Description
A deliciously easy recipe for a creamy ham and cheddar pea salad, perfect as a side dish or light main course.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups frozen peas, thawed and drained
- 1 cup diced ham (use cooked or smoked ham for best flavor)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup crispy bacon, crumbled
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the peas: If using frozen peas, place them in a colander and run under cold water until thawed. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels to avoid watering down the dressing.
- Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, add peas, ham, cheddar cheese, and red onion.
- Pour the dressing over and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Top & Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle crispy bacon and fresh chives on top. Serve cold as a side dish or light main course.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar based on your taste preference.
- This salad can be made a day in advance for better flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg