This pea salad recipe is creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy bacon, a classic side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Take it to a potluck, serve it at a BBQ, or make it for a quick and flavorful side for dinner! This salad comes together in minutes and delivers big flavor.

It’s the perfect side dish for Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. I don’t know where English pea salad originated from, or why it’s so dang good considering it’s the world’s shortest list of ingredients, but I do know that any time someone shares a photo of a potluck or church spread, there’s that pea salad!

Last Fourth of July, we had Cade’s mom, brother, and his family and a friend over for a fun day of swimming and eating. Yes, I did wear a red bathing suit. Yes, I did get mistaken for the lifeguard 100 times. We swam, the kids became exhausted, and we headed back to the house where we cooked up classic burgers and a selection of our favorite summer salads including this English pea salad and our tomato cucumber salad. We finished the night off with our gooey Rice Krispie treats! God Bless America!

Ingredients for Pea Salad

• Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy, rich base that binds all the flavors together.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and smooth texture for the perfect balance.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, cubed cheddar adds bold flavor and bite to the salad.
• Red Onion: Gives a mild crunch and subtle sweetness for extra depth.
• Sugar: Balances the tangy dressing and enhances the peas’ natural sweetness.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy note to the creamy dressing.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the salad.
• Bacon: Crispy, crumbled bacon adds smoky, savory flavor and crunch.
• Frozen Peas: Sweet and tender peas form the heart of this classic salad.

This quick and easy Ham Lemon Orzo with Parmesan and Peas is the perfect weeknight dinner. Bright and full of flavor, it comes together in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.

It’s a one-pan meal that feels fresh and satisfying without any extra effort. Add it to you list of the best leftover ham recipes!

Our lemon orzo recipe became such a reader favorite that we had to make a heartier version for those who want a little more to dig into. This lemon orzo with peas and ham has all the bright flavor you love, with tender carrots and little bites of savory ham mixed in. Easter always means ham at our house, and this recipe is one of my favorite ways to enjoy the leftovers.

Ingredients For Ham Lemon Orzo

This quick weeknight pasta comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Each one adds its own layer of flavor! From the savory ham to the bright lemon zest and creamy Parmesan. Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy dinner:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps toast the orzo and adds richness.
• Orzo Pasta: A small pasta that cooks to al dente quickly and soaks up flavor beautifully.
• Garlic: Adds depth and savory aroma.
• Chicken Broth: Infuses the orzo with flavor as it cooks.
• Fresh Thyme: Brings a subtle earthy note that pairs perfectly with ham and lemon.
• Lemon Zest: Adds a bright citrus punch.
• Lemon Juice: Enhances freshness and balances the richness.
• Ham: Savory, salty flavor that makes this meal hearty.
• Steamed Carrots: Add color and a touch of sweetness.
• Peas: Bring texture and a pop of spring flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds creaminess and salty depth.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste.

Every ingredient plays its part in creating the perfect balance of creamy and comforting. Keep them on hand! Once you’ve made this once, you’ll want to whip it up again and again.

Quick and Easy Lemon Orzo with Parmesan and Peas

As the winter is starting to melt away we make recipes that scream spring like this quick and easy lemon orzo with Parmesan and peas.

We toast the orzo first to give it a delicious nutty flavor, and then add minced garlic for boldness. The orzo is then cooked with chicken broth and then we add peas, lemon and fresh thyme. It is a bright dish that is the perfect transition into spring!

The Beauty of Garden Produce

There’s truly nothing better than fresh garden produce. I didn’t understand this as a child and I don’t know that many people have experienced true farm to table even today. Mom and Dad would harvest the garden with all of us kids at the end of summer, but for me it was the excitement of fresh corn, homemade raspberry jam, and making boats to float in our mudroom sink made out of hollowed out cucumbers, while Mom and Dad were anxious to cut open a juicy tomato, sprinkle it with a little salt and savor every bite.

I’m not kidding. I did not get that. I still don’t eat a tomato like an apple. Do you?

I have gained such an appreciation for food that you’ve labored over. It’s a fact: fresh picked tastes better.

Unfortunately, it’s not time for fresh peas but when they are ready we will be shelling them for this quick and easy lemon orzo with parmesan and peas. We often eat this as a main dish (check our our ham version for a main dish), but it’s wonderful and light so it makes a great healthy side dish as well.

What is Orzo?

I love this question; it’s so satisfying to see people’s reactions when they learn that orzo isn’t a grain, despite the fact that it looks like one. Spoiler: orzo is actually a flat, rice-shaped pasta that’s great in soups, salads, or enjoyed as is.

How is Orzo Different from Rice?

Although orzo can be cooked like rice and has similar nutritional information, it cooks up in about half the time. This is the number one reason why I love cooking with orzo. Well, that and the fact that I like the shape. And it tastes really good, especially when you toast it first. Okay, there are a lot of reasons why I love orzo. 

Is Orzo Healthier Than Rice?

Orzo has higher protein and fiber content than rice, but orzo has slightly higher carbohydrates per serving. Because orzo is higher in protein and fiber, it will help you feel fuller for longer which can help with weight loss.

Tips on How to Cook Orzo

Like I mentioned above, you can cook orzo like pasta, boiling it in liquid, which works well if you’re serving it in soup because you can

Southern English Pea Salad

This Southern English pea salad is a refreshing and delicious side dish, perfect for any gathering. Made with peas, bacon, herbs, and a creamy dressing, it’s sure to be a hit at your next potluck or holiday dinner.

It’s the perfect side dish for Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. I don’t know where English pea salad originated from, or why it’s so dang good considering it’s the world’s shortest list of ingredients, but I do know that any time someone shares a photo of a Southern Potluck or church spread, there’s that pea salad!

Last Fourth of July, we had Cade’s mom, brother, and his family and a friend over for a fun day of swimming and eating. Yes, I did wear a red bathing suit. Yes, I did get mistaken for the lifeguard 100 times. I have had the worst time trying to find a bathing suit that wasn’t cut crazy high or crazy low all year and this one I love, though I will watch where I wear it now. 

But back to the BBQ — we swam, the kids became exhausted, and we headed back to the house where we cooked up classic burgers thanks to our 2 hamburger secrets post, and a selection of our favorite summer salads including this green pea salad, our tomato mozzarella salad, and Nancy’s Southern Grape Salad. We finished the night off with our dreamiest Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting EVER.

Green pea salad is considered to be low-carb, gluten-free, and a slightly healthier option to pasta salad (though we have a pasta version of this recipe too if you prefer). But this doesn’t mean it’s straight up healthy — it contains bacon, cheese, and mayonnaise, after all.

What Ingredients Do I Need for This Salad Recipe?

Although English pea salad has a few different names, it’s all the exact same thing — cold pea salad. You may hear it called pea salad, English Pea Salad, Southern Pea Salad, Green Pea Salad, or, as we’ve called it, Southern English Pea Salad.

Here’s what goes into this easy potluck side dish recipe: 

• Frozen Peas
• Mayonnaise
• Apple Cider Vinegar 
• Salt and Pepper
• Red Onion
• Bacon
• Cheese (Colby Jack or Cheddar Cheese is our favorite)

Some recipes also call for hard-boiled eggs, which we left out this time as I’m really enjoying it as a straight up pea salad lately. I’ve added it into the recipe as optional in case