Irish Pea Salad Recipe
If you’re looking for a fresh and vibrant dish that’s bursting with color and flavor, the Irish Pea Salad Recipe is an absolute winner. Combining the sweetness of tender peas, the smoky crunch of crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy tangy dressing, this salad is a refreshing twist on a classic side that will brighten up any table. It’s simple to make, wonderfully satisfying, and perfect for gatherings or just a delightful everyday treat that feels special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays an essential role in building the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in the Irish Pea Salad Recipe. From the pop of sweetness in the peas to the rich creaminess of the dressing, every element brings its own magic.
- 3 cups frozen peas: The star of the dish, sweet and tender, providing vibrant green color and fresh flavor.
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon: Adds a smoky crunch that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the peas.
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Offers a tangy, creamy depth and a bit of bite that complements the bacon perfectly.
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped: Brings a subtle zing and crunch to the salad’s texture profile.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of the dressing that makes every bite luscious.
- 2 tablespoons sour cream: Adds a slight tang to balance the richness of the mayonnaise.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Introduces a bright acidity that lifts the entire salad.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Just enough to enhance the peas’ natural sweetness and balance the vinegar.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all flavors into harmony.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): For a fresh, herbal note and lovely green garnish.
How to Make Irish Pea Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cooking your bacon until it’s nice and crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. While the bacon cools, thaw the frozen peas by letting them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, or give them a quick rinse with cold water to speed things up. Don’t forget to finely chop the red onion and shred the sharp cheddar cheese to have everything ready for assembly.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and sour cream as the creamy base. Add the apple cider vinegar for zing, sugar to round out the acidity, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, creamy dressing that will coat the salad beautifully.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Grab a large mixing bowl and toss together the thawed peas, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, and chopped red onion. This combination already looks delicious, but the dressing is what really pulls it all together.
Step 4: Add the Dressing
Pour the creamy dressing over the pea mixture and gently toss it all to coat the ingredients evenly. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. Take a moment to taste, then add extra salt or pepper if you think it needs a little more seasoning punch.
Step 5: Chill
Cover your salad and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This chilling step is key because it lets all the flavors meld and develop, resulting in a salad that’s perfectly balanced and refreshingly chilled.
Step 6: Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a bright, colorful pop. Now, dig in and enjoy the creamy, smoky, and tangy flavors that make this Irish Pea Salad Recipe so memorable.
How to Serve Irish Pea Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is a classic garnish that adds a splash of green and a pretty presentation. If you want to get a little creative, try a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a light dusting of smoked paprika for an extra flavor boost and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even as a light side for a barbecued spread. It’s refreshing enough to balance out rich or heavy mains and brings that perfect crunch and creaminess that keeps the meal interesting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party twist, serve individual portions in small glass cups or mason jars to showcase the beautiful colors. Alternatively, layer with additional veggies like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers for extra freshness and texture variety.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Irish Pea Salad Recipe keeps quite well in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. The salad may tighten up a bit, so give it a gentle stir before serving.
Freezing
Because of the creamy dressing and fresh texture of the peas and bacon, freezing this salad is not recommended. Freezing typically changes the texture of fresh vegetables and can cause the dressing to separate once thawed.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it warmed, consider reheating the main entree separately and enjoying this salad chilled alongside, to preserve its fresh taste and crisp texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh peas can be used if they’re in season; just blanch them briefly in boiling water and then cool them in ice water before adding to the salad. This keeps them tender and bright green.
Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, you can leave out the bacon for a vegetarian version. To add a smoky flavor, consider using smoked paprika or a vegetarian bacon substitute. The salad will still be delicious and creamy.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise?
If you want a lighter or different option, plain Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo alternative can be used. Just keep in mind that this will slightly change the flavor and texture of the dressing but will still be tasty and creamy.
How long does the salad need to chill?
Chilling for at least one hour is essential to let the flavors meld properly. If you can let it chill longer, even overnight, it will taste even better as the flavors have more time to mingle.
What other cheeses work well in this salad?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can experiment with other flavorful hard cheeses like aged gouda or Swiss for a different twist. Just shred them finely so they blend well with the other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Irish Pea Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that brings simple ingredients together to create something truly special and comforting. Whether you’re making it for a family meal, a picnic, or a festive gathering, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to give it a try—you might find it becoming one of your favorite go-to salads that everyone asks for again and again!
Print
Irish Pea Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A creamy and flavorful Irish Pea Salad combining thawed peas, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and red onion tossed in a tangy mayonnaise and sour cream dressing, chilled to perfection for a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups frozen peas (thawed)
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 slices)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cook the bacon until crispy and crumble into small pieces. Thaw the frozen peas by letting them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes or by rinsing them in cold water. Finely chop the red onion and shred the sharp cheddar cheese.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed peas, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and finely chopped red onion.
- Add the Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pea mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
- Chill: Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill.
- Serve: Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and freshness. Enjoy your creamy and delicious Irish Pea Salad!
Notes
- The bacon can be cooked in advance and stored in the refrigerator for convenience.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- The salad is best served chilled but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To add a crunchy texture, consider adding toasted nuts or seeds as a garnish.
- This salad pairs well with grilled meats or as part of a picnic spread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Irish
