Irish Pea Salad
Earthy, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, Irish Pea Salad is a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, attending a potluck, or simply looking for a fresh side to accompany your meal, this salad fits the bill. With its combination of sweet peas, crunchy vegetables, and creamy Irish cheese drizzled in a herbed yogurt mayo dressing, it will surely be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: This salad comes together in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side or main dish; it complements various meals and occasions.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of fresh herbs and creamy dressing elevates the humble pea salad to something extraordinary.
- Healthy Ingredients: Loaded with nutritious ingredients like peas and Greek yogurt, it’s as wholesome as it is delicious.
- Great for Meal Prep: This salad keeps well in the fridge, making it an excellent option for meal prep throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Irish Pea Salad, gather your tools for efficient preparation.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Strainer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl helps combine all ingredients without spilling.
- Strainer: Essential for draining excess water from peas and onions to avoid sogginess in your salad.
- Knife and cutting board: These are crucial for chopping vegetables safely and efficiently.
Ingredients
Earthy green peas, crunchy sweet onion, sweet peppers, and creamy Irish cheese with a delightful herbed yogurt mayo dressing make this salad so easy to toss together. It’s an excellent portable picnic salad that everyone will rave about.
For the Salad
- 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)
For the Dressing
- 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 Onion
In another smaller bowl, soak the chopped onion in water for 15 minutes. After soaking, drain both the 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 your salad ingredients. Toss gently to mix everything together.
Step 4: Prepare the Dressing
In the same bowl you used to soak the onions, stir together all dressing ingredients until well combined. Pour this dressing over the salad mixture and gently fold it in until all veggies are coated. Cover and refrigerate until serving time.
Enjoy your refreshing Irish Pea Salad at your next gathering!
How to Serve Irish Pea Salad
Serving Irish Pea Salad is a delightful experience that can elevate any meal or gathering. This salad not only tastes great but also brings vibrant colors to your table, making it perfect for any occasion.
Picnic Perfection
- Pack in jars: Layer the salad in mason jars for easy transport and beautiful presentation.
- Serve chilled: Make sure to keep the salad cool until serving time for the best flavor and texture.
Pair with Grilled Meats
- Grilled chicken: The creamy dressing complements the smoky flavors of grilled chicken perfectly.
- BBQ ribs: A refreshing contrast to the richness of BBQ ribs, enhancing the overall dining experience.
As a Light Lunch
- On its own: Enjoy Irish Pea Salad as a satisfying light lunch packed with nutrients.
- With whole grain bread: Serve alongside slices of whole grain bread for added fiber and satisfaction.
At Potlucks and Gatherings
- Shareable bowl: Present it in a large bowl for easy serving at potlucks.
- Individual cups: Offer small servings in cups for guests to grab and enjoy on the go.
How to Perfect Irish Pea Salad
Creating the perfect Irish Pea Salad involves a few simple tips that enhance its flavors and textures. Follow these suggestions to make your salad stand out.
- Use fresh peas: If available, substitute frozen peas with fresh ones for a sweeter taste.
- Add more herbs: Experiment with different herbs like dill or chives to elevate the flavor profile.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or mustard according to your preference before serving.
- Let it chill: Allowing the salad to sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour enhances all the flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Irish Pea Salad
Irish Pea Salad pairs well with various side dishes that complement its creamy texture and fresh flavors. Consider these options for a complete meal.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a delightful crunch and sweetness that pairs well with this salad.
- Herbed Quinoa: A light quinoa dish seasoned with fresh herbs balances out the richness of the salad.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes provide a satisfying contrast in texture and flavor.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful peppers filled with grains or meat offer additional heartiness alongside the salad.
- Caprese Salad: The freshness of tomatoes and mozzarella enhances the garden-like quality of Irish Pea Salad.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery breadsticks add a lovely touch to any meal featuring this delightful salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Irish Pea Salad, it’s easy to overlook a few essential steps. Here are some common mistakes to help you perfect your salad.
- Boldly skip soaking the onions: Soaking the onions is crucial. It reduces their sharpness and enhances the overall flavor. Always soak them for at least 15 minutes.
- Boldly forget to dry ingredients: After draining, make sure to dry your peas and onions well. Excess moisture can dilute the dressing, leading to a soggy salad.
- Boldly ignore ingredient quality: Using fresh herbs and good-quality cheese makes a significant difference in taste. Invest in quality ingredients for an outstanding result.
- Boldly rush the mixing process: Tossing too vigorously can break the peas and eggs apart. Gently fold everything together to maintain texture.
- Boldly neglect chilling time: Allowing your salad to chill enhances its flavors. Refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving for a delightful taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep leftovers refrigerated to maintain freshness.
Freezing Irish Pea Salad
- This salad does not freeze well due to the creamy dressing and texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating Irish Pea Salad
- Oven: Not recommended, as this salad is best served cold.
- Microwave: If necessary, reheat on low power just until slightly warm but not hot.
- Stovetop: Not recommended; serve cold for optimal flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Irish Pea Salad.
What ingredients are in Irish Pea Salad?
Irish Pea Salad includes frozen peas, sweet onion, hard-cooked eggs, mini sweet peppers, shredded Irish cheese, and a herbed yogurt mayo dressing.
Can I customize my Irish Pea Salad?
Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like celery or swap out herbs based on your preference. Feel free to experiment!
How do I make the dressing for Irish Pea Salad?
Mix light mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, pickle relish, sugar, salt, and mustard together in a bowl. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Is Irish Pea Salad suitable for picnics?
Yes! This salad is easy to transport and stays fresh for hours when kept cool. It’s perfect for outdoor gatherings.
Final Thoughts
Irish Pea Salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various ingredients or dressings according to your taste preferences. Give it a try at your next gathering; it’s sure to impress everyone!
Irish Pea Salad
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves about 6 people 1x
Description
Irish Pea Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that perfectly combines earthy green peas, crunchy vegetables, and creamy Irish cheese in a delightful herbed yogurt mayo dressing. This refreshing salad is not only quick to prepare but also versatile enough to serve as a side or main dish at picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings. With its nutritious ingredients and delicious flavors, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at your table.
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 (like Dubliner)
- 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
Instructions
- Thaw the peas by soaking them in cool water in a large mixing bowl while prepping other ingredients.
- Soak the chopped onion in water for 15 minutes; then drain both peas and onions using a strainer.
- In the mixing bowl, combine thawed peas, drained onions, eggs, peppers, and cheese. Toss gently.
- In the same bowl used for soaking the onions, mix together all dressing ingredients until well combined. Pour over the salad mixture and fold gently until coated. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
