Irish Pea Salad

Earthy, vibrant, and full of flavor, Irish Pea Salad is a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. This salad combines sweet peas, crunchy onions, and creamy Irish cheese with a tangy herbed yogurt mayo dressing. It’s not only simple to prepare but also makes for an excellent picnic or potluck dish that will impress your friends and family.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Irish Pea Salad
• Step 1: Thaw the Peas
• Step 2: Soak the Onions
• Step 3: Combine Ingredients
• Step 4: Prepare Dressing
• How to Serve Irish Pea Salad
• As a Standalone Dish
• With Grilled Meats
• On a Bed of Greens
• As Part of a Picnic Spread
• With Crackers or Bread
• How to Perfect Irish Pea Salad
• Best Side Dishes for Irish Pea Salad
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Irish Pea Salad
• Reheating Irish Pea Salad
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Irish Pea Salad?
• Can I customize Irish Pea Salad?
• How long does Irish Pea Salad last?
• Is Irish Pea Salad healthy?
• Can I make this salad ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad in no time.
• Fresh Flavors: The combination of peas, peppers, and fresh herbs creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Versatile Dish: Whether it’s a barbecue, picnic, or family dinner, this salad fits right in at any gathering.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and protein from eggs and yogurt, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge; it tastes even better after the flavors meld together.

Tools and Preparation

To make Irish Pea Salad, you’ll need some basic tools to help you assemble this delightful dish easily.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Strainer
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all the ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
• Strainer: Draining excess water from the peas and onions ensures the salad doesn’t become watery.
• Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes it easy to chop ingredients quickly and safely.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Irish Pea 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)
• 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 onions and peas very well in a strainer. Dry out the mixing bowl by wiping it with a clean towel.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Once drained, return the peas and onions back into the mixing bowl. Add the remaining salad ingredients including chopped eggs, mini sweet peppers, shredded Irish cheese, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, pickle relish, sugar, salt, mustard, tarragon, thyme, and basil. Toss gently to mix everything.

Step 4: Prepare Dressing

In the same bowl where you soaked the onions, stir together all dressing ingredients until combined well. Pour over the salad mixture and gently fold it in until all vegetables are coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate until serving time.

Enjoy your refreshing Irish Pea Salad, perfect for gatherings or as a light meal!

How to Serve Irish Pea Salad

Irish Pea Salad is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with many meals. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or enjoying a family dinner, here are some tasty serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

As a Standalone Dish

• This salad shines on its own as a light lunch or dinner option. The creamy dressing and fresh flavors make it satisfying without feeling heavy.

With Grilled Meats

• Pair Irish Pea Salad with grilled chicken or steak for a delicious contrast. The salad’s creamy texture complements the smoky flavors of the meat beautifully.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve the salad on a bed of mixed greens for added freshness. This presentation makes it visually appealing and adds extra crunch.

As Part of a Picnic Spread

• Include Irish Pea Salad in your picnic basket alongside sandwiches and fresh fruit. Its portability makes it an ideal choice for outdoor gatherings.

With Crackers or Bread

• Serve the salad with crispy crackers or fresh bread slices. This adds another layer of texture and makes for an enjoyable snack.

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How to Perfect Irish Pea Salad

To ensure your Irish Pea Salad is always a hit, consider the following tips for perfection.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh peas, onions, and herbs enhance the flavor significantly. If possible, opt for fresh peas when they are in season.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. This allows you to customize the flavor to your liking.
• Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill in the fridge for at least an hour melds the flavors together, making each bite more delicious.
• Add Crunch: Incorporate some chopped nuts or seeds for added texture. This can elevate the overall experience of eating this salad.
• Experiment with Cheese: While Dubliner cheese is great, try other cheeses like feta or gouda for different flavor profiles.
• Make It Ahead: Prepare this salad a day in advance. It keeps well and flavors improve when allowed to sit overnight in the fridge.

Best Side Dishes for Irish Pea Salad

Irish Pea Salad pairs well with several side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a delightful crunch and balances out the creaminess of the salad.
2. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs provide a hearty side that goes well with lighter salads.
3. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes on skewers offer a refreshing bite that contrasts nicely with Irish Pea Salad.
4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crispness and acidity, enhancing the overall meal experience.
5. Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread is perfect for scooping up any leftover salad dressing while adding comforting flavors.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can cleanse the palate and add sweetness to your meal, making it a great accompaniment.
7. Stuffed Bell Peppers: These can be filled with rice, meat, or veggies to create a colorful side that complements the vibrant colors of your pea salad.
8. Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf packed with veggies offers protein and makes for a nutritious side dish option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Irish Pea Salad, it’s important to steer clear of common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Peas: Frozen peas should be lightly thawed, not cooked. Just soak them in cold water to retain their vibrant color and crunch.
• Skipping the Onion Soak: Not soaking the onion can result in a strong raw flavor. Soaking helps mellow it out for a balanced taste.
• Ignoring Fresh Herbs: Using dried herbs instead of fresh can diminish the flavor. Fresh herbs like tarragon, thyme, and basil elevate your salad.
• Rushing the Dressing Mix: Mixing the dressing too quickly can lead to uneven distribution. Take your time to ensure every ingredient is well combined before adding it to the salad.
• Not Chilling Before Serving: Serving immediately can result in a less cohesive flavor. Allowing the salad to chill lets the flavors meld beautifully.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the salad chilled at 40°F (4°C) or below.

Freezing Irish Pea Salad

• Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in peas and other ingredients.
• If necessary, freeze without dressing for up to 2 months; add dressing after thawing.

Reheating Irish Pea Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat until just heated through; avoid cooking further.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Irish Pea Salad:

What is Irish Pea Salad?

Irish Pea Salad is a refreshing mix of green peas, sweet onions, peppers, and creamy cheese dressed with a herbed yogurt mayo sauce.

Can I customize Irish Pea Salad?

Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or carrots or swap cheese varieties according to your preference.

How long does Irish Pea Salad last?

In the refrigerator, it lasts about 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Is Irish Pea Salad healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with nutrients from peas and fresh vegetables while being lower in calories compared to traditional salads.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance; just keep it refrigerated until serving.

Final Thoughts

Irish Pea Salad is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough for various occasions. Its creamy texture combined with fresh herbs makes it delightful and satisfying. Don’t hesitate to customize this recipe with your favorite ingredients for a unique twist!