Irish Pea Salad
If you’re looking for a refreshing and creamy side dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, Irish Pea Salad is a must-try. This simple yet flavorful salad combines sweet peas, crispy bacon, sharp cheese, and a creamy dressing that ties everything together beautifully. It’s the perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and a touch of sweetness—ideal for potlucks, holiday dinners, or a quick weekday side. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more!
Why You’ll Love Irish Pea Salad
Versatile A great side dish for BBQs, holiday meals, or a simple weeknight dinner.
Budget-Friendly Made with pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
Quick and Easy Takes just minutes to toss together, making it perfect for busy days.
Customizable Adjust the ingredients to your taste—add more crunch, more cheese, or an extra zing!
Crowd-Pleasing A hit with both kids and adults, thanks to its creamy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Irish Pea Salad
This salad is proof that simple ingredients can create big flavors!
Sweet Peas The base of the salad—frozen peas work best for their bright color and natural sweetness.
Crispy Bacon Adds a smoky, salty crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy dressing.
Cheddar Cheese A sharp, bold contrast to the sweetness of the peas—cubed or shredded both work.
Red Onion Adds a little bite and color for extra flavor and texture.
Mayonnaise The creamy base of the dressing, bringing everything together.
Sour Cream Lightens up the dressing and adds a tangy twist.
Apple Cider Vinegar Gives the salad a slight tang that enhances the flavors.
Salt and Pepper Simple seasonings that elevate all the ingredients.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prepare the Peas If using frozen peas, let them thaw at room temperature or rinse them under cool water and drain well.
Cook the Bacon In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.
Chop the Ingredients Dice the cheddar cheese into small cubes and finely chop the red onion.
Make the Dressing In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine Everything In a large bowl, add the peas, bacon, cheese, and onion. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Chill and Serve Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 220
Notes:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
How to Serve Irish Pea Salad
This salad is a fantastic side dish that pairs well with many meals. Here are some serving ideas:
- Serve alongside grilled meats or BBQ dishes.
- Add it to a holiday spread for a fresh, creamy side.
- Enjoy it as a light lunch with some crusty bread.
- Use it as a topping for baked potatoes or sandwiches.
Additional Tips
- For extra crunch, add chopped celery or sliced almonds.
- Want a little heat? Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- If you prefer a lighter dressing, swap some of the mayo for Greek yogurt.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
FAQ’s
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours as the flavors meld.
2. Can I use canned peas instead of frozen?
You can, but frozen peas have a fresher taste and better texture.
3. What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and mayo works great for a lighter option.
4. How do I keep the salad from getting watery?
Make sure to drain the peas well before mixing and use full-fat sour cream.
5. Can I add other veggies?
Absolutely! Try adding diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or carrots for more crunch.
6. What type of bacon works best?
Thick-cut bacon adds the best crunch, but any crispy bacon will do.
7. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon or swap it for crispy chickpeas or toasted nuts.
8. Is this salad served warm or cold?
It’s best served chilled, but it can be eaten at room temperature too.
9. Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of cubed cheddar?
Yes, shredded cheese blends well, but cubed cheese gives a nice bite.
10. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.
Conclusion
Irish Pea Salad is the ultimate easy, creamy, and delicious side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering or a simple family dinner, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to salad recipe!
PrintIrish Pea Salad
A refreshing and creamy Irish Pea Salad featuring sweet peas, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a tangy dressing. This easy side dish is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick and delicious addition to any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
– 3 cups frozen peas, thawed
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the thawed peas, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and diced red onion to the bowl.
3. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
6. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
– For a lighter version, replace mayonnaise and sour cream with Greek yogurt.
– Use fresh peas instead of frozen for a slightly firmer texture.
– Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
