Description

This classic Layered Pea Salad is a creamy, crunchy, and flavorful side dish perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and picnics. Featuring layers of baby peas mixed with a sweet creamy dressing, fresh iceberg lettuce, tangy cheddar cheese, and savory bacon bits, it’s a refreshing and easy-to-make salad that needs just a few hours in the fridge to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Base

1 cup creamy salad dressing (such as Miracle Whip)
2 tbsp white sugar
15 oz can baby peas, drained
½ cup finely chopped green bell pepper (optional)

Layers

1 head iceberg lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Bacon bits, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the dressing mixture: In a large salad bowl or a 9×13-inch glass baking dish, combine the creamy salad dressing and white sugar. Stir thoroughly until the sugar has dissolved completely, creating a smooth and sweet base for the salad.
Add peas and green pepper: Gently fold in the drained baby peas and finely chopped green bell pepper, distributing them evenly throughout the dressing mixture to ensure each bite has balanced flavor and texture.
Layer pea mixture: Evenly spread the pea and dressing mixture across the bottom of the dish, forming the first layer of the salad.
Add lettuce layer: Carefully spread the torn iceberg lettuce pieces over the pea mixture, covering it completely and providing a fresh and crisp contrast.
Layer shredded cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the lettuce, adding rich flavor and a lovely colorful layer.
Top with bacon bits: Finish off by generously sprinkling bacon bits over the cheese layer for a savory crunch.
Chill the salad: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. This resting time allows all layers and flavors to meld together into a cohesive and delicious salad.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for better texture and flavor compared to pre-shredded.
For a vegetarian option, omit bacon bits or substitute with crispy fried mushrooms or smoked tempeh.
Check the dressing’s sweetness before mixing; adjust sugar according to taste preference.
The salad can be made a day ahead to save time on serving day, just keep it chilled.
Drain peas thoroughly to prevent the salad from becoming watery.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: layered pea salad, creamy pea salad, potluck salad, bacon pea salad, easy summer salad