Easy Pea Salad Recipe: Simple & Delicious Side Dish

Looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish that’s both incredibly easy to make and absolutely delicious? Look no further! This classic Easy Pea Salad recipe is your go-to for potlucks, picnics, family gatherings, or a simple weeknight meal. It’s a perfect blend of sweet peas, crunchy textures, and a creamy dressing that will have everyone asking for seconds. This recipe focuses on simplicity and flavor, using just a handful of ingredients to create a side that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Let’s dive into how to make this amazing dish!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Pea Salad

Effortlessly Simple: This recipe requires minimal prep time and uses basic ingredients.
Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of sweet peas, crunchy elements, and a creamy dressing creates a perfect flavor balance.
Versatile: It’s an ideal side for practically any meal, from BBQ to holiday dinners.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it ahead of time, saving you stress when entertaining.
Crowd-Pleasing: Universally liked by adults and kids alike.
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients readily available at most grocery stores.

How to Make the Best Easy Pea Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 (10-12 ounce) package frozen peas, thawed
1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup chopped celery
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish (or dill relish, to taste)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra tang)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Peas: Thaw the frozen peas, if using. Drain off any excess water. You can also blanch them quickly in boiling water and then immediately plunge into ice water to retain their bright color and crispness. This also ensures they are not soggy if they were frozen.
Combine the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the thawed (or blanched) peas, finely diced red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped celery.
Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), sweet pickle relish, and Dijon mustard (if using). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and gently fold everything together until well combined. Be careful not to mash the peas while mixing.
Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. It also makes it nice and cold for serving.
Serve: Before serving, give it a gentle stir, taste, and adjust seasonings if needed. Garnish with extra chopped celery or a sprinkle of paprika, if desired.

Variations and Customizations

Bacon Lover’s Delight: Add 4-6 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor.
Hard-Boiled Egg Boost: Include 2-3 chopped hard-boiled eggs for added protein and creaminess.
Crunchy Sunflower Seeds: Mix in a handful of roasted sunflower seeds for a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
Herby Twist: Add fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives for a refreshing herbaceous note.
Spicy Kick: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a subtle heat.
Light and Tangy: Substitute some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt and add a squeeze of lemon juice for a lighter and tangier dressing.
Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even feta for a unique flavor profile.
Vegetable Additions: Add diced bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), carrots, or cucumbers for additional nutrients and textures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Canned Peas?

While fresh or frozen peas are recommended for best flavor and texture, you can use canned peas as a substitute in a pinch. Make sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly before adding to the salad.

How Long Will Pea Salad Last?

When properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this pea salad will last for 2-3 days. Keep in mind that the texture and some of the crunch may decrease over time. It is best served fresh.

Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes, this is a great make-ahead side dish! You can prepare the entire salad, cover it, and refrigerate for several hours or even a day before serving. Just give it a good stir before serving.

Can I Freeze Pea Salad?

Freezing is not recommended as the mayonnaise dressing can separate and the vegetables will become mushy upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy this salad fresh or within a few days of making.

What If I Don’t Like Sweet Pickle Relish?

If sweet pickle relish isn’t your favorite, you can substitute dill pickle relish, finely chopped dill pickles, or even omit it entirely. If omitting, you may want to add a touch of sweetness with a teaspoon of sugar or maple syrup to balance the flavors.

How Can I Make This Salad Healthier?

To make this salad healthier, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise, increase the amount of vegetables, use reduced-fat cheese, and add some extra greens. This will increase its nutritional content and reduce the fat and calories.

Pro Tips for the Best Pea Salad

Don’t Overcook the Peas: If you decide to blanch the peas, ensure they are only blanched briefly. Overcooking them will make them mushy.
Drain the Peas Well: Ensure the peas are completely drained (and patted dry if needed) to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
Dice Ingredients Finely: Finely dice the red onion and celery to ensure they blend well with the peas and create a balanced texture.
Use Quality Mayonnaise: Using good-quality mayonnaise will make a big difference in the flavor of the dressing.
Chill Before Serving: Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes will allow the flavors to meld together nicely.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the salad before serving and adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, or relish to your preference.

Nutritional Benefits

Peas: Rich in vitamins (like vitamin K, vitamin C, and some B vitamins), minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.
Mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt: Adds healthy fats and protein. If using Greek yogurt, you are adding probiotics, which are great for the gut.
Onion & Celery: Provide additional vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Perfect Pairings for Your Pea Salad

This Easy Pea Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some of the best pairings:

BBQ Favorites: Great with grilled chicken, burgers, and ribs.
Sandwiches and Wraps: A perfect side for a light lunch.
Potluck Classics: Complements other potluck favorites like macaroni salad and potato salad.
Seafood: An excellent side for baked salmon or shrimp.
Picnic Essentials: A must-have for outdoor gatherings and picnics.
Holiday Dinners: A tasty and refreshing addition to holiday menus.

Conclusion

This Easy Pea Salad recipe is a must-have in your collection. It’s simple, delicious, and incredibly versatile, making it the perfect side dish for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a summer picnic or need a quick and easy side for a family dinner, this salad is sure to please. Give it a try and experience how easy it is to make a crowd-pleasing dish with just a few basic ingredients!

Be sure to share this recipe with friends and family, and don’t hesitate to comment below with your own variations and tips! We’d love to hear how you make this Easy Pea Salad your own!

This site may contain affiliate links, meaning I could earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. These partnerships help support the content and services provided here. Additionally, some of the content on this site is generated or enhanced by AI tools, with all AI-generated information reviewed and edited to ensure quality. Thank you for your support!