If you’re looking for a vibrant, fresh, and utterly delightful salad that comes together in no time, this Easy Pea Salad Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine the burst of sweetness from tender peas combined with creamy cheddar cubes, the subtle zing of red onion, and the perfect balance of tangy mayo and Greek yogurt dressing. It’s a dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious, effortlessly bringing a pop of freshness to your table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Pea Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a special role, from the creamy dressing that binds everything together to the crisp peas that add texture and a pop of green vibrancy. These essentials create a harmony of flavors and textures without overwhelming your palate.
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise: Provides a creamy base that enriches the salad without overpowering the delicate peas.
- 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt: Adds a tangy freshness and lightens the dressing for a perfect balance.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors subtly to bring out the best in each component.
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper: Offers a gentle spice kick that lifts the whole dish.
- 12 ounce bag of frozen peas, slightly thawed: The star ingredient that adds natural sweetness and a vibrant green color.
- 6 ounces cheddar cheese (cubed): Gives a creamy, sharp contrast in texture and taste that complements the peas beautifully.
- ⅓ cup chopped red onion: Adds a mild pungency and crunch, creating layers of flavor.
- 1 hard-boiled egg (diced) – optional: Brings richness and makes the salad a bit heartier, perfect if you’re looking for added protein.
How to Make Easy Pea Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by combining the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, salt, and cracked black pepper in a small bowl. Stir them until you get a smooth, perfectly blended dressing. This creamy mixture is the magic that ties the whole salad together with every bite.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, gently toss together the slightly thawed peas, cubed cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, and diced hard-boiled egg if you’re using it. This combination creates a lively mix of textures and flavors just waiting to be married with the dressing.
Step 3: Add the Dressing
Spoon your creamy dressing over the pea mixture, then gently fold everything together with a spatula to ensure every piece is coated. Be careful not to mash the peas; you want to keep their tender snap intact. Once combined, cover the bowl and pop it into the refrigerator to chill until you’re ready to serve.
Step 4: Final Seasoning Touches
Before serving, sample a little of your salad and season with extra salt and cracked black pepper if needed. This final step lets you customize the flavor perfectly to your taste, ensuring this Easy Pea Salad Recipe is just right.
How to Serve Easy Pea Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like dill or parsley on top for a burst of color and an herbaceous lift. A few lemon zest shavings can add a delightful brightness, making the salad feel even fresher and more vibrant.
Side Dishes
This salad shines alongside grilled chicken, fish, or a juicy steak. It also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or as part of a picnic spread with other light dishes, offering a refreshing counterpoint to richer mains.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or avocado halves for an eye-catching presentation. For parties, individual mini cups or lettuce wraps turn this salad into a delightful handheld treat that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place your leftover Easy Pea Salad Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or as a ready-to-go side for dinner.
Freezing
This salad isn’t ideal for freezing because the peas and dressing can lose their texture and creamy consistency once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh to appreciate its vibrant flavors.
Reheating
Since this dish tastes best cold or at room temperature, there’s no need to reheat it. Simply take it out of the fridge a bit ahead of time to allow the flavors to come alive.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen for this Easy Pea Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh peas add a beautiful sweetness and snap. Just blanch them briefly in boiling water and then cool them quickly to keep their vibrant color and texture before mixing into the salad.
Is there a dairy-free option for the dressing?
Yes, you can substitute the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like vegan mayo and plant-based yogurt. The salad will still be creamy and delicious with just a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, use vegan mayo and yogurt substitutes, and simply omit the cheddar cheese and hard-boiled egg or replace the cheese with a plant-based option. It still comes together as a tasty, fresh dish.
What’s the best way to thaw frozen peas for this recipe?
Place the frozen peas in a colander and run lukewarm water over them until thawed, then drain well. This prevents them from becoming mushy and helps keep the salad crisp and fresh.
Can I add other vegetables to this Easy Pea Salad Recipe?
Feel free to customize! Small diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or even carrots can add a nice crunch and extra color. Just make sure to keep the balance so the peas remain the star of the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pea Salad Recipe is one of those rare dishes that manages to be both incredibly simple and wonderfully satisfying. It’s a fresh, colorful, and creamy salad that brightens any meal and makes for a fantastic crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see just how quickly it becomes a cherished recipe in your kitchen too!
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Easy Pea Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy pea salad is a refreshing and creamy side dish perfect for any occasion. Combining sweet peas, sharp cheddar cheese, crunchy onions, and a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, it offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Quick to prepare and served chilled, it makes a great addition to picnics, potlucks, or simple weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
Salad
- 12 ounce bag of frozen peas, slightly thawed
- 6 ounces cheddar cheese, cubed
- ⅓ cup chopped red onion
- 1 hard-boiled egg, diced (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, salt, and cracked black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly combined, creating a creamy dressing base.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a medium bowl, add the slightly thawed peas, cubed cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, and diced hard-boiled egg if using. Mix the ingredients gently to combine.
- Add Dressing: Spoon the prepared dressing over the pea mixture. Stir gently to evenly coat all ingredients without smashing the peas or cheese.
- Chill Until Serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill. This step enhances the taste and texture.
- Season to Taste: Before serving, taste the salad and add additional salt or cracked black pepper if desired for extra seasoning.
Notes
- For best texture, slightly thaw the frozen peas rather than fully cooking them.
- The hard-boiled egg is optional but adds additional protein and richness.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream if preferred.
- This salad is best served chilled and consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
- Adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley can enhance the flavor profile.
