Bacon Ranch Pea Salad is a delicious and refreshing side dish that is perfect for summer cookouts and picnics. This salad features crispy bacon, sweet peas, and a creamy ranch dressing that brings all the flavors together. It is a simple and easy-to-make recipe that can be prepared in advance and served chilled. The combination of the salty bacon, crunchy peas, and tangy ranch dressing creates a flavorful and satisfying salad that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
The Bacon Ranch Pea Salad recipe requires several key ingredients:
- Green peas: Fresh or frozen green peas are the star of this salad. They add a burst of sweetness and a crisp texture.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon brings a savory and salty element to the salad. It complements the sweetness of the peas perfectly.
- Ranch dressing: The creamy and tangy ranch dressing serves as the base of the salad. It adds a rich and flavorful coating to the peas and bacon.
- Red onion: The sharp and slightly sweet flavor of red onion pairs well with the other ingredients in the salad. It adds a nice crunch and a pop of color.
- Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese adds richness and a creamy texture to the salad. It melts slightly into the peas and bacon, making every bite more delicious.
- Chives: Freshly chopped chives add a touch of freshness and a mild onion flavor. They serve as a garnish for the salad and enhance its overall presentation.
With these ingredients combined, the Bacon Ranch Pea Salad delivers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will please both your taste buds and your guests.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Bacon Ranch Pea Salad
To make Bacon Ranch Pea Salad, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 cups frozen peas
- 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing mix
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare the Bacon Ranch Pea Salad:
- In a large bowl, thaw the frozen peas and drain any excess water.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and ranch dressing mix to make the dressing.
- Add the crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, diced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley to the bowl of peas.
- Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish with additional bacon crumbles and chopped parsley if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Bacon Ranch Pea Salad!
Expert Tips for Making Bacon Ranch Pea Salad
When it comes to making Bacon Ranch Pea Salad, professional chefs have a few key tips to elevate the flavors and textures of this dish:
- Use fresh and high-quality ingredients: Starting with fresh peas and crispy bacon will make a big difference in the overall taste of the salad. Opt for high-quality ranch dressing and cheese to enhance the flavors even further.
- Blanch the peas for the perfect texture: To ensure that the peas are tender yet still have a slight crunch, blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This will help maintain their vibrant color and keep them crisp.
- Add crunch with toasted almonds: For an extra layer of texture, consider sprinkling toasted almonds over the salad. This will provide a nice contrast against the creaminess of the dressing and the softness of the peas.
By following these expert tips, you can take your Bacon Ranch Pea Salad to the next level and impress your guests with a delicious and well-balanced dish.
Reviews
I recently tried the Bacon Ranch Pea Salad recipe, and it has become one of my favorite side dishes. The combination of crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and fresh peas creates a delicious and satisfying dish. I loved how easy it was to prepare, as it only required a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time.
The flavors in this salad are incredible. The bacon adds a smoky and salty taste, which pairs perfectly with the cool and tangy ranch dressing. The peas provide a refreshing and crunchy texture, and they also add a touch of sweetness to balance out the other flavors. This dish is a great option for a summer cookout or a potluck, as it is sure to impress everyone with its unique and delicious taste.
One of the things I appreciate about this recipe is its versatility. I have made a few variations by adding some diced red onions and shredded cheddar cheese, and it turned out amazing. The possibilities are endless, and you can customize it to your liking by adding any additional ingredients you desire. I highly recommend trying the Bacon Ranch Pea Salad recipe – it is a crowd-pleaser and a perfect addition to any meal.
I recently tried the Bacon Ranch Pea Salad and I have to say, it exceeded my expectations. As someone who enjoys trying new recipes, this dish caught my eye immediately. The combination of bacon, ranch dressing, and peas created a unique flavor that was both savory and refreshing.
The salad was incredibly easy to make, which was a huge bonus for me. The recipe called for just a few simple ingredients, most of which I already had on hand in my kitchen. I appreciated that the instructions were clear and concise, making the preparation process a breeze.
Upon taking my first bite, I was blown away by the flavors that burst into my mouth. The crispy bacon added a salty and smoky element, while the ranch dressing provided a creamy and tangy balance. The peas added a nice crunch and a subtle sweetness. All of the ingredients came together harmoniously, creating a salad that was both satisfying and delicious.
The Bacon Ranch Pea Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own as a light lunch or served as a side dish alongside a main course. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it the perfect addition to any summer barbecue or potluck. I can’t wait to make this recipe again and share it with my family and friends. I highly recommend trying the Bacon Ranch Pea Salad – it’s a true crowd-pleaser!
I recently tried the Bacon Ranch Pea Salad recipe and it was absolutely delicious! As someone who enjoys salads but often finds them lacking in flavor, this recipe was a game changer. The combination of crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and the freshness of peas created a flavor explosion in every bite.
The preparation of the salad was quick and easy. I began by frying the bacon until it was crispy and then crumbling it into small pieces. Next, I combined the peas with the ranch dressing, adding a generous amount of both to ensure every pea was coated in the creamy goodness. Finally, I sprinkled the bacon bits over the top of the salad, adding a hint of saltiness and crunch that complemented the peas perfectly.
The resulting Bacon Ranch Pea Salad was a hit at my family gathering. The combination of flavors was so unique and unexpected that it really stood out among the other dishes on the table. Guests couldn’t get enough of it and were quick to ask for the recipe. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try if you’re looking to elevate your salad game and impress your friends and family.
