Tennessee's Classic Southern Pea Salad: A Flavorful Tradition

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Classic Southern Pea Salad: A Taste of Tennessee Tradition

Tennessee is known for its rich musical heritage, stunning landscapes, and, of course, its delicious southern cuisine. One dish that perfectly captures the heart and soul of Tennessee is the Classic Southern Pea Salad. This dish isn’t just a simple side—it's a flavorful combination of creamy textures, crispy bites, and a rich blend of spices that takes you straight to the heart of the Volunteer State. Whether it’s served at a family gathering or a backyard barbecue, this salad is a true staple of Tennessee's food culture.

The Pea Salad boasts a wonderful balance of savory, creamy, and slightly tangy flavors. Each ingredient is a reflection of southern hospitality, where meals are hearty and full of love. Crisp bacon (or ham) adds a delightful crunch, the peas lend a subtle sweetness, and the hard-boiled eggs give the dish a satisfying richness. Mix it all with a mayonnaise and sour cream dressing, and you've got a recipe that has been passed down through generations in Tennessee kitchens.

This dish is not only simple to prepare but incredibly versatile, making it perfect for nearly any occasion. As you dig into this salad, you’ll find a symphony of flavors that highlight why Tennessee cooking is cherished far and wide.

Recipe: Tennessee-Style Classic Southern Pea Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 16-ounce package frozen sweet peas, thawed and uncooked (canned peas can be used)
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 4 to 6 slices of bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled (or 1 cup of cooked ham, chopped)
• 1/2 cup chopped green onion (or regular onion)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (any cheese can be substituted)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds (or 1/2 cup chopped celery)
• Dash of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Instructions:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the thawed peas, chopped eggs, bacon or ham (or both), onions, shredded cheese, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, celery seeds (or chopped celery), and a dash of cayenne pepper for a little kick.
2. Add the mayonnaise and sour cream to the bowl, mixing everything until evenly coated. The creamy dressing should perfectly bind all the ingredients together.
3. Once everything is mixed, place the salad in the refrigerator for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve chilled, and enjoy! This salad makes about 6 to 8 servings, ideal for a family dinner or potluck.

A Southern Delight on Every Table

This Tennessee-style Classic Southern Pea Salad captures the essence of southern comfort food. It’s an uncomplicated dish packed with a satisfying combination of flavors. Whether it's served as a side during a holiday dinner or a summer barbecue, this pea salad always brings smiles to the table. The peas offer a delightful sweetness, while the crispy bacon or ham and tangy mayonnaise dressing balance it with a richness that's hard to resist.

Enjoying this dish gives you a taste of Tennessee tradition—where fresh, simple ingredients come together to create something truly special. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, yet leaves a lasting impression, no matter the occasion.

The Classic Southern Pea Salad is a quintessential dish that brings the flavors of the South straight to your table. With its creamy dressing, a mix of peas, crispy bacon, and cheddar cheese, it's both satisfying and refreshing—perfect for any gathering, especially in Tennessee.

This version uses frozen sweet peas (though canned peas can work too), hard-boiled eggs, and a simple but flavorful dressing made from mayonnaise and sour cream. The addition of bacon or ham gives it a salty, savory edge, while chopped green onions, garlic powder, and celery seeds add depth. For a bit of extra zing, some like to add cayenne pepper.

This salad is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a great option for potlucks or family dinners. The longer it chills, the more the flavors meld together, creating a dish that keeps people coming back for more​(Southern Kissed)​(Miarecipes)​(Mom On Timeout).

If you're interested in making this dish, you can try various versions of the recipe to suit your taste. Some people enjoy using different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby, or even swapping the sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter twist. Whichever way you choose, this salad is sure to be a hit.

Here’s a simplified recipe based on what we’ve found:

• 16 oz frozen peas (thawed)
• 2 hard-boiled eggs (chopped)
• 4-6 slices of bacon (cooked and crumbled)
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Spices: salt, pepper, garlic powder, celery seeds, and cayenne (optional for heat)

For more inspiration, you can explore variations of this recipe online at (Southern Kissed)tps:/​(Miarecipes)ed.com/pea-salad/) and Mia Recipes.