Recipe To Brighten Your Table

Pioneer Woman’s pea salad bursts with vibrant flavors that dance across your palate like a summer symphony.

Crisp and cool, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that sings of comfort and tradition.

Crunchy green peas nestle alongside creamy cheese and smoky bacon bits, creating a texture explosion in every bite.

Southern charm radiates through each forkful, promising a side dish that steals the spotlight at potlucks and family gatherings.

Unexpected ingredients transform this classic salad from mundane to magnificent.

Quick to assemble and impossible to resist, this pea salad delivers pure deliciousness that will have everyone craving more.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Pea Salad

• Sour Cream: Select full-fat version for richer, silkier texture.
• Mayonnaise: Choose high-quality brand for smoother consistency.
• White Vinegar: Opt for clear, sharp variety to enhance tangy flavor.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground offers more robust, aromatic taste.

• Bacon, Cheddar Cheese: Select thick-cut, smoky bacon and aged cheddar for deeper flavor profile.
• Red Onion: Pick firm, crisp onion with vibrant purple skin for sharp bite.

• Fresh Parsley: Choose bright green, fragrant leaves without wilting for maximum color and zest.
• Frozen Peas: Select premium, sweet green peas with no freezer burn.

What to Grab Before Starting Pioneer Woman Pea Salad

• Small mixing bowl: Perfect for creating creamy, smooth dressing.
• Whisk: Essential for blending ingredients until silky and well-combined.
• Large bowl: Spacious container for mixing peas and add-ins without crushing.
• Plastic wrap: Helps seal in flavors while chilling the salad.
• Cutting board: Necessary for chopping onions and parsley.
• Sharp knife: Ideal for precise slicing and chopping of ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately portion salt, pepper, and vinegar.
• Serving dish: Elegant presentation piece for the final salad.

Easy Method for Pioneer Woman Pea Salad

• Whip Up Tangy Dressing

Blend creamy and zesty ingredients in a mixing bowl until silky smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning for a punchy flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Awaken the Frozen Peas

Pour most of the vibrant dressing over chilled peas, gently coating each little green gem without squashing their delicate shape. The goal is a light, even coverage that promises deliciousness.

• Layer in Flavor Powerhouses

Introduce crispy bacon bits, sharp red onion slivers, chunky cheese cubes, and bright parsley. Fold these goodies into the pea mixture, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that’ll make everyone at the table lean in with excitement.

• Let Flavors Mingle and Chill

Tuck the salad into the refrigerator, allowing all the incredible ingredients to get acquainted and develop a deep, harmonious profile. Give it a few hours to work its magic, transforming from simple ingredients into a memorable dish.

• Final Flourish

Just before serving, give the salad a quick stir. If it seems dry, splash on the remaining dressing. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and extra zing. Serve cold and watch everyone dive in with enthusiasm.

Extra Flavor Tips for Pioneer Woman Pea Salad

Swap bacon for crispy turkey bacon or smoked salmon to suit dietary preferences or add unique flavor profiles.

Toss in diced bell peppers, chopped celery, or sliced cucumber for extra texture and nutritional value.

Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp blue cheese, crumbled feta, or smoked gouda to elevate the salad’s taste.

Prepare the salad a day in advance to enhance flavor development and save time before serving.

Best Serving Options for Pioneer Woman Pea Salad

• Serve Chilled for Summer Gatherings: Perfect for backyard barbecues, picnics, and potlucks where cool, creamy side dishes are always a hit.
• Create Protein-Packed Meal Companion: Pair with grilled chicken, smoked brisket, or roasted pork for a complete and satisfying meal that balances fresh and hearty flavors.
• Customize with Personal Twists: Replace bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter option, swap cheddar with feta cheese for a tangy variation, or add diced bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
• Make Ahead for Stress-Free Entertaining: Prepare the salad a day in advance to let flavors meld, giving you more time to enjoy with guests and reducing last-minute kitchen stress.

Planning Tips for Using Leftovers of Pioneer Woman Pea Salad

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Store this creamy pea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping its delightful crunch and flavor intact.
• Batch Prep Magic: Double the recipe for meal prep, making weekday lunches a breeze and saving precious time during busy schedules.
• Smart Ingredient Strategy: Keep bacon crumbles separate until serving to maintain their crispy texture and prevent soggy disappointment in your salad.
• Temperature Tip: Always serve chilled for the most refreshing experience, allowing the creamy dressing and cool peas to deliver maximum flavor and enjoyment.

Crispy Pioneer Woman Pea Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy, zesty pioneer woman pea salad combines crisp bacon, sharp cheddar, and sweet peas in a tangy dressing. Southern-style classic delivers quick comfort with minimal preparation for delightful gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups (960 ml) frozen green peas, almost totally thawed
• 8 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
• 6 oz (170 g) cheddar or American cheese, cut into small cubes
• ½ small red onion, halved and sliced very thin
• 3 tbsps minced fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) sour cream
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
• salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Dressing Preparation: Whisk sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-blended.
2. Initial Pea Coating: Drizzle two-thirds of the dressing over green peas, gently folding to ensure complete and delicate coverage without crushing the peas.
3. Ingredient Integration: Fold in crumbled bacon, sliced red onion, cubed cheese, and most of the chopped parsley, combining ingredients evenly while maintaining the salad’s light texture.
4. Flavor Melding: Refrigerate the salad, covered, for 2-4 hours to allow flavors to meld and intensify, creating a harmonious taste profile.
5. Final Touch: Before serving, adjust moisture by incorporating remaining dressing if needed, then garnish with reserved parsley for a fresh, vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate the salad for 2-4 hours to allow ingredients to meld and develop deeper, more complex taste profiles.
• Dress Carefully: Add dressing gradually to prevent overwhelming the delicate peas, ensuring each ingredient remains distinct and flavorful.
• Bacon Crispness Matters: Use freshly crumbled bacon for maximum crunch and smoky flavor, avoiding soggy or limp bacon pieces.
• Parsley Placement: Reserve some chopped parsley for final garnish to add a bright, fresh visual and flavor accent just before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg