This pea salad recipe includes one extra ingredient that transforms it into the creamiest, most satisfying side dish ever!

serving dish of pea salad with eggs and mayo

A sweet pea salad full of flavor!

Want to transform your old fashioned pea salad into the kind of side or potluck dish that will have everyone fighting for second helpings? The secret is adding one ingredient that I bet you already have in your fridge — eggs!

Egg salad and pea salad are both classics, all on their own. And combining the creamy richness of eggs with the fresh, sweet burst of green peas makes this dish the best of both worlds!

If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy, simple, and filled with comforting Southern flavor, this is the one.

Pea salad with eggs is perfect for potlucks, as a tasty side, or even as a meal-prep lunch for the week!

Old Fashioned pea salad ingredients

Frozen peas
Sour cream
Mayonnaise
Bacon
Eggs
Red onion
Apple cider vinegar
Cheddar cheese — cubed
Sugar
Salt and pepper

How to Make Pea Salad with Eggs

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Thaw out the frozen peas.

STEP TWO: Cook the bacon until crispy. Lay on a paper towel to soak up any excess grease until cooled, then chop into small pieces.

STEP THREE: Fill a pot with cold water, place the eggs inside, and bring to a boil. Once the water is boiling, cover with a lid and remove the pot from the heat.

STEP FOUR: Allow to sit for 10 minutes, then drain the hot water and fill the pot with ice cubes and cold water. Allow the eggs to sit in the cold bath for 5 minutes.

STEP FIVE: Tap the ends of the egg and peel the shells, then chop and add to a large bowl.

STEP SIX: Cube the cheddar cheese and chop the onion.

STEP SEVEN: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt and pepper.

recipe ingredients portioned out in small bowls

STEP EIGHT: In the large bowl with the chopped egg, add the peas, bacon, red onion, and cheddar cheese.

STEP NINE: Pour the dressing over the ingredients, stir gently to coat, and serve.

Tips for Making the Best Pea Salad with Egg

Let the bacon fully cool before chopping to make sure it fully crisps up.
Don’t skip the ice bath for your hard-boiled eggs, or you risk them overcooking, and they’re harder to peel.
If you want a few egg slices to garnish your salad, leave an egg or two out when chopping, then slice and add before serving.
Stir the pea egg salad gently after adding the dressing to avoid breaking up the chopped egg too much.
Chill the pea salad with eggs and mayo before serving to let the flavors deepen even more.

More Hard-Boiled Egg Recipes

Variations for Pea Salad Recipes with Eggs

For softer eggs in your pea salad, reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.
Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like feta or mozzarella for a little twist.
For even more crunch, throw in some diced celery or bell peppers.
Add some fresh herb goodness with fresh dill, chives, or even cilantro.
Swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter version of green pea salad.

What is English Pea Salad?

English pea salad, also called old fashioned pea salad, is a simple dish that includes peas in a creamy dressing. Most versions add other ingredients like cheese, bacon or ham, and red onion.

The name comes from using English peas, but this is a traditional Southern recipe.

Can You Use Canned Peas in Sweet Pea Salad?

If you don’t have any frozen peas on hand, canned peas will work for this recipe in a pinch. Just keep in mind that they’ll have a softer texture in the salad.

What to Serve with Pea Salad with Egg

Sweet pea salad is a delicious side to serve with hearty main courses like Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Tri Tip, Flank Steak, or Pork Tenderloin.

You could also serve it for lunch alongside an easy recipe like a Chicken Caesar Wrap or Turkey Avocado Sandwich.

peas, cheese, onions and hard boiled eggs dressed in a bowl

More Potluck-Friendly Salad Recipes