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Loaded Ham and Pea Salad with Creamy Bacon Ranch Recipe

ham and pea salad - featured image

A quick and easy salad featuring ham, peas, bacon, and a creamy bacon ranch dressing. Perfect for any occasion and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups diced ham
  • 2 cups green peas, fresh or thawed if frozen
  • 68 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded or cubed cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced or thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Fry 6-8 slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and let cool, then crumble into small pieces.
  2. Prepare the dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, mayonnaise, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  3. Dice the ham: Take about 2 cups of ham and dice it into bite-sized chunks. Place it in a large mixing bowl.
  4. Thaw the peas: If using frozen peas, run them under cold water for a few minutes until thawed. Drain well and add to the bowl with the ham.
  5. Add the cheese: Toss in shredded or cubed cheddar cheese.
  6. Include the red onion: Add finely diced or thinly sliced red onion.
  7. Combine the dressing: Pour the creamy bacon ranch mixture over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  8. Garnish and chill: Sprinkle with crumbled bacon and chopped parsley, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Notes

[‘Make sure peas are completely thawed and dry before adding to the salad to avoid diluting the dressing.’, ‘Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving for better flavor.’, ‘Customize the dressing with a splash of vinegar or garlic powder for extra flavor.’, ‘You can make this salad a day in advance—it tastes even better the next day!’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Ham salad, Pea salad, Bacon ranch salad, Easy salad recipe, Quick side dish