Peas And Cheese Salad
Peas and Cheese Salad is a delightful mix of creamy dressing, tender green peas, and sharp Cheddar cheese, complemented by the crunch of celery and pickles. This refreshing dish is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light lunch option, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1/3 to 1/2 c. salad dressing or mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen green peas, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 1 c. diced mild Cheddar or Colby cheese ⓘ
- 1 medium stalk celery, thinly sliced (1/3 c.)
- 3 sweet pickles, chopped (about 1/4 c.) ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix salad dressing, salt, mustard, sugar, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add thawed peas, cheese, celery, pickles, and onion.
- Toss the mixture until well combined.
- Stir in the chopped hard-boiled eggs.
- Cover and refrigerate until chilled for at least 1 hour.
- Serve on lettuce leaves, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt as a substitute for mayonnaise. You can also add chopped bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch and color. If you prefer a tangy flavor, try adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. Adjust the seasoning to taste, and feel free to substitute the cheese with a sharp variety for a bolder taste. This salad is a great addition to your summer picnics alongside dishes like Yummy Potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the salad on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves for an elegant presentation. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as part of a buffet spread. Consider serving it alongside a light soup or as a side dish to sandwiches. This salad can also be a delightful addition to potlucks or picnics, complementing dishes like Broccoli Puff or Orange Pineapple Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad will continue to absorb the dressing, so it may become slightly thicker over time. If you prefer a fresher taste, you can add a bit more dressing before serving again. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the peas and cheese may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peas And Cheese Salad contains roughly 464 calories, with 12g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value) and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2094mg per serving (91% 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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad up to a day in advance. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The flavors will meld together beautifully, making it even tastier. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
What can I substitute for hard-boiled eggs?
If you're looking for an egg-free option, you can replace hard-boiled eggs with diced avocados for creaminess or chickpeas for added protein. This makes the salad suitable for those following vegetarian recipes or for anyone with egg allergies.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep as it keeps well in the fridge and can be portioned out for lunches throughout the week. Just remember to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat to maintain the best texture.
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).