Irish Pea Salad

Irish Pea Salad is a delightful dish that combines earthy green peas, crunchy sweet onions, and creamy Irish cheese dressed in a herbed yogurt mayo. This salad is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings. With its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, it’s sure to impress your guests and make any occasion special.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Salad
• For the Dressing
• How to Make Irish Pea Salad
• Step 1: Thaw the Peas
• Step 2: Prepare the Onion
• Step 3: Combine Ingredients
• Step 4: Make the Dressing
• How to Serve Irish Pea Salad
• As a Picnic Favorite
• Accompanying Main Dishes
• As a Light Lunch
• With Summer Barbecues
• How to Perfect Irish Pea Salad
• Best Side Dishes for Irish Pea Salad
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Irish Pea Salad
• Reheating Irish Pea Salad
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Irish Pea Salad?
• Can I customize my Irish Pea Salad?
• How long does it take to make Irish Pea Salad?
• Is Irish Pea Salad healthy?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This salad comes together in just 35 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
• Flavorful Combination: The mix of sweet peas, tangy yogurt mayo, and rich Irish cheese creates a delicious flavor profile that will keep everyone coming back for more.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side at barbecues or enjoy it as a light lunch. It’s great for any meal!
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh veggies and protein-rich eggs, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this salad in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Irish Pea Salad efficiently, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Strainer
• Whisk or spoon
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spilling; they help keep your workspace organized.
• Strainer: Perfect for draining excess water from the peas and onions quickly, ensuring your salad isn’t watery.
• Knife: A sharp knife will make chopping ingredients fast and easy, saving you time in preparation.

Ingredients

Earthy green peas, crunchy sweet onion, sweet peppers and creamy Irish cheese with a delightful herbed yogurt mayo dressing make this salad a breeze to prepare.

For the Salad

• 1 20-oz. package frozen peas
• 1 cup chopped sweet onion
• 2 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and chopped
• 2 4 mini sweet peppers, seeded and chopped
• 1 cup shredded Irish cheese (I used Dubliner, but aged cheddar works well too)

For the Dressing

• 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or other plain yogurt)
• 3 Tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon spicy brown mustard
• About 1 1/2 Tablespoons finely chopped MIXED fresh tarragon, thyme and basil leaves

How to Make Irish Pea Salad

Step 1: Thaw the Peas

Pour the frozen peas into a large mixing bowl. Add cool water to help thaw them quickly. Stir occasionally while preparing other ingredients to break up any frozen chunks.

Step 2: Prepare the Onion

In a separate smaller bowl, soak the chopped onion in water for about 15 minutes. This helps mellow its flavor. After soaking, drain both the onion and peas well using a strainer. Wipe out the mixing bowl with a clean towel to remove excess moisture.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Once drained, add the thawed peas and soaked onions back into the mixing bowl along with the rest of your salad ingredients. Toss gently to combine everything evenly.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In the same bowl used for soaking onions, stir together all dressing ingredients until well blended. Pour this dressing over your salad mixture. Gently fold it in until all vegetables are coated nicely. Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate until you are ready to serve.

Enjoy your refreshing Irish Pea Salad!

How to Serve Irish Pea Salad

Irish Pea Salad is a versatile dish that can complement various meals or stand on its own as a light lunch. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make the most out of this delightful salad.

As a Picnic Favorite

• Portable Delight: Pack the Irish Pea Salad in a sealed container for an easy and tasty picnic dish that everyone will enjoy.
• Serve with Crackers: Pair the salad with crunchy crackers for added texture and flavor.

Accompanying Main Dishes

• Grilled Chicken: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, adding a refreshing contrast to the savory meat.
• Fish Tacos: Use Irish Pea Salad as a topping for fish tacos, bringing a creamy element that enhances the dish.

As a Light Lunch

• On Toast: Serve the salad on toasted whole grain bread for a quick and healthy lunch option.
• In Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the salad into lettuce leaves for a low-carb, fresh bite.

With Summer Barbecues

• BBQ Side Dish: Offer it alongside burgers or hot dogs at your next barbecue for a colorful and nutritious side.
• With Grilled Vegetables: The creamy texture of the salad complements charred vegetables beautifully.

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect Irish Pea Salad

To achieve an outstanding Irish Pea Salad, keep these tips in mind. They will elevate your dish and impress your guests.

• Use Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh tarragon, thyme, and basil for vibrant flavors that brighten the salad.
• Adjust Creaminess: Feel free to tweak the ratio of mayonnaise to yogurt to reach your preferred creaminess level.
• Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the fridge for at least an hour lets the flavors meld beautifully.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning like salt or sugar based on your taste preferences to enhance overall flavor.
• Add Texture: Consider mixing in nuts or seeds for an extra crunch that enhances each bite.

Best Side Dishes for Irish Pea Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Irish Pea Salad can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavors perfectly.

1. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and smoky, grilled corn adds great flavor and texture.
2. Garlic Bread: A warm loaf of garlic bread makes an excellent pairing with any salad.
3. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes bring heartiness to your meal while balancing lightness from the salad.
4. Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw adds variety and pairs well with creamy salads.
5. Quinoa Pilaf: This nutritious grain dish offers protein and works harmoniously with fresh salads.
6. Caprese Skewers: Delightful skewers of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil provide an Italian twist to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Irish Pea Salad, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for a perfect dish.

• Ignoring the thawing process: Failing to properly thaw the peas can lead to uneven texture. Always pour frozen peas into a bowl with water before mixing.
• Skipping onion soaking: Not soaking the onions can result in a sharp flavor. Soak them for 15 minutes in water to mellow their taste.
• Overmixing the salad: Aggressively mixing can mash the peas and ruin the salad’s appeal. Gently fold in ingredients to keep the peas intact.
• Using stale ingredients: Freshness matters! Check your herbs and cheese before adding them. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
• Not chilling before serving: Serving immediately can diminish flavor. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to enhance the taste.

PIN THIS!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Irish Pea Salad in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Irish Pea Salad

• Unfortunately, it is not recommended to freeze this salad as it can alter its texture and flavor.
• If you must freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month.

Reheating Irish Pea Salad

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes, covered with foil.
• Microwave: Place salad in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Irish Pea Salad that might help you make your dish even better.

What is Irish Pea Salad?

Irish Pea Salad is a creamy salad made with peas, sweet onions, peppers, and Irish cheese, all mixed in herbed yogurt mayo dressing.

Can I customize my Irish Pea Salad?

Absolutely! You can add ingredients like bacon, nuts, or different cheeses for added flavor and texture.

How long does it take to make Irish Pea Salad?

The total time for preparing this salad is about 35 minutes, including prep and cooling time.

Is Irish Pea Salad healthy?

Yes! It’s packed with fresh vegetables and protein from eggs and yogurt, making it nutritious as well as delicious.

Final Thoughts

Irish Pea Salad is not only easy to prepare but also delightful for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite ingredients. Enjoy this charming dish at picnics or gatherings for a refreshing touch that everyone will love!