I first made this salad for a neighborhood potluck when we moved to Georgia, and it disappeared faster than any other dish on the table. Three neighbors asked for the recipe before the evening ended, and now it’s requested at every summer gathering.
Ingredients
- Frozen sweet peas: these provide the perfect sweet pop in every bite, be sure to thaw them completely but don’t cook them
- Hard-boiled eggs: add richness and protein, make them a day ahead for convenience
- Bacon: creates a smoky crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft peas
- Green onions: offer a mild onion flavor without overwhelming the dish
- Cheddar cheese: adds savory depth, use sharp cheddar for more pronounced flavor
- Black pepper: provides classic peppery notes
- Salt: enhances all other flavors
- Garlic powder: adds depth without the sharpness of fresh garlic
- Celery seeds: contribute a distinctive earthy flavor that’s quintessentially Southern
- Cayenne pepper: just a touch wakes up the flavor without making it spicy
- Mayonnaise: creates the creamy base of the dressing
- Sour cream: adds tanginess to balance the richness of the mayo
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