Ingredients
• The Base:
• 4 cups Frozen peas, thawed (using frozen keeps them firm and sweet).
• ½ lb Bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled.
• 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded.
• ½ cup Red onion, finely diced.
• The Creamy Dressing:
• ½ cup Mayonnaise.
• ½ cup Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for a lighter tangy twist).
• 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
• 1 tsp Sugar (or a dash of stevia to keep it sugar-free).
• Salt and black pepper to taste.
Preparation Steps
1. Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Combine: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the thawed peas, crumbled bacon, diced red onion, and cheddar cheese.
3. Coat: Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and stir gently until every ingredient is well-coated.
4. Chill: For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the peas to soak up the creamy dressing.
Why This Dish Works
• High Protein: The combination of bacon, cheese, and peas (which are surprisingly high in plant-based protein) makes this more filling than a standard green salad.
• Texture Contrast: You get the “pop” from the peas, the “crunch” from the onions and bacon, and the “creaminess” from the dressing in every bite.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Unlike leaf-based salads, this actually tastes better the next day and won’t wilt in the fridge.