Vegetarian Classic Spring Pea Salad

Total time55 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time10 min

Sweet peas, sharp cheddar cubes, and finely diced red onion come together in a creamy, tangy dressing built from mayonnaise, sour cream, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for the perfect balance of rich and bright. A chilled bowl of this salad is pure nostalgia — cool, crunchy, and satisfying in every bite. The dressing clings to every pea and cube of cheese, so nothing gets lost, and a scatter of fresh chives on top adds a pop of color and mild onion flavor right before serving. Letting it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes is the key step here, giving the flavors time to meld and the texture time to firm up into something creamy but not soggy. It's an easy make-ahead side that holds up well for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner, and it fits neatly into a vegetarian spread. Simple ingredients, minimal cooking, and big classic flavor make this one worth keeping on repeat.

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Ingredients

6 servings

6 strips bacon
MorningStar Farms Meatless Bacon Strips Plant Based Protein Original - 5.25 Oz Lightlife Smart Plant-Based Bacon Morning Star Farms Veggie Morningstar Farms, Veggie Breakfast, Veggie Bacon Strips, Vegetarian
MorningStar Farms Thick Cut Applewood Black Pepper Vegetarian Bacon Strips
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Chef's tip
Cook it only until crisp, adding a little oil to the pan - vegetarian bacon cooks much faster than pork bacon and can scorch. If the recipe simmers or bakes the bacon further, set it aside and stir it back in near the end.
4 cups frozen peas, thawed
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
4 oz cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
Chef's tip
Shred it and warm it gently; dairy-free cheddar melts best baked into a dish.

For the dressing

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sour cream
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp granulated sugar
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

For serving

2 tbsp fresh chives, thinly sliced (optional)

Instructions

1
Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crisp and deeply browned, about 8–10 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate and let cool completely, then crumble into small pieces.
2
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

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