Irish Pea Salad
Earthy green peas, crunchy sweet onion, sweet peppers, and creamy Irish cheese come together in this vibrant Irish Pea Salad. Perfect for any occasion, from picnics to family gatherings, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser. With a delightful herbed yogurt mayo dressing, it’s a refreshing dish that stands out with its unique flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of earthy peas, sweet onions, and creamy cheese creates a deliciously unique taste.
- Versatile Dish: Ideal as a side or main course, Irish Pea Salad fits various occasions and preferences.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and yogurt, this salad offers a nutritious option without sacrificing flavor.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance for parties or picnics; it tastes even better after chilling!
Tools and Preparation
To make your Irish Pea Salad effortlessly, gather your tools ahead of time. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Strainer
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Spoon for mixing
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spilling.
- Strainer: Helps to drain excess water from the peas and onions effectively.
- Sharp knife: Ensures smooth cutting of vegetables without mashing them.
Ingredients
Earthy green peas, crunchy sweet onion, sweet peppers, and creamy Irish cheese with a delightful herbed yogurt mayo dressing make this salad an excellent choice.
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 prepping the other ingredients to break up any frozen chunks.
Step 2: Soak the Onions
In a separate smaller bowl, soak the chopped sweet onion in water for about 15 minutes. After soaking, drain both 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 and onions back into the mixing bowl along with the rest of the salad ingredients. Toss gently to mix everything evenly.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In the bowl you soaked the onions in, stir together all dressing ingredients until well combined. Pour this dressing over the salad mixture. Gently fold it in until all veggies are coated. Cover and refrigerate until serving time.
How to Serve Irish Pea Salad
Irish Pea Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Its vibrant colors and delightful flavors make it perfect for any occasion, from picnics to dinner parties.
As a Side Dish
- Pair it with grilled meats like chicken or steak for a refreshing complement.
- Serve alongside sandwiches or wraps for a crunchy contrast.
In a Wrap
- Add a generous scoop of Irish Pea Salad to tortillas or pita bread for a delicious lunch option.
- Top with additional greens or sliced avocado for extra flavor and nutrition.
On Toast
- Spread the salad on toasted bread or crostini as a tasty appetizer.
- Garnish with fresh herbs for an elegant touch.
As a Main Dish
- Enjoy it as a light main dish, especially during warmer months.
- Add protein like diced chicken or chickpeas to make it more filling.
At a Picnic
- Pack the salad in portable containers for easy transportation.
- Pair it with crunchy snacks like chips or veggie sticks for a fun outdoor meal.
How to Perfect Irish Pea Salad
To ensure your Irish Pea Salad turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips.
- Choose fresh ingredients: Fresh peas and vegetables enhance the salad’s flavor and texture.
- Adjust seasoning: Feel free to tweak the salt and mustard levels according to your taste preferences.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
- Experiment with herbs: Try different combinations of fresh herbs for unique flavor profiles.
- Add crunch: Incorporate nuts or seeds for added texture and nutritional benefits.
Best Side Dishes for Irish Pea Salad
Irish Pea Salad pairs wonderfully with many side dishes, making your meal even more delightful. Here are some excellent options:
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet, smoky corn brings a burst of flavor that complements the salad beautifully.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread provides a delicious contrast and can soak up any dressing left on your plate.
- Roasted Potatoes: Seasoned roasted potatoes add heartiness to your meal, making it more satisfying.
- Caprese Skewers: These colorful skewers of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing bite alongside the pea salad.
- Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad adds crunch and freshness that enhances the overall dining experience.
- Fruit Salad: A sweet fruit salad offers a refreshing balance to the savory elements of the pea salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Creating the perfect Irish Pea Salad can be easy, but it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can impact its flavor and texture.
- Overcooking the peas – When using frozen peas, it’s crucial to only thaw them without cooking. Boiling them can lead to a mushy texture.
- Neglecting to drain ingredients – Failing to thoroughly drain the onions and peas can result in a watery salad. Always ensure excess moisture is removed before mixing.
- Skipping the soaking step – Soaking the onions helps reduce their sharpness. Skipping this step might make your salad too pungent.
- Using low-quality cheese – The cheese adds richness to the salad. Opt for fresh, high-quality Irish cheese for the best flavor.
- Not seasoning properly – A well-seasoned salad is key. Don’t forget salt and mustard, as they enhance all other flavors in the dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- The Irish Pea Salad will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Irish Pea Salad
- This salad does not freeze well due to its creamy dressing and fresh ingredients. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating Irish Pea Salad
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes, but this may affect texture.
- Microwave – Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between, but avoid overheating.
- Stovetop – Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently; again, this may alter texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Irish Pea Salad.
What is Irish Pea Salad?
Irish Pea Salad is a delightful mix of green peas, sweet onions, peppers, and creamy cheese dressed with herbed yogurt mayo.
Can I make Irish Pea Salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad can be prepared a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge until ready to serve.
How do I customize my Irish Pea Salad?
You can add ingredients like bacon bits or different herbs for extra flavor. Feel free to experiment!
What can I serve with Irish Pea Salad?
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be served as part of a picnic spread.
Final Thoughts
This Irish Pea Salad is not just visually appealing; it’s also packed with flavor and texture. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your taste preferences. Try it at your next gathering or picnic—it’s bound to impress!
Irish Pea Salad
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
Description
Indulge in the freshness of our Irish Pea Salad, a delightful blend of earthy green peas, crunchy sweet onions, vibrant peppers, and rich Irish cheese. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for any gathering—be it a family picnic or a relaxing dinner party. Tossed in a creamy herbed yogurt mayo dressing, every bite offers a burst of flavor that will impress your guests while keeping preparation simple. Enjoy it as a refreshing side dish or transform it into a satisfying meal by adding protein. With just 35 minutes of prep time, this colorful salad is sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
- 20 oz frozen peas
- 1 cup chopped sweet onion
- 2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
- 2 mini sweet peppers, 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 frozen peas in cool water; drain well.
- Soak chopped onions in water for 15 minutes; drain thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine peas, onions, hard-cooked eggs, sweet peppers, and cheese.
- In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, relish, sugar, salt, mustard, and herbs to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
