This Bacon Pea Salad is a refreshing side dish packed with colorful vegetables, crispy bacon, and a creamy homemade dressing. Sweet peas, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and red onion come together to create a delicious mix of textures, while smoky bacon adds a savory touch that makes every bite satisfying. Finished with a tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar, this easy salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, potlucks, and family gatherings.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it tastes even better after chilling, allowing the flavors to blend together beautifully.
Ingredients
Salad
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh peas or thawed frozen peas | 4 cups |
| Cherry tomatoes, halved | 1 cup |
| Cucumber, diced | 1 cup |
| Red onion, finely chopped | ½ cup |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | ½ cup |
| Bacon, cooked and crumbled | 6 slices |
Dressing
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | ½ cup |
| Greek yogurt or sour cream | ¼ cup |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble into small pieces and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Peas
If using fresh peas, briefly cook them in boiling water for about 2 minutes. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain well before using.
If using frozen peas, simply thaw and drain thoroughly.
Step 3: Combine the Vegetables
In a large serving bowl, add the peas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley. Toss gently until evenly mixed.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Dress the Salad
Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 6: Add the Bacon
Reserve a small amount of bacon for garnish, then fold the remaining crumbled bacon into the salad.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.
Just before serving, sprinkle the reserved bacon over the top for extra crunch and presentation.
Serving Tip
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, burgers, or picnic favorites. For the freshest texture, serve chilled and enjoy within a day or two of preparing.
