Pea Salad with Red Onions and Cheese is a timeless, chilled side dish that’s especially popular in spring and summer. This creamy, crunchy, and colorful salad is packed with sweet green peas, crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and sharp red onions—all wrapped in a rich mayonnaise dressing. It’s perfect for barbecues, potlucks, holiday gatherings, and backyard picnics.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pea salad is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring no cooking beyond crisping the bacon. The flavor combination is both savory and slightly sweet, making it a welcome addition to any meal. It’s a cold dish that can be made ahead, and it holds up well in the fridge—ideal for entertaining or busy weeknight dinners. The blend of cheddar and mozzarella adds richness, while the red onions give it a sharp, fresh bite. Optional cheese cubes or extra bacon can personalize it further.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

16 oz frozen peas, thawed and drained
6 strips bacon, cooked and cut into small pieces
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup diced red onion
1 cup real mayonnaise
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Prepare the Peas: Thaw the frozen peas and drain them well to remove excess water.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the peas, chopped bacon, red onion, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and mayonnaise.
Mix Thoroughly: Stir the ingredients together until evenly combined and coated in the creamy dressing.
Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix again to ensure the seasoning is well incorporated.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve: Stir well before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients evenly. Keep chilled until ready to serve.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Variations

Cheese Options: Swap shredded cheese for cubed cheddar or Colby Jack for more texture.
Add Herbs: Stir in fresh dill or chopped chives for a refreshing twist.
Make it Tangy: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a spoonful of Dijon mustard to the mayo dressing.
Lower Fat Version: Use light mayonnaise or mix in some Greek yogurt to cut calories.
Add Crunch: Include sunflower seeds or chopped celery for additional crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: This dish is served cold; no reheating necessary.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the peas and the mayonnaise will change when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use canned peas instead of frozen?

Frozen peas are preferred for better texture and color. Canned peas may be too soft but can be used in a pinch—just drain and rinse them first.

Do I need to cook the peas?

No, the peas are thawed but not cooked. They retain a crisp-tender texture that’s perfect for cold salads.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it’s best when chilled for at least 4 hours or overnight, making it a great make-ahead dish.

What kind of bacon works best?

Thick-cut bacon provides a more satisfying crunch, but any cooked and crumbled bacon will work.

Can I use other types of onions?

Yes, sweet onions or green onions can be used in place of red onions for a milder flavor.

How do I keep the salad from becoming watery?

Ensure peas are thoroughly drained and pat them dry if needed. Stir well before serving to reincorporate any settled dressing.

Is there a way to make this vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the bacon or use plant-based bacon alternatives.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, pre-shredded cheese is convenient and works well in this recipe.

What can I serve this with?

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, burgers, sandwiches, or as part of a holiday spread.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely. This recipe scales well—just use a larger bowl and adjust seasoning as needed.

Conclusion

Pea Salad with Red Onions and Cheese is a creamy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing side dish that brings color and taste to any table. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s an ideal choice for summer gatherings, potlucks, and holiday meals. Refreshing, crunchy, and perfectly savory, this salad is sure to become a staple in your seasonal recipe rotation.

Pea Salad with Red Onions and Cheese

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Author: Mari
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: Serves 8
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This classic Pea Salad with Red Onions and Cheese is a creamy, crunchy, and savory side dish perfect for spring and summer gatherings. Packed with sweet peas, crispy bacon, shredded cheddar and mozzarella, and a tangy mayo dressing, it’s a must-have for potlucks, BBQs, and holidays!

Ingredients

16 oz frozen peas, thawed and drained
6 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup diced red onion
1 cup real mayonnaise

Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine thawed peas, cooked bacon, diced red onions, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and mayonnaise. Mix well.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix again to fully incorporate.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
Stir well before serving to redistribute ingredients and dressing.