Amish Pea Salad with Bacon & Cheddar
There was always one cold salad sitting between the deviled eggs and casseroles that somehow disappeared before people even got their drinks
Sweet peas, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich, creamy Amish-style dressing come together in a simple side dish that steals the spotlight at every potluck, barbecue, picnic, and family gathering. The combination of sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy flavors makes this classic salad impossible to resist—everyone seems to come back for “just one more spoonful” all afternoon.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen peas, thawed and drained
- 8 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ small red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup celery, thinly sliced
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Add-Ins
- 2 chopped hard-boiled eggs
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup diced ham
- Extra shredded cheddar for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
Step 2: Add the Salad Ingredients
Add the thawed peas, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, and sliced celery to the bowl. Stir gently to avoid crushing the peas.
Step 3: Combine Thoroughly
Fold everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Make sure the bacon and cheese are distributed throughout the salad for the best flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Chill
Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling allows the dressing to soak into the peas and helps all the flavors blend together beautifully.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Sprinkle with extra bacon crumbles, shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh parsley for a colorful finishing touch.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy Amish Pea Salad pairs perfectly with:
- Grilled burgers and hot dogs
- Fried chicken
- Barbecue ribs
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Picnic lunches
- Holiday buffets
- Potluck dinners
Pro Tips
- Pat thawed peas dry with paper towels to prevent a watery salad.
- Cook the bacon extra crispy so it stays crunchy after chilling.
- For the best flavor, prepare the salad 2–4 hours ahead of serving.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Add hard-boiled eggs for an even heartier Amish-style version.
This old-fashioned Amish Pea Salad is creamy, crunchy, cheesy, and packed with smoky bacon flavor—an easy crowd-pleasing side dish that’s guaranteed to disappear fast every time it’s served.