If there’s one speedy, flavor-packed side dish that tends to steal the spotlight at any gathering, it’s this Cottage Cheese Ranch Pea Salad. Creamy, crunchy, and loaded with fresh ranch flavor, this salad is a total lifesaver on busy weeknights or when you need to whip up something satisfying in a flash. The luscious cottage cheese ranch dressing transforms humble peas into a crave-worthy dish, with smoky bacon and crunchy red onion adding irresistible texture. Trust me: it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make on repeat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless and Quick: There’s very little fuss here—just blend, toss, and chill. It’s perfect for those nights when you barely have time to lift a spoon.
  • A Flavor Bomb: The creamy, tangy ranch dressing clings to each tender pea, while crisp bacon and red onion add just the right savory punch. Each bite is vibrant and satisfying.
  • Nutritious Twist: With protein-rich cottage cheese and loads of peas, you’re getting nourishment without sacrificing any flavor.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad only gets better as it chills, making it ideal for prepping ahead or bringing to picnics, potlucks, or quick lunches.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Creamy Ranch Dressing

  • Cottage Cheese: The hero here! It’s the base that makes the dressing creamy yet light, packed with protein, and gives a subtle tang.
  • Milk (any kind): Used to loosen up the dressing to your favorite consistency—start with less and add more if you prefer it thinner.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Lifts the flavors and delivers classic ranch tang.
  • Dried Chives, Parsley, and Dill Weed: The essential ranch herbs—don’t skip! They’re what give the dressing that unmistakable ranch flavor.
  • Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Adds depth and brings all the creamy ranch notes forward.
  • Sea Salt & Black Pepper: You’ll want to add to taste; taste as you go to avoid oversalting.

For the Salad

  • Frozen Peas (thawed and drained): Go for the sweet petite peas if you can. Make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry for best texture.
  • High-Quality Bacon (crumbled): Bacon is your pop of smoky, savory crunch. Choose good bacon—this is not the time for bargain brands!
  • Red Onion (finely diced): For color and a bright, peppery crunch. Soaking the onion in cold water for a few minutes will take off any harsh edge.

Note: Using high-quality bacon and fresh herbs, if available, will take this salad to the next level!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

  • Veggie Add-Ins: Toss in diced celery or sliced radishes for extra crunch and a garden-fresh flavor.
  • No Pork?: Swap in turkey bacon, vegan bacon, or omit bacon entirely for a vegetarian delight. Add roasted chickpeas for a crispy element instead.
  • Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh dill or parsley, use them—they add an extra zing.
  • Lighter Option: Use low-fat cottage cheese and turkey bacon for a lighter version with the same craveable taste.
  • Upgrade the Cheese: Sprinkle a handful of grated sharp cheddar or crumbled feta on top for extra richness.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Ranch Pea Salad

Step 1: Blend the Dressing

Combine cottage cheese, milk, apple cider vinegar, dried herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a blender. Blend until silky-smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk to reach your preferred thickness—thicker for dipping, slightly thinner for easier tossing.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In your largest mixing bowl, add the thawed and well-drained peas, crumbled bacon (make sure it’s crisp!), and finely diced red onion.

Step 3: Dress and Toss

Pour that luscious, homemade ranch dressing over your salad ingredients. Use a spoon or spatula to toss everything gently, ensuring every pea is coated in creamy goodness.

Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Develop

This is the hardest part—patience! Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. The flavors meld, the onions mellow, and the dressing infuses the peas beautifully.

Note: This salad only gets better as it sits!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Drain the Peas Well: Any excess moisture will water down your dressing. Spread the peas on a paper towel and pat dry for best results.
  • Crisp Your Bacon: The bacon should be truly crisp to maintain structure and flavor after mixing with the dressing and peas.
  • Customize the Ranch Flavor: Love a particular herb? Go heavier with dill or chives to tailor the ranch base to your preference.
  • Taste Before Serving: Before serving, taste and adjust salt/pepper if necessary—the seasoning in bacon can vary.

How to Serve

This pea salad is a showstopper on its own, but it also loves a good pairing:

  • Main Dish Sidekick: Serve alongside grilled chicken, burgers, baked salmon, or BBQ ribs. Its creamy-chilled crunch is the ideal counterpoint to hot, smoky mains.
  • Picnic Perfection: Pack into bento boxes or lunch containers for a refreshing midday pick-me-up.
  • On a Bed of Greens: For added freshness, serve over peppery arugula or tender butter lettuce.
  • Party Favorite: This is a guaranteed hit at potlucks and family gatherings. The vibrant green color and creamy texture tempt everyone!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cottage Cheese Ranch Pea Salad stores beautifully in the fridge! Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop as it sits.

Freezing

Not recommended. The creamy dressing doesn’t freeze well, and the peas lose their lovely pop once thawed.

Reheating

No need—this dish is best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. Give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

    Absolutely! Fresh peas, blanched briefly and cooled, work beautifully and will give a sweeter, slightly firmer texture. Just make sure they’re completely dry before combining with the dressing.

  2. Is there a way to make this dairy-free?

    Of course! Substitute the cottage cheese and milk with your go-to dairy-free alternatives, such as unsweetened soy-based cottage cheese and plant-based milk. Make sure your ranch herbs and seasonings are plentiful to maintain bold flavor.

  3. How can I tone down the raw onion flavor?

    If red onion tends to overpower things for you, try soaking the diced onion in cold water for 10 minutes, then draining thoroughly before adding to the salad. You’ll still get all the crunch without as much pungency.

  4. Can I prepare the salad a day in advance?

    Yes! In fact, this salad is even better the next day, once the flavors have fully marinated. Just give it a gentle toss before serving, and add a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs if you like.

Final Thoughts

Give this Cottage Cheese Ranch Pea Salad a chance to shine in your recipe rotation. It’s speedy, foolproof, and absolutely bursting with flavor—not to mention adaptable to just about any crowd or craving. Next time you need a reliable, delicious side that everyone will ask for the recipe, this is the one. Enjoy every creamy, crunchy bite!

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Cottage Cheese Ranch Pea Salad Recipe

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  • Author: Jasmine
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Side-dishes
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat
Print Recipe

Description

This Cottage Cheese Ranch Pea Salad features a creamy homemade ranch dressing made from cottage cheese, herbs, and spices, tossed with sweet peas, crisp bacon, and red onion for a refreshing, protein-packed salad. It’s the perfect easy side dish for summer potlucks, picnics, or as a healthy lunch option.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Cottage Cheese Ranch Dressing

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 2–3 Tbsps milk of your choice
  • 2 tsps apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp dried chives
  • 1/2 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp dried dill weed
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/8 tsp sea salt, or to taste
  • 1/8 tsp ground black pepper

For the Salad

  • 24 oz frozen peas, thawed and thoroughly drained
  • 6 slices crumbled nitrate-free high-quality bacon
  • 1 small red onion, finely diced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dressing: Place all the dressing ingredients (cottage cheese, milk, apple cider vinegar, dried chives, dried parsley, dried dill weed, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper) into a blender. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your preferred dressing thickness.
  2. Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the thawed and well-drained peas, crumbled bacon, and finely diced red onion. Ensure that the peas are no longer icy and that excess moisture has been drained to prevent a watery salad.
  3. Add the Dressing: Pour the prepared cottage cheese ranch dressing over the pea mixture. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
  4. Chill Before Serving: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and develop, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
  5. Serve: Give the salad a gentle stir before serving. Enjoy this refreshing and protein-rich pea salad as a side dish or light meal.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use high-quality nitrate-free bacon.
  • The dressing can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
  • If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or substitute with plant-based bacon alternatives.
  • Ensure peas are thoroughly drained to prevent excess moisture in the salad.
  • Add extra herbs or freshly cracked black pepper for more flavor, if desired.
  • Taste and adjust salt to your liking after mixing the salad.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: about 1 cup
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 13g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
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Hey there, I’m Jasmine Miller, the foodie behind JmRecipes.com! I’m on a mission to make cooking COOOL and GOOOOD for everyone, sharing easy, fun, and totally scrumptious recipes, so grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

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