Irish Pea Salad
Earthy green peas, crunchy sweet onion, and creamy Irish cheese combine to create a delightful Irish Pea Salad. This vibrant dish features a herbed yogurt mayo dressing that elevates its flavor profile. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a simple side dish for any meal. Easy to prepare and packed with fresh ingredients, this salad will impress your guests and family alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad in no time.
- Versatile Serving Options: Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a colorful side dish at dinner.
- Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of fresh herbs and creamy cheese provides a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and protein from the eggs, it’s not only tasty but also healthy.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge, making it perfect for busy days.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making your delicious Irish Pea Salad, gather the essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Strainer
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spilling.
- Strainer: Helps drain excess water from soaked ingredients, ensuring your salad isn’t watery.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy.
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. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- 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 other ingredients to break up any frozen chunks.
Step 2: Soak the Onions
In a separate smaller bowl, soak the chopped onion in water for about 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. Add the remaining salad ingredients:
- 2 hard-cooked eggs
- 2 mini sweet peppers
- 1 cup shredded Irish cheese
Toss gently to mix everything well.
Step 4: Prepare the Dressing
In the bowl you used to soak the onions, stir together all dressing ingredients:
- 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
- About 1 1/2 Tablespoons finely chopped mixed fresh herbs
Pour this dressing over your salad mixture. Gently fold it in until all veggies are coated.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Cover your salad and refrigerate until it’s time to serve. Enjoy your refreshing Irish Pea Salad!
How to Serve Irish Pea Salad
Irish Pea Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or enjoying a family dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.
On a Bed of Greens
- Serve the Irish Pea Salad atop a bed of fresh mixed greens for added texture and nutrition.
As a Sandwich Filling
- Use the salad as a filling for sandwiches or wraps, adding a delightful crunch and creaminess to your lunch.
With Crackers
- Pair the salad with whole-grain crackers for a satisfying snack or appetizer that’s easy to share.
Stuffed in Tomatoes
- Hollow out large tomatoes and stuff them with Irish Pea Salad for a beautiful presentation and burst of flavor.
As a Side Dish
- Serve the salad alongside grilled meats or fish to complement their flavors with its creamy, herbed profile.
In Individual Cups
- For parties, serve the salad in small cups or jars for easy individual servings that are both fun and portable.
How to Perfect Irish Pea Salad
To make your Irish Pea Salad truly exceptional, follow these helpful tips. A few adjustments can enhance flavors and textures significantly.
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Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs elevate the flavor profile. Opt for freshly chopped tarragon, thyme, and basil instead of dried versions.
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Experiment with Cheeses: While Dubliner is delicious, try different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for varied taste experiences.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving! You may want to add more salt, sugar, or mustard based on your preference.
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Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the fridge enhances the flavors as they meld together over time.
Best Side Dishes for Irish Pea Salad
Pairing side dishes with Irish Pea Salad can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options that complement this creamy salad beautifully.
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Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated with herbs add protein and flavor.
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Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread provides an excellent crunch that pairs well with the creamy salad texture.
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Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted veggies adds color and earthy flavors to your meal.
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Potato Wedges: Seasoned baked potato wedges offer comfort food vibes alongside the freshness of the salad.
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Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings additional texture and acidity that balances out the richness of the Irish Pea Salad.
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Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette contributes extra nutrients and pairs nicely without overpowering flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Irish Pea Salad, avoiding common mistakes can elevate your dish from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- ingredient choices: Using stale or low-quality ingredients can ruin the flavor. Always opt for fresh peas and good quality cheese.
- Ignoring water soaking: Not soaking the onions can lead to an overpowering taste. Make sure to soak them for at least 15 minutes to mellow their flavor.
- Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing may overwhelm the other flavors. Start with a small amount and add more if needed after tasting.
- Skipping the chilling time: Serving the salad immediately without chilling can lessen its flavor. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
- Neglecting customization: Sticking rigidly to the recipe may limit your creativity. Feel free to add your favorite herbs or substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Irish Pea Salad in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Irish Pea Salad
- While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 1 month.
- Use a freezer-safe container and leave some space for expansion.
Reheating Irish Pea Salad
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm gently until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries about Irish Pea Salad for better understanding.
What is Irish Pea Salad?
Irish Pea Salad is a delightful mix of green peas, sweet onions, peppers, and cheese dressed in a herbed yogurt mayo dressing.
How do I make Irish Pea Salad vegetarian?
Simply omit any meat ingredients and focus on enhancing flavors with fresh herbs and spices.
Can I customize my Irish Pea Salad?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, different cheeses, or even fruits like apples or cranberries for added texture and flavor.
How long does Irish Pea Salad last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, it lasts up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Final Thoughts
Irish Pea Salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with various herbs or vegetables based on your preferences. This salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light meal. Try it today and enjoy its refreshing flavors!
Irish Pea Salad
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately four people 1x
Description
Discover the vibrant flavors of Irish Pea Salad, a refreshing medley that perfectly balances earthy green peas, crunchy sweet onions, and creamy Irish cheese. This delightful dish is dressed with a herbed yogurt mayo dressing that adds a burst of flavor with every bite. Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or as a simple yet impressive side for any meal, this salad is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutritious ingredients. Whip up this easy dish in just 20 minutes and enjoy the compliments from family and friends.
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
- Mixed fresh herbs (tarragon, thyme, basil)
Instructions
- Thaw the peas by soaking them in cool water in a large bowl.
- Soak chopped onions in water for about 15 minutes to mellow their flavor.
- Drain both peas and onions well. Combine them with eggs, peppers, and cheese in a mixing bowl.
- In another bowl, mix together the dressing ingredients and pour over the salad mixture. Fold gently until combined.
- Chill in the refrigerator before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
