Green Pea Salad with Bacon is a simple, crowd pleasing summer salad. This version is lightened up with greek yogurt and is perfect for spring picnics and summer BBQs.
I wouldn’t say that I was a picky eater growing up. But there were certain things that made going to bed without dinner actually appealing. Peas were one of those things.
I am not quite sure why. Maybe it was because they were tiny green balls, maybe it was because I would rather roll them around on my plate then try to pick them up with my fork. Either way, when my mom put a plate of dinner in front of me with peas on it, I was not impressed.
Then one day she got sneaky. She put a plate in front of me with peas on it but she did something different to them, they were mixed with other things like BACON. And I loved bacon.
Pea Salad WITH bacon? I ate the whole plate and asked for seconds. Mom: 1 Kid: 0.
Now that I’ve grown up a bit, I still wouldn’t say that I am a huge fan of plain peas, but to this day pea salad is one of my favorite summer salads.
What is in Green Pea Salad?
This Pea Salad with Bacon, has bacon and peas. Obviously. They are the stars. But the supporting characters add so much flavor!
Instead of a heavy mayo based dressing, this pea salad dressing is made with greek yogurt. There is a little mayo for some extra creaminess but not too much. Then there is dill, granulated garlic, salt and pepper.
If you wanted to add a little more to your pea salad you could try a variation by adding some cheddar cheese, celery or hard boiled eggs.
How do you make pea salad?
For this recipe, I use frozen peas. They make things super easy. Simply run the peas under cold water until they are thawed, about 5 minutes. Then allow them to drain completely.
Next, you will need to cook the bacon.
Next, mix the dressing ingredients together.
Finally, mix the peas, bacon and onions with the dressing.
Although, I like to let the salad chill a little before serving to give the flavors a chance to develop it’s is still pretty good right away.
If you like this Green Pea Salad, you’ve got to check out these other pea recipes:
Pasta Salad with Spring Veggies
Easy Southern English Pea Pasta Salad
Looking for more potluck friendly foods? Here are some of my all-time favorite crowd pleasers:
Note: This post was originally posted in 2009. Updated with new photos 2019.
Servings
Ingredients
- 5 slices thick cut bacon (diced into bite size pieces)
- 16 ounce bag frozen peas
- 1/4 cup onion (finely diced)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Instructions
- In a frying pan over medium heat, cook bacon until browned and crispy. About 5 minutes. Transfer to paper towel lined plate. Allow to cool completely.
- Place frozen peas in a colander and run cold water over them to thaw. Drain completely. Set aside.
- In a bowl whisk together remaining ingredients.
- Add bacon and cold peas to the mixture. Toss to coat.
- Chill for 20 minutes. Serve.
What a wonderful compliment, Sandy!! I am so glad that you enjoyed it!
Tasty indeed…thanks! My local deli upped the price, omitted the bacon and lost my business. At least they could’vpe kept the bacon in the salad instead of in their pocket. But turns out it is a good thing. IT WASNT HALF AS GOOD AS THIS RECIPE EVEN BEFORE!
So excited to make this at home. I have been looking for a recipe like this for a bit, thank you so much!
Love it! Score for me.
I love, love, LOVE this recipe and have made it several time with dry dill (because that’s what I had). This week, I got some fresh dill in my CSA box so I ran to the store to get some bacon and I’m making it for a potluck tonight. YUM!!
We’ve made this several times and it’s absolutely delicious. Made it tonight with edamame instead of peas because I’m trying to get some extra soy. Fabulous and if you need soy, it’s a good way to go!
[…] Gatherings at the Cliff Dwellers Gallery, where we sing on the front porch and are rewarded with a pea-themed lunch. This next Call is a perfect fit for the ladies of the Cliff Dwellers, and hopefully it will be a […]
[…] Gatherings at the Cliff Dwellers Gallery, where we sing on the front porch and are rewarded with a pea-themed lunch. This next Call is a perfect fit for the ladies of the Cliff Dwellers, and hopefully it will be a […]
Maybe the kids will eat peas if I try it this way :-)
I AM MAKING THIS!!! Yum!!! Adding the peas to my grocery list now :)
Wow! I’ve never thought of peas and bacon! What a great way to get kids to eat their veggies! My mom used to hide the peas in tuna salad. Moms are sneaky in such a good way, aren’t they?