The Ultimate Canadian Pea Salad is a Creamy Bacon & Cheddar Potluck Classic. If there’s one salad you’ll find at summer BBQs, family reunions, potlucks, and holiday gatherings across Canada, it’s a classic pea salad.

This is apart of our Camping Series be sure to check all our recipes out!

This Ultimate Canadian Pea Salad takes everything Canadians love about the traditional recipe and makes it even better. Sweet green peas are tossed with crispy bacon, aged cheddar cheese, crunchy celery, and green onions, then coated in a rich, creamy dressing that brings everything together.

The result is a colourful, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s perfect alongside burgers, grilled meats, sandwiches, and all your favourite summer meals.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, packing a picnic, or bringing a dish to a family gathering, this easy Canadian pea salad is always one of the first bowls to disappear.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Loaded with crispy bacon

✔ Real aged cheddar cheese

✔ Sweet and creamy

✔ Easy to make ahead

✔ Perfect for potlucks

✔ Great BBQ side dish

✔ Family friendly

✔ Ready in minutes

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How To Make The Ultimate Canadian Pea Salad

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Step 1

In a large mixing bowl combine:

• peas
• bacon
• cheddar cheese
• green onions
• celery
• parsley

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Step 2

In a separate bowl whisk together:

• mayonnaise
• sour cream
• vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• maple syrup
• garlic powder
• salt
• pepper

until smooth and creamy.

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Step 3

Pour the dressing over the salad.

Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

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Step 4

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

This allows the flavours to develop and the dressing to fully coat the ingredients.

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Step 5

Before serving, top with:

• extra bacon
• extra cheddar cubes
• sliced green onions

Serve chilled.

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Tips For The Best Canadian Pea Salad

• Use extra-old Canadian cheddar for maximum flavour.
• Don’t overcook the bacon; crispy pieces add the best texture.
• Pat thawed peas dry before mixing.
• Make the salad several hours ahead for even better flavour.
• Garnish just before serving for the freshest presentation.

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Perfect For

• Summer BBQs
• Canada Day
• Potlucks
• Family Gatherings
• Camping Side Dishes
• Holiday Buffets
• Backyard Cookouts

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What Makes This Recipe Canadian?

Canadians have long loved creamy pea salads at potlucks and community gatherings. By combining sweet peas, smoky bacon, real Canadian cheddar cheese, and a creamy dressing with a hint of maple flavour, this recipe celebrates some of Canada’s most beloved ingredients in one simple and delicious side dish.