Are you tired of boring, bland side dishes that put everyone to sleep? Prepare to revolutionize your meal game with this incredibly addictive Bacon Ranch and Pea Salad! Imagine a perfect harmony of crispy bacon, sweet peas, tangy ranch, and sharp cheddar cheese that comes together in just 15 minutes. This isn't just a salad; it's a crowd-pleasing sensation that will have your family and friends begging for seconds – and asking for the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen peas, thawed
- 6 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thaw the frozen peas by placing them in a colander and running cool water over them for 2-3 minutes, then drain completely.
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon and place on paper towels to drain excess grease.
- Once the bacon has cooled, crumble it into small, bite-sized pieces using your hands or a knife.
- Dice the red onion into fine, uniform pieces, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even distribution in the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed peas, crumbled bacon, diced red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pour the ranch dressing over the mixture and gently fold all ingredients together until evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly to distribute the seasonings.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust seasoning if needed.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use thick-cut bacon and cook it until it's perfectly crisp. The crunchier, the better!
- Make sure to drain your peas thoroughly to prevent a watery salad. A colander and a few gentle shakes work wonders.
- Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to mingle and intensify, transforming a good salad into an extraordinary one.
- For a gourmet twist, try using freshly shredded cheddar instead of pre-shredded cheese. The texture and flavor are noticeably better.
- Feel free to customize! Add some chopped fresh chives or a sprinkle of crispy fried onions for extra crunch and flavor.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
