Pea-Cheese Salad
Pea-Cheese Salad is a refreshing, creamy side dish combining sweet peas, sharp cheddar, and crunchy vegetables, all coated in a tangy mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or family dinners, it offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the frozen peas according to package directions.
- Drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine peas, cheese, chopped eggs, celery, onion, and red pepper.
- Combine mayonnaise, salt, and pepper.
- Add the mayonnaise mixture to the pea mixture.
- Toss to mix thoroughly.
- Cover and chill for 4 to 24 hours.
- Stir the mixture well before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the mayonnaise mixture. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise. You can also try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a unique twist. Adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley can enhance the freshness of the salad.
Serving Suggestions
This Pea-Cheese Salad is perfect as a side dish for summer barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be served alongside a light soup for a refreshing lunch. For a complete meal, try it with a slice of crusty bread or alongside a green salad like Lime-Cheese-Pineapple Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may thicken as it sits, so you can stir in a little extra mayonnaise or yogurt before serving. Avoid freezing this salad, as the texture of the peas and cheese may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pea-Cheese Salad contains roughly 215 calories, with 5g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1345mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh peas for this recipe. Just blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until tender, then cool them quickly in ice water before adding them to the salad. Fresh peas will provide a slightly different texture and flavor but will still work well.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
This Pea-Cheese Salad is already vegetarian, but if you want to make it vegan, substitute the Cheddar cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative and use a vegan mayonnaise. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for added nutrition.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. Stir well before serving to redistribute the ingredients and ensure it's creamy and flavorful.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).