Classic Thanksgiving pea salad is a creamy, colorful side dish made with sweet green peas, salty bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, and a tangy dressing. It is useful for holiday meals, potlucks, and cookouts.

About Classic Thanksgiving Pea Salad

A traditional holiday side dish

Serve this chilled salad alongside turkey, ham, roasted meats, and other holiday dishes.

Sweet and savory balance

Green peas are sweet, while bacon and cheddar add salty, savory flavor.

Frozen peas work well

Thawed frozen peas usually retain a brighter color and firmer texture than canned peas.

Why chilling matters

Chilling helps the dressing coat the vegetables and blends the flavors.

Thanksgiving Pea Salad Ingredients

Peas and vegetables

Use thawed frozen peas, red onion, and parsley. Add celery or bell pepper for extra crunch.

Bacon and cheddar

Crisp bacon and sharp cheddar provide the main savory flavors.

Creamy dressing

Mayonnaise and sour cream create the base, while vinegar and sugar balance it.

Optional additions

Try hard-boiled eggs, pickles, sunflower seeds, or ranch seasoning.

How to Make Classic Pea Salad

Thaw and drain peas

Thaw the peas and drain them thoroughly so the dressing does not become watery.

Prepare bacon and cheese

Cook bacon until crisp and cut cheddar into small cubes.

Mix the dressing

Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Combine and chill

Fold everything together, cover, and chill for at least 1 hour.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and FAQs

Add bacon before serving

Reserve some bacon for topping so it remains crisp.

Prevent a watery salad

Drain peas well and avoid adding warm ingredients.

Make it vegetarian

Omit bacon and add smoked paprika or roasted sunflower seeds.

Store leftovers safely

Refrigerate within 2 hours and use within 3–4 days.

Can I make it the day before? Yes. Add reserved bacon just before serving.