If you have been searching for a delightful side dish that bursts with color, texture, and that charmingly fresh flavor combination, the Irish Pea Salad Recipe is just what you need. This salad brings together tender peas, crisp peppers, and creamy cheese with a tangy, herb-filled dressing that elevates every bite. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and fresh with a little kick from the mustard and fresh herbs that makes this not just another salad, but a memorable favorite at any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simply fresh, vibrant ingredients is the secret to the success of this salad. Each element plays a crucial role in creating the dish’s irresistible texture, bright color, and beautifully balanced flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
- Frozen peas (20 oz.): The star of the salad, these add a sweet, tender bite and lovely green color.
- Chopped sweet onion (1 cup): Adds a subtle crunch and natural sweetness that complements the peas perfectly.
- Hard-cooked eggs (2, chopped): Provides richness and a soft texture contrast.
- Mini sweet peppers (2–4, seeded and chopped): Bring vibrant reds and yellows plus a mild, sweet crunch.
- Shredded Irish cheese (1 cup): Choose Dubliner or aged cheddar for a creamy, tangy addition.
- Light mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Adds smoothness to the dressing without weighing it down.
- Plain Greek yogurt (1/4 cup): Gives a tangy creaminess that brightens the salad.
- Sweet pickle relish (3 tablespoons): Injects a luscious, sweet-tart pop of flavor that makes this salad truly unique.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Balances acidity and enhances natural sweetness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Elevates all the salad’s flavors.
- Spicy brown mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and a gentle heat to the dressing.
- Fresh mixed herbs (about 1 1/2 tablespoons, finely chopped tarragon, thyme, and basil): These herbs infuse the salad with bright, aromatic notes to keep every forkful lively.
How to Make Irish Pea Salad Recipe
Step 1: Thaw the Peas
Start by pouring the frozen peas into a large mixing bowl and add cool water just enough to cover them. Stir a few times as you prepare the other ingredients, breaking up any frozen chunks gently. This method softens the peas without cooking them, preserving their sweet snap and vibrant green hue.
Step 2: Soak the Onion
Place the chopped sweet onion in a separate smaller bowl filled with cold water and let it soak for 15 minutes. Soaking mellows the onion’s pungency, bringing out a natural sweetness that balances perfectly with the peas and other salad ingredients. After soaking, drain the onions thoroughly and dry out your mixing bowl with a clean towel to ensure your salad isn’t watery.
Step 3: Combine Salad Ingredients
Drain the peas and onions well, then return them to the dried large mixing bowl. Add the chopped eggs, mini sweet peppers, and shredded Irish cheese. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so the ingredients are evenly mixed, setting the stage for the dressing to come.
Step 4: Mix and Add the Dressing
In the bowl where you soaked the onions, whisk together the light mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, sweet pickle relish, sugar, salt, and spicy brown mustard. This creative use of the soaking bowl ensures you capture all that blessed onion flavor. Pour this vibrant dressing over the salad ingredients, folding it in gently to coat every piece. Finally, sprinkle in the chopped fresh tarragon, thyme, and basil and fold again just to combine. Pop the salad in the refrigerator until it’s time to serve.
How to Serve Irish Pea Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of additional fresh herbs such as chives or parsley adds a fresh pop of color and flavor right before serving. If you want a little more texture, toasted sunflower seeds or slivered almonds make wonderful crunchy toppings that contrast beautifully with the creamy dressing.
Side Dishes
This salad shines alongside grilled meats like chicken or pork or as a bright, refreshing contrast to heavier dishes such as stews or roasts. It also pairs beautifully with freshly baked breads or alongside a simple cheese platter for a well-rounded spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Irish Pea Salad Recipe in chilled glass bowls to show off its rainbow of colors or layer it in clear mason jars for a picnic-ready presentation. You can even spoon it onto crisp lettuce leaves to create elegant, bite-sized salad cups perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Irish Pea Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors often meld even more deliciously after a few hours of chilling. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh because ingredients like peas, dressing, and fresh herbs can lose their texture and flavor after freezing. Freezing is not recommended for the Irish Pea Salad Recipe if you want to maintain its fresh, crisp qualities.
Reheating
Since the peas are thawed but not cooked and the dressing contains creamy elements, this salad is served cold or at room temperature only. Reheating is unnecessary and may alter the taste and texture undesirably.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen peas?
Absolutely! Fresh peas will give the salad a wonderfully bright flavor and a tender snap. Just blanch them briefly in boiling water and cool them in ice water before using to mimic the texture you get from thawed frozen peas.
What if I don’t have Irish cheese? Can I substitute it?
Yes! While Dubliner cheese is traditional and adds a unique tang, aged cheddar or even a sharp gouda works perfectly in this salad and delivers a similar creamy richness.
Is there a dairy-free way to make this salad?
Definitely. Swap out the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for your favorite dairy-free mayo and plain plant-based yogurt to keep the creamy texture without dairy, while still enjoying the fresh flavor profile of the salad.
Can I make this salad vegan?
With a few adjustments, yes! Omit the hard-cooked eggs and cheese, and substitute the mayo and yogurt with vegan alternatives. To add a bit more protein and texture, consider adding cooked chickpeas or tofu cubes.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
You can prepare the Irish Pea Salad Recipe up to a day in advance. It tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to keep it covered and refrigerated.
Final Thoughts
This Irish Pea Salad Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that feels special yet comes together so simply. It’s colorful, vibrant, and bursting with layers of fresh flavor that brighten up any meal. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, potluck, or just because you want a delicious veggie-packed treat, this salad is sure to become a favorite you’ll reach for time and again.
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Irish Pea Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and flavorful Irish Pea Salad combining sweet peas, crisp onions, vibrant mini sweet peppers, and shredded Irish cheese, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and fresh herbs. Perfect as a side dish for gatherings or a light lunch.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 20-oz. package frozen peas
- 1 cup chopped sweet onion
- 2 – 4 mini sweet peppers, seeded and chopped
- 1 cup shredded Irish cheese (such as Dubliner or aged cheddar)
Other Ingredients
- 2 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and chopped
- 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
Instructions
- Thaw the Peas: Pour the frozen peas into a large mixing bowl and add cool water to cover them. Stir a few times while preparing other ingredients to help break apart any frozen chunks and to partially thaw the peas.
- Soak and Drain Onions: Place the chopped sweet onion in a smaller bowl and soak in water for 15 minutes to mellow the sharp flavor. Drain the onions thoroughly in a strainer and pat dry. Wipe out the large mixing bowl with a clean towel to remove excess moisture.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Drain the peas well and add to the mixing bowl along with the drained onions, chopped mini sweet peppers, chopped hard-cooked eggs, and shredded Irish cheese. Toss gently to mix all the salad components evenly.
- Prepare and Add Dressing: In the smaller bowl previously used for soaking onions, combine the light mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, sweet pickle relish, sugar, salt, spicy brown mustard, and finely chopped fresh herbs (tarragon, thyme, and basil). Stir well to create a smooth dressing. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently fold until all ingredients are coated evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill before serving.
Notes
- Be sure to drain the peas and onions very well to avoid a watery salad.
- Use shredded Dubliner cheese for an authentic Irish flavor; aged sharp cheddar is an excellent substitute.
- The combination of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt creates a creamy but lighter dressing.
- Fresh mixed herbs elevate the salad’s flavor profile and can be adjusted based on availability.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated.
