🛒 Ingredients
- 16 oz (1 lb) frozen sweet peas, thawed and drained (do not cook)
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked extra crispy and crumbled
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Peas and Bacon
Ensure your frozen peas are completely thawed and patted dry with a paper towel to prevent the dressing from becoming watery. Cook your bacon slices in a skillet until exceptionally crispy, drain on paper towels, and chop into small bits.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and garlic powder until smooth. Season to taste with salt and a generous amount of cracked black pepper.
Step 3: Toss It Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet peas, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, and about three-quarters of the crumbled bacon. Pour the creamy dressing over the top and gently fold everything together with a rubber spatula until evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill and Set
Transfer the salad into a clean glass serving bowl or a clear storage container to display the beautiful layers, exactly like the presentation in image_262dbb.jpg. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the red onion to soften slightly and the flavors to fully meld.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and scatter the remaining crispy bacon bits over the top for maximum crunch.