If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant, and utterly satisfying side dish that’s as quick to toss together as it is delicious, this Easy Pea Salad Recipe is the answer. With a creamy dressing that’s perfectly balanced by the crunch of peas, the sharpness of cheddar, and a little punch from red onions, this salad brings bright, lively flavors to your table in under an hour. Whether you’re preparing a simple family meal or need a crowd-pleaser for your next get-together, this Easy Pea Salad Recipe shines as a colorful, nourishing, and totally crave-worthy choice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this salad plays its part, creating a harmony of taste and texture without any fuss. The combination is simple yet essential, ensuring that each bite delivers creamy, crisp, and savory notes that make this dish so memorable.
- Mayonnaise (3 tablespoons): Provides creamy richness that binds the salad beautifully.
- Greek yogurt (3 tablespoons): Adds tangy freshness and lightens the dressing for a healthier touch.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors naturally without overpowering.
- Cracked black pepper (½ teaspoon): Offers a subtle kick and aromatic spice.
- Frozen peas (12 ounces): Slightly thawed for perfect pop and sweetness in every mouthful.
- Cheddar cheese (6 ounces, cubed): Brings a lovely sharpness and satisfying texture contrast.
- Chopped red onion (⅓ cup): Adds a bright, pungent crunch that elevates the salad’s flavor profile.
- Hard-boiled egg (1, diced, optional): Adds an extra layer of creaminess and protein for heartiness.
How to Make Easy Pea Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, salt, and cracked black pepper in a small bowl. This creamy combination creates the perfect dressing base that’s tangy and smooth, ensuring every pea and cheese cube gets coated with flavor.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a medium bowl, add the slightly thawed peas, cubed cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, and diced hard-boiled egg if you are using it. These ingredients bring a wonderful mix of colors and textures, from creamy to crisp to tender.
Step 3: Dress and Chill
Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and gently stir to combine everything evenly. Be careful not to mash the peas; you want each piece to retain its snap. Once mixed, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad to meld the flavors together and serve it chilled and refreshing.
Step 4: Final Seasoning Touch
Before serving, give your salad a quick taste and add extra salt or pepper if needed. This final adjustment ensures your Easy Pea Salad Recipe pops with balanced, bright flavors every time.
How to Serve Easy Pea Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill on top for a fragrant and colorful touch. A dusting of smoked paprika or a squeeze of lemon juice can also elevate the salad and add a welcoming brightness that complements the creamy dressing.
Side Dishes
This pea salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seared fish, or even as a refreshing element alongside juicy burgers. It’s also an excellent addition to picnic spreads or potlucks, balancing out richer mains with its fresh tang.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in a hollowed-out bread bowl for an eye-catching party dish or layer it in clear glass jars for on-the-go lunches and beautifully portioned servings. Pair it with colorful veggies or crackers for a charming appetizer platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover pea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for fuss-free meals throughout the week.
Freezing
Because of the creamy dressing and fresh peas, freezing is not recommended as it can change the texture and flavor of the salad. For best results, enjoy the Easy Pea Salad Recipe fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. Just give it a gentle stir after taking it out of the fridge and enjoy the vibrant flavors as they are.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh peas can add an even sweeter, crisper note to the salad. Just blanch them briefly in boiling water before cooling to keep their bright color and tender texture.
Is there a dairy-free option for this Easy Pea Salad Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt with vegan alternatives like plant-based mayo and coconut yogurt to keep it creamy without dairy.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Definitely! Diced cucumbers, radishes, or even finely chopped bell peppers can add extra crunch and flavor, making the salad even more colorful and fresh.
How can I make the salad more protein-packed?
Adding the optional hard-boiled egg is a great start. You can also mix in cooked bacon bits or chickpeas for an extra protein boost to keep you satisfied longer.
What’s the best way to ensure the peas stay firm?
Avoid over-thawing the frozen peas and stir gently when mixing the salad. This helps maintain their lovely snap and prevents the salad from becoming mushy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly wonderful about a dish that’s effortless yet bursting with flavor and color. This Easy Pea Salad Recipe is one of those jewels that always brings a smile to the table and gets asked for again and again. Whether you’re a salad enthusiast or just looking to brighten up your meals, this recipe is a must-try. So go ahead, make it your own, share it with friends, and savor every delightful bite!
Print
Easy Pea Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Pea Salad is a quick and refreshing side dish perfect for any meal. Combining sweet peas with creamy mayonnaise and Greek yogurt dressing, sharp cheddar cheese, and zesty red onions, it offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Optional hard-boiled egg adds an extra layer of richness, making it an ideal salad for picnics, potlucks, or light lunches.
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 thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a medium bowl, place the slightly thawed peas, cubed cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, and diced hard-boiled egg if using.
- Add dressing and mix: Spoon the prepared dressing over the pea mixture. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly without mashing the peas.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld. Before serving, season with additional salt and pepper to taste if desired.
Notes
- Use thawed but still cold peas to avoid watering down the salad.
- Hard-boiled egg is optional but adds richness and protein.
- Cheddar cheese can be substituted with your favorite cheese like feta or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- For a lighter option, use low-fat mayonnaise and Greek yogurt.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated for best flavor.
