Irish Pea Salad Recipe
Irish Pea Salad is one of those irresistible side dishes that instantly brightens any table. The combination of sweet, crisp peas; creamy, tangy dressing; sharp cheddar; crispy bacon; and fresh parsley creates layers of flavor and texture in every bite. Whether you’re planning a family potluck or craving something refreshing for a springtime picnic, this salad delivers color, crunch, and comfort in equal measure. It’s easy to make ahead, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients, each with a meaningful role. You’ll find that even the smallest swipe of sharp cheddar or sprinkle of parsley brings out the best in the humble pea. Here’s why each ingredient matters to make your Irish Pea Salad sing!
- Frozen peas (3 cups, thawed and drained): These are the bright, sweet, and crisp base of the salad—best thawed, not cooked, for peak freshness.
- Sharp white cheddar cheese (1/2 cup, diced): Brings a tangy, creamy richness that balances the sweet peas and salty bacon.
- Cooked and crumbled bacon (1/2 cup): Adds smoky crunch and irresistible savory depth—feel free to crisp it up just the way you like.
- Red onion (1/3 cup, finely chopped): A pop of bold color and mild bite that enlivens every taste of the salad.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Gives a clean, herbal finish and a burst of green to the dish.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy foundation for the dressing, binding all the flavors into a luscious bite.
- Sour cream (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle tang—swap with Greek yogurt for a lighter twist if you wish.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 teaspoon): Perks up the salad with a gentle acidity that brightens without overpowering.
- Sugar (1/2 teaspoon): Just a hint softens the vinegar and enhances the peas’ natural sweetness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Fine-tunes the flavors, making each ingredient stand out while marrying the whole dish together.
How to Make Irish Pea Salad
Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure the frozen peas are fully thawed and drained—no soggy salad here! Dice up your sharp white cheddar into small cubes, chop the bacon into tasty, crisp bits, finely dice the red onion, and chop the fresh parsley. Laying everything out not only saves you time, but promises a seamless assembly.
Step 2: Combine the Pea Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the thawed peas, diced cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, red onion, and parsley. Use a light hand; those little green peas crush easily and you want to keep them whole for best texture.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This creamy dressing is the signature touch that transforms your Irish Pea Salad from simple veggies to a crave-worthy, luxurious dish.
Step 4: Toss and Chill
Pour the dressing over the bowl of peas, cheddar, bacon, and herbs. Gently fold everything together with a spatula until every pea is kissed with that creamy, tangy dressing. Cover and pop the bowl in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—this little break gives the flavors time to meld into something utterly delicious.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Once chilled, give your Irish Pea Salad one last gentle stir, taste for seasoning, and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Transfer to your favorite serving dish and get ready for compliments!
How to Serve Irish Pea Salad
Garnishes
For a truly inviting presentation, sprinkle extra fresh parsley and a small handful of crispy bacon crumbles right over the top. If you love a hit of color, a few more tiny cheddar cubes make the dish pop. The gentle dusting of cracked black pepper adds a touch of sophistication and aromatics that no one can resist.
Side Dishes
Irish Pea Salad plays beautifully alongside all kinds of mains—especially grilled or roasted meats such as steak, chicken, or salmon. At potlucks, it sits confidently next to potato salad or coleslaw, and its bright flavors shine when paired with crusty bread, picnic sandwiches, or even a rich shepherd’s pie.
Creative Ways to Present
The charm of Irish Pea Salad is in its adaptability. Try serving it in small glass jars or mason jars for portable picnics, or pile it into lettuce cups for a hand-held appetizer. For a brunch table, spoon it onto crostini or into endive leaves for a colorful, crunchy bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Irish Pea Salad can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The peas stay surprisingly crisp, and the flavors get even more harmonious with a little time to mingle. Just be sure to give it a gentle stir before serving again.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for Irish Pea Salad, as the creamy dressing can separate and the texture of the peas can get mushy when thawed. For the freshest taste and texture, enjoy the salad chilled from the refrigerator.
Reheating
There’s no need (and no benefit) to reheating this salad—it’s at its best served cold, straight from the fridge. If you’d like to take the chill off before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes, then give it a quick stir.
FAQs
Can I make Irish Pea Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better when made a few hours in advance, giving all the flavors a chance to blend. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What if I don’t have sharp white cheddar?
No problem—any good cheddar will work, or you could try cubed Swiss, Colby, or even a smoked gouda for a twist. The key is choosing a cheese with personality to balance the other ingredients.
Is there a vegetarian option for Irish Pea Salad?
Definitely! You can simply omit the bacon or swap in a plant-based bacon alternative. The salad will still be packed with flavor, thanks to the cheese and tangy dressing.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
You can, but make sure they’re sweet and young, as older fresh peas can be starchy. If using fresh, blanch them briefly in boiling water, cool them quickly, and then proceed with the recipe.
How do I lighten up the dressing?
For a lighter take, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream or some of the mayonnaise. It brings wholesome creaminess with a bit less fat and even more tang.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a salad that feels comforting yet vibrant, Irish Pea Salad is ready to steal the spotlight at your next potluck or family meal. It’s wonderfully easy, endlessly flexible, and guaranteed to make you feel just a little more festive. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes one of your all-time favorites!
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Irish Pea Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and flavorful Irish Pea Salad that combines sweet peas with sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a tangy dressing. This easy no-cook salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 3 cups frozen peas, thawed and drained
- 1/2 cup diced sharp white cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix peas, cheddar cheese, bacon, red onion, and parsley.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Toss and Chill: Pour the dressing over the pea mixture, toss gently, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve: Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or use a plant-based alternative.
- Great as a side for grilled meats, or at potlucks and picnics.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Irish-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
