Irish Pea Salad Recipe

There is something truly delightful about an Irish Pea Salad that brings a burst of freshness and color to any table. This charming salad combines tender peas, crisp sweet peppers, and creamy Irish cheese with a tangy, herby dressing that makes every bite a flavor-packed celebration. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish at a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, the Irish Pea Salad delivers that perfect balance of textures and taste that feels both comforting and exciting. It’s quick to prepare, refreshingly vibrant, and simply impossible to resist once you try it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to making this salad so irresistible. Each item plays a crucial role, adding texture, vibrant colors, or layers of flavor that come together beautifully in the Irish Pea Salad.

• Frozen peas: The star of the dish, they provide sweetness and a fresh pop of green.
• Chopped sweet onion: Adds a mild zest and a lovely crunch after soaking.
• Hard-cooked eggs: Bring creamy richness and extra protein to the salad.
• Mini sweet peppers: Their colorful, crisp bite enhances visual appeal and adds a burst of sweetness.
• Shredded Irish cheese: Dubliner or aged cheddar introduce a subtle sharpness and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Light mayonnaise: Acts as the creamy base of the dressing without weighing the salad down.
• Plain Greek yogurt: Combines tanginess and creaminess for a healthier twist.
• Sweet pickle relish: Offers a touch of sweetness and tangy crunch in the dressing.
• Sugar: Balances all the savory and tangy flavors harmoniously.
• Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in every bite.
• Spicy brown mustard: Provides a gentle kick and complexity to the dressing.
• Fresh mixed herbs (tarragon, thyme, basil): Elevate the salad with an aromatic herbal brightness that ties everything together.

How to Make Irish Pea Salad

Step 1: Thaw and Prepare the Peas

Start by pouring the frozen peas into a large mixing bowl and adding cool water to thaw them quickly. Stir them gently every now and then to break up any frozen clumps. This process ensures the peas stay tender and bright green, setting the fresh foundation for the salad.

Step 2: Soak and Drain the Onions

While the peas are thawing, place the chopped sweet onions in a smaller bowl of water and let them soak for about 15 minutes. This helps mellow their sharpness, leaving behind a gentle, pleasant crunch that won’t overpower the other ingredients. After soaking, drain the onions well using a strainer and pat dry if necessary.

Step 3: Mix the Salad Ingredients

Once the peas and onions are adequately drained, return them to the now dry mixing bowl and add the chopped hard-cooked eggs, mini sweet peppers, and shredded Irish cheese. Gently toss everything together, taking care to keep the ingredients intact while combining their beautiful textures and colors.

Step 4: Prepare and Add the Dressing

Use the smaller bowl where the onions soaked to whisk together the dressing ingredients: light mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, sweet pickle relish, sugar, salt, spicy brown mustard, and finely chopped fresh herbs. Pour this luscious dressing over the mixed salad ingredients and fold everything together with a gentle hand to ensure every piece is coated with flavor.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Cover the Irish Pea Salad tightly and refrigerate it until serving time. Chilling allows the flavors to meld harmoniously, giving the salad that irresistible, fresh taste that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

How to Serve Irish Pea Salad

Garnishes

A sprinkle of additional fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving adds a pop of color and an extra layer of fragrant freshness. Consider a few thinly sliced radishes for a peppery crunch that complements the creamy salad perfectly.

Side Dishes

Irish Pea Salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even as a cooling contrast alongside spicy dishes. It’s also an excellent companion to crusty artisan bread or as part of a picnic spread featuring sandwiches and cold cuts.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, serve the salad in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or inside crisp lettuce cups. Using a clear glass bowl to showcase the colorful layers can really highlight the festive look of this salad, making it the centerpiece of any meal or gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Irish Pea Salad in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 2 days, allowing the flavors to deepen even more. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again.

Freezing

While the salad is fantastic fresh or chilled, freezing is not recommended as the texture of peas, peppers, and the dressing will change upon thawing, potentially becoming watery and less appealing.

Reheating

This salad is designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If you prefer it less chilled, simply let it sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before serving for a perfectly balanced experience.

FAQs

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen for Irish Pea Salad?

Absolutely! If you have access to fresh peas, shell and blanch them quickly to retain their vibrant color and sweet flavor before adding them to your salad for an extra fresh touch.

What kind of Irish cheese works best in the salad?

Dubliner cheese is a fantastic choice due to its nutty and slightly sweet character, but aged cheddar also works wonderfully if you prefer a sharper flavor profile.

Can I substitute plain yogurt with sour cream in the dressing?

Yes, sour cream can be used as a substitute. It will give the dressing a tangier, richer taste, but maintain the creamy texture that is essential for this salad.

Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

Definitely! The Irish Pea Salad contains no meat and relies on wholesome vegetables, eggs, and cheese, making it a perfect vegetarian option for many occasions.

How far ahead can I make the Irish Pea Salad before serving?

You can prepare the salad up to a day ahead. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator so the flavors meld nicely while ensuring everything stays crisp and fresh.

Final Thoughts

Serving up Irish Pea Salad is like inviting a little joy and color onto your plate. Its bright flavors and hearty ingredients make it a star at any meal, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become such a beloved favorite. Give this easy, vibrant salad a try, and watch it quickly become part of your go-to recipe collection.

Print