Easy Irish Pea Salad Recipe: Fresh and Zesty Spring Delight

Whipping up a delightful irish pea salad brings unexpected joy to your summer gatherings.

Crisp green peas dance with creamy textures and zesty hints of herbs.

Fresh ingredients create a vibrant side dish that sparkles on any plate.

Compact and refreshing, this salad delivers surprising flavor combinations.

Cool and light, the recipe offers a perfect complement to grilled meats or picnic spreads.

Quick preparation means you can focus on enjoying moments with companions.

Let’s dive into this simple yet delectable culinary adventure that will surely impress everyone at the table.

Irish Pea Salad Perfect With a Variety of Mains

• Craft Versatile Side Dish: Pair this Irish pea salad with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a refreshing standalone option for picnics and potlucks.
• Minimal Prep Required: Quickly chop vegetables and mix ingredients, making this recipe perfect for busy cooks seeking a fast, delicious solution.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Profile: Combines creamy mayonnaise, tangy vinegar, and sweet peas to create a harmonious blend that appeals to various taste preferences.
• No-Fuss Chilling Method: Refrigerate the salad to enhance flavor depth, allowing ingredients to blend seamlessly without complicated techniques.

Ingredients Needed for Irish Pea Salad

• Peas: Sweet and tender green vegetables that provide the primary texture and flavor of the salad.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy cheese that adds richness and tangy depth to the salad.

• Celery, Red Bell Pepper, Red Onion: Crisp vegetables that contribute crunch, color, and a fresh flavor profile to the dish.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy bases that create a smooth and rich dressing texture.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Tangy ingredient that brightens the overall flavor of the salad.
• Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the tanginess of the vinegar.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the salad.

Instructions to Make Irish Pea Salad Easily

Step 1: Gather Veggie Mix

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss in thawed peas, crunchy diced cheddar cheese, crisp celery chunks, vibrant red bell pepper pieces, and zesty red onion bits.

• Peas
• Cheddar cheese
• Celery
• Red bell pepper
• Red onion

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Dressing

In a small bowl, blend mayonnaise, sour cream, tangy apple cider vinegar, a sprinkle of sugar, a pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper until the mixture transforms into a smooth, creamy concoction.

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Apple cider vinegar
• Sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Combine and Coat

Drizzle the luscious dressing over the veggie mixture, gently folding and tossing until every morsel is beautifully coated with the creamy goodness.

Step 4: Chill and Marinate

Slide the salad into the refrigerator for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to dance and mingle, creating a harmonious taste explosion.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Give the salad a quick, gentle stir just before serving. Dive in and savor the delightful blend of textures and flavors!

Tips That Enhance Irish Pea Salad Flavor

• Use high-quality frozen peas and thaw completely at room temperature to maintain their bright green color and crisp texture.
• Adjust mayonnaise and sour cream ratio for a lighter or creamier dressing depending on personal preference.
• Toast chopped red onions lightly before adding to reduce sharp bite and develop a sweeter, more mellow taste.
• Incorporate crispy bacon bits or diced ham for extra protein and a smoky flavor profile.
• Add chopped vegetables just before serving to prevent soggy texture and maintain fresh, crisp elements.

Variations to Refresh Irish Pea Salad

• Herb Garden Pea Salad: Add fresh chopped parsley, dill, and chives for a vibrant, herbaceous flavor profile that brightens the classic recipe.
• Bacon Crunch Pea Salad: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for a smoky, salty crunch that complements the creamy dressing and sweet peas.
• Mediterranean Inspired Pea Salad: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, diced cucumber, and kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version with tangy notes.
• Spicy Southwest Pea Salad: Mix in diced jalapeños, corn kernels, and a dash of cumin to create a zesty, southwestern-style salad with a kick.

Best Pairings With Irish Pea Salad

• Pair with Roasted Meats: The creamy, tangy Irish pea salad perfectly complements grilled or roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, and beef roasts, adding a fresh and zesty contrast to rich, savory meat dishes.
• Enhance with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to match the salad's bright, creamy texture and cut through its richness, creating a refreshing dining experience.
• Serve alongside Hearty Sandwiches: This pea salad works wonderfully as a side dish with classic deli sandwiches, pulled pork, or grilled cheese, providing a cool, crunchy counterpoint to warm, comforting bread-based meals.

Proper Storage for Irish Pea Salad

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep chilled for 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.

Not recommended due to mayonnaise and sour cream base which can separate and become watery when thawed, compromising texture and taste.

Best enjoyed cold directly from the refrigerator. If slightly warmed is preferred, let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to take off the chill.

Stir briefly before serving to redistribute dressing and restore original consistency. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dash of black pepper to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

• What gives this Irish Pea Salad its unique flavor?

The combination of tangy apple cider vinegar, creamy mayonnaise and sour cream, along with the sweet and savory blend of fresh vegetables creates a balanced and delightful taste profile.

• Is this salad healthy?

Yes, this salad is packed with nutrients from peas, which are high in protein and fiber, and the fresh vegetables provide additional vitamins and minerals while being low in calories.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad actually tastes better when prepared in advance, as chilling allows the flavors to blend and develop more depth. You can make it up to a day before serving.

Irish Pea Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Emerald Irish Pea Salad delivers creamy comfort with crisp garden freshness, blending traditional flavors into a delightful side dish. Cool, tangy ingredients dance together, inviting you to savor each vibrant bite of this classic culinary delight.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters) frozen peas, thawed
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) chopped celery
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) chopped red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup (40 grams) finely chopped red onion

Dairy and Dressing:

• 1 cup (225 grams) diced cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (12.5 grams) sugar
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate thawed peas with diced cheddar, crisp celery, vibrant red bell pepper, and pungent red onion.
2. Craft a creamy dressing by whisking mayonnaise, sour cream, tangy apple cider vinegar, subtle sugar, seasoning salt, and freshly ground black pepper until silky smooth.
3. Drizzle prepared dressing over vegetable medley, gently folding to ensure comprehensive coating of each ingredient.
4. Seal the salad in an airtight container and nestle in refrigerator for minimum 60 minutes, allowing flavor profiles to harmonize and intensify.
5. Prior to serving, delicately redistribute ingredients with a light fold to reinvigorate the salad’s texture and presentation.
6. Serve chilled as a refreshing accompaniment to robust main courses, presenting a crisp and zesty side dish that complements hearty proteins.

Notes

• Swap mayo for Greek yogurt to create a lighter, protein-packed version with reduced calories.
• Add crispy bacon bits for extra crunch and savory depth if you’re not following a vegetarian diet.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or chives to enhance the salad’s brightness and complexity.
• Use frozen peas straight from the bag without thawing to maintain their vibrant green color and firm texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 206 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg