Irish Pea Salad
Earthy green peas, crunchy sweet onion, sweet peppers, and creamy Irish cheese come together in this Irish Pea Salad. It’s an easy-to-make dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings. The delightful herbed yogurt mayo dressing adds a unique flavor twist that will have everyone asking for the recipe. The combination of textures and tastes makes it a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This salad takes just 20 minutes to prep, making it ideal for busy days.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a side dish or a light meal; it’s perfect for both casual lunches and festive gatherings.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The mix of sweet onions, peppers, and rich Irish cheese creates a deliciously satisfying taste sensation.
- Healthy Option: Packed with peas and fresh herbs, this salad is nutritious without sacrificing flavor.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Tools and Preparation
To whip up this delicious Irish Pea Salad, you’ll need a few essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Strainer
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients without mess.
- Strainer: Draining the peas and onions effectively helps prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe space for chopping vegetables cleanly.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures smooth cutting of ingredients like onions and peppers.
Ingredients
Earthy green peas, crunchy sweet onion, sweet peppers, and creamy Irish cheese with a delightful herbed yogurt mayo dressing make this salad so easy to toss together.
Ingredients:
– 1 20-oz. package frozen peas
– 1 cup chopped sweet onion
– 2 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and chopped
– 2-4 mini sweet peppers, seeded and chopped
– 1 cup shredded Irish cheese (I used Dubliner, but aged cheddar works well too)
– 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
How to Make Irish Pea Salad
Step 1: Thaw the Peas
Pour the frozen peas into a large mixing bowl and add cool water to thaw them. Stir occasionally while prepping other ingredients to break any frozen chunks.
Step 2: Soak the Onion
In a separate smaller bowl, soak the chopped onion in water for about 15 minutes. After soaking, drain both the peas and onions very well using a strainer. Dry out the mixing bowl by wiping it with a clean towel.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Once drained, pour the peas back into the mixing bowl along with the rest of your salad ingredients. Toss gently to mix everything evenly.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
Using the bowl where you soaked the onions, stir together all dressing ingredients until well combined. Pour this dressing over your salad mixture and gently fold it in until all veggies are coated evenly. Cover your salad and refrigerate until serving time.
This Irish Pea Salad is not only easy to prepare but also bursts with flavor! Enjoy your creation at your next gathering or as a delightful lunch option!
How to Serve Irish Pea Salad
Irish Pea Salad is a versatile dish that can enhance any meal or gathering. Its vibrant colors and wholesome ingredients make it a delightful addition to your table. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
As a Standalone Dish
- This salad shines on its own as a light lunch or dinner option. Pair it with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
At a Picnic
- Pack Irish Pea Salad in portable containers for an easy and refreshing picnic treat. It holds up well outside, making it perfect for outdoor dining.
As a Side Dish for Grilled Meats
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or steak. The creamy texture and fresh flavors complement the smoky taste of grilled meats beautifully.
With Crackers or Chips
- Enjoy this salad as a dip with your favorite crackers or chips. The crunchy elements of the chips pair wonderfully with the creamy salad.
In Lettuce Wraps
- For a low-carb option, spoon the Irish Pea Salad into lettuce leaves. This adds a refreshing crunch and makes for a fun, hand-held meal.
How to Perfect Irish Pea Salad
To ensure you create the best Irish Pea Salad, consider these helpful tips that can enhance flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh tarragon, thyme, and basil significantly boost flavor compared to dried herbs. Always opt for fresh when possible.
- Adjust Creaminess: If you like your salad creamier, add more mayonnaise or Greek yogurt gradually until desired consistency is achieved.
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to sit in the fridge for at least an hour lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Customize Ingredients: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preference, such as using different cheeses or adding nuts for extra crunch.
- Taste as You Go: Always taste the dressing before adding it to the salad. Adjust salt and sweetness according to your liking.
- Serve Cold: This dish tastes best chilled. Make sure to keep it cool until serving time for maximum freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Irish Pea Salad
Pairing side dishes with Irish Pea Salad can create a balanced meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavors perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted bread slices with a buttery garlic spread make for an irresistible side.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and contrasts nicely with the creaminess of the pea salad.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies offer earthy flavors that pair well with the freshness of the salad.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf provides protein and fiber while maintaining a delicate flavor profile.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a hearty side that balances lighter dishes.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings sweetness to the table and cleanses the palate between bites.
- Cornbread Muffins: Moist cornbread muffins provide a slightly sweet counterpart that complements savory dishes well.
- Stuffed Tomatoes: Juicy tomatoes filled with rice or couscous create a flavorful side that enhances any meal featuring Irish Pea Salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Irish Pea Salad, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Using thawed peas improperly: Ensure the frozen peas are fully thawed before mixing. This prevents them from becoming mushy in the salad.
- Neglecting onion soaking: Failing to soak the sweet onion can result in overpowering flavors. Soaking helps mellow the onion taste.
- Skipping fresh herbs: Not using fresh herbs dulls the salad’s flavor. Fresh tarragon, thyme, and basil elevate the dish significantly.
- Over-mixing: Mixing too vigorously can break down the peas and other ingredients. Gently fold them together for the best texture.
- Inadequate seasoning: Omitting or skimping on salt and mustard can lead to a bland salad. Adjust seasonings according to your taste.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Irish Pea Salad in an airtight container.
- It will keep well for about 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Irish Pea Salad
- Freezing is not recommended because it affects the texture of the peas and dressing.
- If you must freeze it, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, but expect changes in quality.
Reheating Irish Pea Salad
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the salad in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes on medium power, stirring halfway through until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Irish Pea Salad?
Irish Pea Salad is a refreshing dish made with green peas, sweet onions, colorful peppers, and creamy dressing featuring Irish cheese.
How can I customize my Irish Pea Salad?
You can customize your salad by adding ingredients like bacon bits, chopped celery, or even other cheeses based on your preference.
Can I make Irish Pea Salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to five days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Is there a vegetarian version of Irish Pea Salad?
Yes! Simply omit any non-vegetarian ingredients like bacon if you choose to include them, while keeping all others intact for a delicious vegetarian option.
What other dishes pair well with Irish Pea Salad?
Irish Pea Salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a picnic spread alongside other salads.
Final Thoughts
Irish Pea Salad is not only quick to prepare but also versatile enough to suit various occasions. Its delightful combination of flavors makes it perfect for picnics or as a side at barbecues. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients!
Irish Pea Salad
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Elevate your next gathering with this delightful Irish Pea Salad, a vibrant blend of earthy green peas, crunchy sweet onions, and colorful sweet peppers, all enveloped in a creamy herbed yogurt mayo dressing. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish at family dinners. The creamy texture combined with fresh herbs and zesty flavors ensures that this dish stands out on any table. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy days. Your guests will love its unique taste, and they’ll definitely be asking for the recipe!
Ingredients
- 20 oz frozen peas
- 1 cup chopped sweet onion
- 2 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and chopped
- 2–4 mini sweet peppers, seeded and chopped
- 1 cup shredded Irish cheese (like Dubliner)
- 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon spicy brown mustard
- Fresh mixed herbs (tarragon, thyme, basil)
Instructions
- Thaw the peas by placing them in a large mixing bowl filled with cool water while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Soak the chopped sweet onion in water for about 15 minutes to mellow its flavor. Drain both the peas and onions well.
- In the same mixing bowl, combine thawed peas, chopped onions, hard-cooked eggs, mini sweet peppers, and Irish cheese.
- In a separate bowl, mix together light mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, sweet pickle relish, sugar, salt, spicy brown mustard, and chopped herbs until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently fold to combine. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (approximately 130g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
