Irish Pea Salad
Earthy, vibrant, and packed with flavor, Irish Pea Salad is the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, a potluck, or simply enjoying a family meal, this salad brings together the freshness of green peas, the crunch of sweet peppers, and the creaminess of Irish cheese. Its delightful herbed yogurt mayo dressing adds a unique twist that makes this dish stand out. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and can be made ahead of time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish takes only 20 minutes of prep time, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of sweet onion, crunchy peppers, and creamy cheese creates a taste sensation that will please everyone.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a side dish, main course or at gatherings. It fits any meal perfectly!
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with green peas and fresh herbs, this salad is not only delicious but also nutritious.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients or adjust the dressing to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools can make preparing your Irish Pea Salad even easier. Here are some essentials you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Strainer
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining all the ingredients without spilling.
- Strainer: Use this tool to properly drain both the peas and onions for the best texture in your salad.
- Knife & Cutting board: Essential for chopping vegetables accurately and safely.
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.
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 (Dubliner or aged cheddar works well)
– 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 help thaw them. Stir occasionally while you prepare the other ingredients to break up any frozen chunks.
Step 2: Soak the Onions
In a separate smaller bowl, soak the chopped sweet onion in water for about 15 minutes. This step helps reduce sharpness. After soaking, drain both 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 both the peas and onions are drained, pour them back into the mixing bowl alongside all other salad ingredients. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Step 4: Prepare Dressing
In the same bowl where you soaked the onions, stir together all dressing ingredients until well combined. Pour this delicious dressing over your salad mixture. Gently fold it in until all veggies are coated.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Cover the salad and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. This chilling time enhances flavors!
With these simple steps, your Irish Pea Salad will be ready to impress! Enjoy serving this delightful dish at your next gathering!
How to Serve Irish Pea Salad
Irish Pea Salad is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Whether for a picnic, potluck, or family dinner, it complements many meals beautifully. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
As a Standalone Dish
- Enjoy it chilled on its own as a refreshing side salad that highlights the natural sweetness of peas and the creaminess of the dressing.
On a Bed of Greens
- Serve the salad over a bed of mixed greens or spinach to add extra nutrition and make it visually appealing.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Spoon the Irish Pea Salad into crisp lettuce leaves for a fun and healthy wrap option. This makes for an easy-to-eat appetizer.
Paired with Grilled Meats
- This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or steak, providing a cool contrast to hot dishes.
As Part of a Buffet Spread
- Include Irish Pea Salad in your buffet lineup at gatherings. Its vibrant colors and unique flavors will surely attract guests.
With Crackers or Bread
- Serve alongside whole-grain crackers or crusty bread for a heartier snack option that everyone will enjoy.
How to Perfect Irish Pea Salad
To truly elevate your Irish Pea Salad, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure each bite is packed with flavor and freshness.
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Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like tarragon, thyme, and basil enhance the flavor profile. They add a fragrant touch that elevates the dish.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste your dressing before adding it to the salad. Adjust salt, pepper, or mustard to match your personal preference.
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Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill in the fridge for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Alternate Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese such as feta or goat cheese for varied taste experiences while maintaining creaminess.
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Add Crunch: For extra texture, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. They provide richness and crunch that complements the creamy dressing.
Best Side Dishes for Irish Pea Salad
Irish Pea Salad works well with many side dishes, making meal planning easier. Here are some tasty options to consider pairing with your salad.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken pieces grilled on skewers make for a delicious protein addition.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized adds depth and flavor to your meal.
- Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty grain dish is filling and complements the lightness of the salad perfectly.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide a satisfying crunch alongside your fresh salad.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: These colorful vegetables filled with rice, beans, and spices create a hearty yet healthy side.
- Macaroni Salad: A classic creamy macaroni salad brings nostalgia while offering contrasting textures and flavors to your meal.
- Baked Fish Fillets: Lightly seasoned fish baked until flaky enhances any meal while keeping it healthy.
- Vegetable Soup: A warm bowl of vegetable soup serves as a comforting starter before enjoying your refreshing salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Irish Pea Salad, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the thawing process – Not allowing frozen peas to thaw can lead to a watery salad. Make sure to thaw them in water while prepping other ingredients.
- Not soaking the onion – Raw onions can be overpowering. Soaking them in water for 15 minutes helps remove some of the sharpness and improves flavor.
- Overmixing the salad – Gently folding ingredients is key. Overmixing can make your salad mushy and unappealing.
- Ignoring fresh herbs – Dried herbs won’t give the same vibrant taste. Use fresh mixed herbs like tarragon, thyme, and basil for a delightful flavor boost.
- Using too much mayonnaise – While dressing is essential, too much can overwhelm the salad’s flavors. Stick to the recommended amount for balance.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Ensure the salad is cooled completely before sealing it to avoid excess moisture.
Freezing Irish Pea Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in peas and vegetables.
- If you must freeze, use a freezer-safe container and consume within one month.
Reheating Irish Pea Salad
- Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread salad in a baking dish and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave – Place portions in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through.
- Stovetop – Warm over low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about preparing Irish Pea Salad.
What makes Irish Pea Salad unique?
Irish Pea Salad stands out due to its blend of creamy Irish cheese and fresh herbs, offering a distinctive taste that elevates traditional pea salads.
Can I customize this Irish Pea Salad recipe?
Absolutely! You can add ingredients like crispy bacon, corn, or even substitute different cheeses based on your preference.
How long does Irish Pea Salad last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, it lasts up to 3 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Is there a vegetarian version of Irish Pea Salad?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegetarian-friendly with no meat products involved.
Final Thoughts
Irish Pea Salad is not just delicious but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or herbs for a personal touch!
Irish Pea Salad
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Irish Pea Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together the sweetness of green peas, the crunch of fresh peppers, and the richness of creamy Irish cheese. Enhanced with a delightful herbed yogurt mayo dressing, this salad is as versatile as it is delicious—perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simple family dinners. Its quick preparation time makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Not only is it nutritious, but it’s also customizable to fit your taste preferences, ensuring that everyone at the table will be asking for seconds!
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
- 3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon spicy brown mustard
- 1.5 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs (tarragon, thyme, basil)
Instructions
- Thaw peas by soaking them in water in a large bowl.
- Soak chopped sweet onion in water for 15 minutes to reduce sharpness.
- Drain peas and onions well and return to the mixing bowl.
- Add remaining salad ingredients to the bowl and toss gently to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients; pour over salad and fold gently.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
