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
Scale
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.
