Irish Pea Salad
Irish Pea Salad is a refreshing dish that combines earthy green peas, crunchy sweet onion, and creamy Irish cheese, all tossed in a delightful herbed yogurt mayo dressing. This salad is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for picnics and gatherings. Its vibrant colors and flavors make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from casual lunches to festive celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious salad in no time.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side or main course, this Irish Pea Salad suits various occasions, from family dinners to outdoor picnics.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of fresh herbs and creamy cheese elevates the taste, making it a standout dish.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Loaded with vegetables and protein from the eggs, it’s not only tasty but also healthy.
- Great for Make-Ahead: This salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s a list of tools that will help you create this delightful Irish Pea Salad.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Strainer
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows for easy mixing of ingredients without spilling.
- Strainer: Helps drain excess water from the peas and onions efficiently.
- Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts when chopping vegetables, which is important for presentation.
Ingredients
Earthy green peas, crunchy sweet onion, sweet peppers and creamy Irish cheese with a delightful herbed yogurt mayo dressing, this salad is so easy to toss together and it’s an excellent portable picnic salad that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients:
– 1 20-oz. package frozen peas
– 1 cup chopped sweet onion
– 2 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and chopped
– 2 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. Add cool water to thaw them. Stir occasionally while preparing other ingredients to break up any frozen chunks.
Step 2: Soak the Onions
In a separate small bowl, soak the chopped onion in water for about 15 minutes. After soaking, drain both the onions and peas thoroughly using a strainer. Wipe out the large mixing bowl with a clean towel to dry it.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Once drained, return the peas and onions to the mixing bowl. Add all remaining salad ingredients. Toss gently until everything is mixed well.
Step 4: Prepare the Dressing
In the bowl where you soaked the onions, stir together all dressing ingredients. Pour this dressing over your salad mixture. Gently fold it in until all veggies are coated evenly.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Cover your Irish Pea Salad and refrigerate until it’s time to serve. Enjoy this refreshing dish chilled!
How to Serve Irish Pea Salad
Irish Pea Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, a barbecue, or just looking for a refreshing side, this salad pairs well with many meals.
As a Standalone Dish
- This salad is hearty enough to serve on its own as a light lunch or dinner option.
With Grilled Meats
- Pair it with grilled chicken or steak for a colorful and nutritious meal that complements the flavors of the meat.
On a Bed of Greens
- Serve the salad over mixed greens like spinach or arugula for added texture and nutrition.
As Part of a Potluck Spread
- Bring this dish to potlucks or gatherings where it can shine among other salads and sides.
With Crackers or Bread
- Offer it alongside crispy crackers or fresh bread for scooping, making it a fun appetizer.
For Breakfast
- Add a scoop of Irish Pea Salad to your breakfast plate for an unexpected and delicious twist.
How to Perfect Irish Pea Salad
To make your Irish Pea Salad truly exceptional, consider these simple tips that enhance flavor and texture.
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Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh tarragon, thyme, and basil add vibrant flavors that elevate the dish beyond basic salads.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad before serving. You might want to add more salt, sugar, or mustard to balance flavors.
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Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill for at least an hour after mixing. This helps all the ingredients meld beautifully together.
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Experiment with Cheese: While Dubliner cheese is fantastic, try other Irish cheeses like aged cheddar for different flavors.
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Add Crunch: Consider tossing in some toasted nuts or seeds for added texture and flavor contrast.
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Make Ahead: This salad holds up well in the fridge, so feel free to prepare it a day ahead of time.
Best Side Dishes for Irish Pea Salad
Irish Pea Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its creamy texture and herbaceous notes. Here are some great options:
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Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy pea salad.
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Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes provide heartiness and pair well with any summer meal.
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Stuffed Bell Peppers: These colorful veggies can be filled with grains and spices, enhancing your meal’s variety.
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Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon dressing offers protein and fiber while remaining refreshing.
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Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity that beautifully offsets the richness of the pea salad.
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Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment, perfect for scooping up any remaining salad dressing.
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Caprese Skewers: These fresh skewers are easy to prepare and provide a burst of flavor through tomatoes and mozzarella.
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Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of savory dishes, adding sweetness without heaviness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Irish Pea Salad is simple, but avoiding common mistakes can elevate your dish.
- Overcooking the peas: Frozen peas should only be thawed. Overcooking makes them mushy. Simply soak them in water instead.
- Skipping the soaking step for onions: Not soaking onions can lead to a harsh flavor. Soak them for 15 minutes to mellow their taste.
- Not draining ingredients well: Excess moisture can dilute your dressing. Make sure all components are well-drained before mixing.
- Using low-quality cheese: The cheese adds flavor and creaminess. Opt for good-quality Irish cheese or aged cheddar for the best results.
- Neglecting fresh herbs: Dried herbs don’t provide the same vibrant flavor as fresh ones. Always use freshly chopped herbs for better taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Irish Pea Salad in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Irish Pea Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy texture; however, if necessary, use a freezer-safe container.
- Consume within one month for optimal flavor.
Reheating Irish Pea Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm it covered with foil for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds on medium power, stirring in between until warm.
- Stovetop: Gently heat in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Irish Pea Salad that might help you make this dish even better.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh peas! Just blanch them slightly before adding to the salad.
What can I substitute for Irish cheese?
You can substitute with aged cheddar or any sharp cheese that you enjoy.
How can I make this salad vegan?
For a vegan version of Irish Pea Salad, replace yogurt and mayonnaise with vegan alternatives like avocado or cashew cream.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add diced cucumbers, celery, or even radishes for extra crunch.
How do I make the dressing lighter?
To lighten the dressing, reduce the amount of mayonnaise and increase Greek yogurt proportionally.
Final Thoughts
Irish Pea Salad is not just a delightful dish; it’s also versatile and perfect for any occasion. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the herbs according to your taste. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or looking for a quick side dish, this salad is sure to impress!
Irish Pea Salad
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Irish Pea Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that combines the earthy sweetness of green peas, the crunch of sweet onions, and the creaminess of Irish cheese, all coated in a herbed yogurt mayo dressing. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a vibrant side dish for family gatherings. With its colorful presentation and flavorful ingredients, it promises to be a crowd-pleaser at any table. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or paired with grilled meats, this salad offers a nutritious and satisfying option that’s quick to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 20-oz package frozen peas
- 1 cup chopped sweet onion
- 2 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and chopped
- 2 mini sweet peppers, seeded and chopped
- 1 cup shredded Irish cheese (e.g., 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
- About 1.5 tablespoons finely chopped mixed fresh herbs (tarragon, thyme, basil)
Instructions
- Thaw the frozen peas in a large mixing bowl with cool water while preparing other ingredients.
- Soak the chopped onions in water for about 15 minutes to mellow their flavor. Drain both peas and onions thoroughly.
- Return drained peas and onions to the mixing bowl, then add all remaining salad ingredients. Toss gently to combine.
- In the bowl used for soaking onions, mix dressing ingredients together before pouring over the salad mixture. Fold gently until well-coated.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate until chilled before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
