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Easter Pea Salad with Red Onions & Cheese – Perfect Cold Side Dish Thumbnail

Pea Salad with Red Onions & Cheese

Bright, creamy, and bursting with flavor, this Easter Pea Salad with red onions and cheese is a must-have for your holiday table. Perfect as one of your Easter Cold Side Dishes or a quick Side Dish With Peas, it’s packed with tender peas, crispy bacon, shredded cheddar and mozzarella, and just the right amount of zing from red onions. Quick to toss together, this salad can chill in the fridge while you prep other dishes. Ideal for Green Salads For Easter Dinner, St Patrick’s Day Salad Ideas, or any festive gathering where a colorful, creamy, crowd-pleasing salad is needed.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • Frozen peas – They keep a nice snap and won’t turn mushy like canned peas. Just thaw drain, and you’re ready to go.
  • Bacon – Cook until crisp. Short on time? Pre-cooked bacon microwave style works just fine.
  • Cheese – Shredded cheddar and mozzarella are ideal. Prefer chunkier cheddar? Go for it—it’s all about personal taste!
  • Red onion – A punchy ingredient. To soften the bite soak diced pieces in cold water for 20–30 minutes, then drain and dry before tossing in.
  • Salt & pepper – To taste.
  • Bacon bits – Optional but add extra crunch and make the salad look picture-perfect.

Method
 

1. Mix it up: In a large bowl, toss together thawed peas, cooked bacon, red onions, shredded cheeses, and mayonnaise until every bite is coated in creamy goodness.
    2. Season carefully: Sprinkle in salt and pepper, mixing a few times to make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed. Taste-test as you go!
      3. Chill time: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you want the flavors to really mingle and serve it cold.
        4. Final toss: Just before serving, give the salad one more stir to fluff everything back up. Top with optional bacon bits for a crunchy finish.

          Notes

          Why You’ll Love This Salad

          Summer’s around the corner—even if your thermometer disagrees—and this salad is perfect for beaches, parks, picnics, and backyard BBQs. The creamy texture, savory bacon, and zesty red onions make every bite irresistible. It’s a southern classic that’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to disappear fast at your next gathering.
          No oven? No problem. This salad is ready in minutes with zero baking required. Just mix, chill, and enjoy!

          Quick FAQs

          Do frozen peas need to thaw?
           Yes! Thawing removes extra water so the salad isn’t soggy. In a pinch, rinse with cold water until defrosted.
          How long will pea salad last?
           Best eaten within a day for peak flavor, but it can safely chill in the fridge up to 3 days.
          How should I store it?
           Keep in an airtight container. If it looks a little dry, stir in a bit of mayo. Bacon may soften, but flavor stays on point.
          Can I use canned peas?
           Not recommended. Canned peas are too soft; frozen peas keep the salad’s texture perfect.

          Final Thoughts

          This Easter Pea Salad is a surefire hit for holiday tables, backyard BBQs, or anytime you need a quick, crowd-pleasing Side Dish With Peas. It’s colorful, creamy, and packed with flavor—plus, it’s ridiculously easy to whip up. Honestly, why settle for boring side salads when you can make this one and watch it vanish in minutes? Go ahead, make it your go-to Easter Cold Side Dish or Green Salad For Easter Dinner—your friends and family will thank you.