Filled with crunchy peas, mozzarella cheese, red onion, and crumbled bacon, this Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon will take your salad experience to a whole new level!
It’s a well-known fact around my house that I always prep my weekly lunches on Sundays. If I’m making a salad, pasta, or something more involved than a sandwich, I carefully plan out what ingredients are required and then happily cook away.
And it’s also no secret that I love salads. For lunch, dinner, or somewhere in between, salads are almost a weekly dish for me. And since the hubster doesn’t eat anything more than a regular green salad, I’m left to create whatever my little hearts desires for my lunches.
Because I eat salads quite often, I like to become creative with my recipes. I rarely eat the same thing twice and love to switch up those salads. With so many different ways to jazz up a boring salad, why stick to just the green leaf kind? While I do like those, I love to experiment with new options for my lunches.
So drumroll please…my latest (and possibly greatest) new creation is this creamy pea salad with bacon! Filled with crunchy peas, mozarella cheese, red onion, and crumbled bacon, this dish will take your salad experience to a whole new level!
Now let’s talk about the dressing for this pea and cheese salad. Not only is it healthy, but it’s also creamy (hence the title), light, and delicious! It serves as a great base for this salad, or any other salad that might involve a similar base.
Creamy Pea Salad Ingredients
If you love peas, then you will go crazy over this green pea salad with bacon! Trust me, friends!
One bite and I knew this salad would be on my monthly lunch rotations. The bacon and mozzarella cheese complements the yogurt dressing, while giving the peas a bit of a smokey flavor.
This green pea salad with bacon comes together with just a handful of ingredients:
- Frozen peas
- Red onion
- Mozzarella cheese
- Crumbled bacon pieces
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Mayonnaise
- Garlic powder
Can I Substitute the Mayo?
If desired, you can make this pea salad with bacon using all yogurt. Using all yogurt will result in a less creamy dressing, but it should still taste delicious.
Should I Defrost the Peas?
Nope! This frozen pea salad can be stirred together while the peas are still cold.
How to Make Pea Salad with Bacon
The pea and cheese salad literally comes together in minutes (you don’t even have to defrost the peas!), and is easily adaptable based on your tastes. And because this salad is on the healthy side, you can feel good about eating this for lunch or dinner!
Here’s how I make pea salad with bacon:
- Pour the frozen peas into a strainer and rinse with warm water. Set aside.
- Whisk together the creamy pea salad dressing.
- Mix in the crumbled bacon, onion, and cheese.
- Stir in the peas.
How Long Does Pea Salad Last?
This pea salad with bacon will last up to 5 days in the fridge. Be sure to store it in an airtight container!
Can I Use Fresh or Canned Peas?
Fresh peas would work well in this recipe, but I don’t recommend using canned peas. Canned peas are often salted and are incredibly mushy, which wouldn’t work well with the creamy dressing.
I prefer making this pea salad with frozen peas because I can dump them straight out of the bag — no need to shell or defrost them first!
Tips for Making Pea Salad with Bacon
- Instead of using sour cream in the dressing, I used a combination of plain, nonfat Greek yogurt (practically a staple in all of my baking) and mayonnaise. But if you aren’t a mayo fan, feel free to use just yogurt, or a mixture of that and sour cream.
- Likewise, you’re welcome to add extra mix-ins to this creamy pea salad. Think: chopped tomatoes, olives, bell peppers, and more.
- Lastly, please note that frozen peas are a must for this recipe. Canned peas are typically saltier and don’t have the same firm texture.
Looking for more easy salad recipes? I’ve got you covered!
- Caprese Pasta Salad
- Strawberry Poppy Seed Chicken Salad
- Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Easy Italian Pasta Salad
- Lemon Herb Orzo Salad with Chicken
Creamy Pea Salad
Ingredients
- 16 oz frozen peas
- 1/2 red onion , diced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese , cubed
- 3 tablespoons crumbled bacon pieces (I used the store-bought bacon pieces for ease)
- 3 tablespoons nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper , to taste
Instructions
- Pour frozen peas into a strainer and rinse with warm water. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and garlic powder. Stir to combine.
- Add in red onion, cheese, and bacon pieces. Mix well. Add frozen peas to dressing, season with salt and pepper. Stir to thoroughly combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Salad will keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Salad is very versatile depending on your tastes. Feel free to swap out mayonnaise with sour cream or Miracle Whip, add in tomatoes, black olives, etc.
Nutrition
Mir says
You’re so organized! I always love the idea of prepping everything on Sundays and then, well, yeah. It doesn’t turn out as planned.
This salad is so creative! Love the idea!
Gayle says
I try, Mir! It doesn’t always work out for me either, but when I have the time, I always prep for the week! Thanks for the salad compliments!
Michele @ Two Raspberries says
Peas and mozzarella cheese – Sold! And I love the combo of mayonnaise and yogurt, I’ve never tried that before, sounds delicious 😉
Gayle says
You should definitely try mayo and yogurt together. It’s healthier than just mayo, and it tastes so creamy! Goes perfectly over the peas and cheese!
Kathi @ Deliciously Yum! says
I love creative salad ideas and yours brings it to another level. I’ve never thought of making peas the star of a salad, but it sounds and looks incredible! Hope you’re having a great weekend ahead!
Gayle says
Thanks so much for the kind words, Kathi! It definitely jazzes up a boring salad. And the dressing compliments the peas so well. Have a wonderful weekend, too!
Kristine @ Kristine's Kitchen says
This salad looks like a great combination of flavors! I tend to make lunches day by day, but wish I could get it all done once a week and then not have to think about it again!
Gayle says
Thanks, Kristine! I try to make my lunches ahead of time every week, though it always doesn’t work out. But it’s the thought that counts, right? 🙂
Kelly // The Pretty Bee: Cooking & Creating says
This salad looks so yummy! I love the bacon crumbles on top, so yummy!
Gayle says
The bacon definitely gives this salad the perfect touch. Thanks, Kelly!
Kelly @ trial and eater says
You’re so organized to make all your lunches on Sundays! Can you make some of this pea salad for me for next week, please?!
Gayle says
Ha ha if I had some left I would for sure give you some, Kelly! 🙂 It is probably one of the easiest salads that I have ever made, hardly any prep time!
Karen says
Gayle, I need your love for salads, I have to be honest they are the last thing I think of eating…always. BUT I do actualy like salads, I’m just carb crazed..lol! This salad is so perfect, I love peas and I love using yogurt for pretty much anything. You’ve totally sold me on this one! 🙂
Gayle says
Carb crazed is good too, Karen! I think you would love this salad! It’s definitely on the healthier side, which I love! Since I didn’t use just a mayo base, the yogurt balances it out and gives it a creamy texture.
Heather says
Oh, I love pea salads!
Gayle says
Sounds like this would be the perfect salad for you, Heather!
Samina | The Cupcake Confession says
Peas, mozzarella and mayo????? I AM ALLLLL UP FOR THIS DELISH BEAUTY! <3 This is also going to be a part of my lunch rotations! Yuuum!
Gayle says
This salad is amazing, Samina! One of my favorites as of yet, and I can’t wait to make it again. I hope you love it if you try it!
Julie @ Julie's Eats & Treats says
My taste buds would be dancing with this fabulous recipe! Love that it’s lightened up too!
Gayle says
Definitely, Julie! The creamy dressing compliments the peas so well. Healthy and delicious!
Denise says
I made a version of this one time, I never thought of adding garlic and bacon.
Gayle says
Bacon is a wonderful addition to this salad, Denise! Gives it so much flavor.
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
I’ve never had a pea salad! Yours looks awesome 🙂
Gayle says
Thanks, Medha! You should definitely try this salad!
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
What an awesome salad Gayle! I love peas and combining it with bacon bits and mozzarella cheese is such a great idea!
Gayle says
I agree, Kelly! Bacon and mozzarella are the perfect pair! Thanks for the salad love!
Olivia - Primavera Kitchen says
This salad looks so creamy and delicious! I love the bacon bits and mozzarella cheese in here. Have a great weekend 😉
Gayle says
I love the dressing for this salad! The yogurt and mayo makes it creamy, yet healthy. Hope you have a great weekend too, Olivia!
marcie says
You know, I just want to dive into that bowl! I make a salad similar with broccoli and I love that you’ve done it with peas! Such a delicious idea. 🙂
Gayle says
Broccoli sounds like it would be delicious in a salad like this, too! I love that peas are the main ingredient in this dish, definitely kicks it up a notch! Have a great weekend, Marcie!
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
Totally loving this happy harvest pea recipe! I’d like to my sink my teeth into a big bowl of creamy peas!
Gayle says
Thanks for the salad love, Pamela! I know you love peas, so this salad would be right up your alley!
Cailee says
YUM! This looks so good! Gotta love peas! This will be a perfect recipe for fall!! YUMMY and healthy! Win-Win!
Gayle says
Thanks, Cailee! I love how creamy and healthy this salad is. And so easy to whip up, too!
Eva says
This is perfect, because the amount of bags of frozen peas I have is ridiculous. For some reason, I buy one every here and there when I’m at the store. I always think I don’t have any. Thanks for sharing!
Gayle says
Ha ha I’m the same way, Eva! I always buy too many bags and frozen peas and corn, then forget it’s in my freezer! Sounds like this salad would be perfect to use up all those peas with!
Danielle says
I need to get in the habit of prepping my lunches on the weekend too, but I just get too lazy sometimes! I love peas, they go so well with this pasta and the creamy dressing! Pinning this 🙂
Gayle says
It doesn’t always work out for me, but I try when I have the time. Makes it so much easier to just grab my lunches and go during the week! Thanks so much for the salad love and pin, Danielle!
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong says
Oh my Gee!! All my fav ingredients in this salad.. mayo, mozzarella, peas and bacon.. love it love it!! 🙂
Gayle says
Thanks for the kind words, Arpita! The flavor combinations in this salad are amazing!
Carol at Wild Goose Tea says
That is an astonishingly simple salad. I can totally taste it. It looks delicious too. I don’t have a pea salad in my bag of tricks. This one looks like a good one.
Gayle says
Thanks for the kind words, Carol! The peas make this salad extra special!
Cindy @ Pick Fresh Foods says
My daughter loves to eat frozen veggies. I know this would be a huge hit in my house.
Gayle says
Hope you love it if you try it, Cindy.
Allison says
I also love a good salad! It has to have lots of different textures and tastes –this one checks all of those boxes! I’m a big fan of peas and yogurt together for some reason. It’s just a really great combo!
Gayle says
Thanks, Allison! Since I eat salads a lot, I like to get very creative! And this one definitely fit the bill!
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen says
I just recently become addicted to peas in salad! I love the little pop of crunch that you get when you eat them! And this looks like a perfect salad to take to work on weekdays. Pinned!
Gayle says
You would love this salad, Kristi! The dressing goes so well with the peas and is so light and healthy, too! Thanks so much for the salad love and pin!
Brittany @ DulceVie says
Oh my goodness!! That looks too good to be true!
Gayle says
This is definitely a wonderful salad for all pea lovers out there! Thanks for stopping by, Brittany!
Isadora says
My husband sounds a lot like your husband, haha! I love getting creative with salads too and I love making a big bowl that I eat for lunches throughout the week! It is so nice just having something easy to grab rather than preparing something in the morning. Peas, yogurt, and bacon sound like a great combo and I may be eating this for lunch soon too 🙂
Gayle says
Thanks, Izzy! I love having my lunches already made because then it’s just one less thing to worry about! 🙂 And this salad is a great combination! The flavors blend so well together!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
I love a creamy pea salad! Especially if there’s bacon involved. 🙂
Gayle says
Bacon definitely makes everything better! 🙂 Thanks, Christin!
Kathy @ Olives & Garlic says
I enjoy doing meal prep on Sundays as well and love getting creative with salads as well. Lucky for me my hubby will eat anything I make for him especially when it comes to salads. Will be trying your delicious creation next meal prep. 🙂
Gayle says
Great minds think alike, Kathy! I wish my husband likes salads as much as yours does! 🙂 I hope you love this one if you try it!
Leah | So, How's It Taste? says
Drooling over this! It looks so creamy and delicious. Plus that bacon…hello!
Gayle says
Thanks, Leah! I love the creaminess of this salad, too. And the bacon gives it the perfect touch!
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Looks delish, Gayle! I’m sad my peas are done for the year, they would have been awesome in this! I also pretty much put Greek yogurt in everything and anything. Addict!
Gayle says
I’m glad you love using Greek yogurt just as much as I do, Denise! It is so great for baking and cooking!
Jessica @ Jessica in the Kitchen says
I WISH I was as organised food-wise as you! I guess it will kick in soon when I have to take my lunch to work. This pea salad is something I’d definitely love!! I love unique twists on salads and you def nailed it!
Gayle says
I was pretty impressed with the taste of this salad, definitely not boring! Thanks, Jessica!
Jocelyn@Brucrewlife says
This pea salad looks SO good!! 🙂 I can’t wait to give this a try soon!
Gayle says
It’s amazing, Jocelyn! One of my favorites salads ever! Hope you enjoy!
Tash says
You are incredibly organized! I absolutely adore peas. I agree with pretty much all of the above comments…this truly brings salad to another level. I kinda wish I hadn’t already had dinner because I am craving some right now! Such a fab idea, love it!
Gayle says
Sounds like you would love this salad, Tash! Definitely a nice change from plain lettuce ones. Thanks so much for the kind words!
Eva says
I made it but instead of mozzarella (I just don’t like it) I used goat cheese. Holy cow, delicious. I made it so I could bring it to work the next day but I was eating it while I was preparing dinner. Sooo good. A total keeper.
Gayle says
I’m so glad you liked it, Eva! And goat cheese sounds like it would be amazing in this salad, too. I will definitely have to try that next time I make it!
marcie says
I’ve never had pea salad and that’s crazy because I love peas!! You did a beautiful job on your new photos and this would be such a perfect side for this weekend or all summer long. These flavors sound so delicious!
Gayle says
Thanks for the sweet comment, Marcie! I think you would LOVE this pea salad!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
I absolutely love that you are updating old posts, because this is yet another fabulous recipe that I missed when it was originally posted! You know I looooove peas, so this creamy-dreamy salad is screaming my name! I mean, peas, feta AND bacon?! HEEECK YES! Gimme dat! Pinned! Cheers, friend!
Gayle says
Thanks, Cheyanne!
annie@ciaochowbambina says
I love sweet peas in my salads and this reminds me so much of my favorite macaroni salad! I love how you’re updating older posts! They deserve another shine in the spotlight!
Gayle says
Thank you, Annie! It’s been so nice to go back through these old posts and reshoot them!
Mary J. Moore says
I know a fellow named Jerry Vess. He makes this salad (oh, yum!) for a get-together of THE LOST COLONY alumni, every 5 years. Sadly, I can’t make it this year, but will dream of the music, the fellowship, and Jerry’s Creamy Pea Salad.
Gayle says
Pea salads are the best! Thanks for stopping by, Mary!
mira says
Love peas and I can’t wait to try this salad. Pictures are beautiful! Pinning 🙂
Gayle says
Thanks so much, friend!
Lindsay | With Salt and Pepper says
This sounds refreshing, satisfying, and comforting all at the same time Gayle! Love it!
Gayle says
It sure is…thanks, Lindsay!
Kelly says
So glad you are sharing this pea salad again! Love the new photos, Gayle! We are big pea fans and this is just perfect for this weekend!
Gayle says
Thanks so much, Kelly!
juniper says
I have made this using sour cream and greek yogurt for the dressing . Just wondering. At the top of the page you have feta cheese not mozza cheese… I use cheddar. I do think any cheese would be
awesome. I will have to try it with mozza.. ..Yuummy !!
Gayle says
Hi Juniper! You are right, I said feta but used mozzarella in the photos. However, I have also made it with feta in the past and it is just as good! I agree, any cheese would be delicious! Thanks for stopping by!