Irish Pea Salad
Earthy, vibrant, and creamy, Irish Pea Salad is a dish that brings together the freshness of green peas with the richness of Irish cheese. This salad is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple family dinner. The blend of crunchy onion, sweet peppers, and a herbed yogurt mayo dressing adds unique flavors that everyone will love. Perfectly suitable for various occasions, this dish is sure to impress your guests with its delightful taste and eye-catching color.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, making it a hassle-free addition to any meal.
- Flavorful Combination: The mix of sweet onions, peppers, and creamy Irish cheese creates a delightful flavor profile that will please all palates.
- Versatile Dish: Ideal for picnics or barbecues, this salad can be served as a side or a light main dish.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and protein from the eggs, this salad is nutritious as well as delicious.
- Make Ahead: Prepare it in advance for easy entertaining; it tastes even better after chilling in the fridge!
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making this refreshing Irish Pea Salad, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking process smoother.
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 spills.
- Strainer: Helps drain excess water from peas and onions ensuring your salad isn’t watery.
- Knife & Cutting board: Necessary 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 an easy toss-together dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Fresh 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 (I used Dubliner)
Dressing Ingredients
- 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 the other ingredients to break up any frozen chunks.
Step 2: Soak the Onion
In a separate smaller bowl, soak the chopped sweet onion in water for 15 minutes. After soaking, drain both the onions and peas very well using a strainer. Dry out the mixing bowl by wiping it with a clean towel.
Step 3: Combine Salad Ingredients
Once drained, pour the thawed peas and soaked onions back into the large mixing bowl along with the other salad ingredients. Toss gently to mix everything together.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In the bowl where you soaked the onions, stir together all of the dressing ingredients until well combined. Pour this dressing over your salad mixture. Gently fold it in until all veggies are coated evenly.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Cover your mixed salad and place it in the refrigerator until it’s time to serve. Chilling enhances the flavors while keeping everything fresh!
Enjoy your homemade Irish Pea Salad! It’s sure to become a favorite at your table!
How to Serve Irish Pea Salad
This vibrant Irish Pea Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will enhance your meal experience.
As a Standalone Dish
- Pair with crusty bread for a light lunch or picnic option.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish at summer barbecues.
With Grilled Meats
- Complement grilled chicken for a flavorful balance of textures.
- Enjoy alongside beef or pork for a hearty dinner.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Spoon the salad into crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb alternative.
- Add avocado slices for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
As Part of a Potluck Spread
- Present it in a large bowl, allowing guests to serve themselves.
- Garnish with extra herbs for an attractive display.
How to Perfect Irish Pea Salad
To make the best Irish Pea Salad, consider these simple tips that ensure freshness and flavor.
- Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh herbs and quality cheese to elevate the taste.
- Chill before serving: Allow the salad to rest in the fridge for at least an hour. This enhances the flavors.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and tweak the salt, sugar, or mustard according to your preference.
- Experiment with additions: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or cucumbers for more crunch.
- Make it ahead: Prepare the salad a day in advance for busy days; it keeps well in the fridge.
Best Side Dishes for Irish Pea Salad
Irish Pea Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.
- Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavor complements the creamy salad nicely.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and balances the meal with its tanginess.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes provide heartiness and pair well with fresh salads.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn enhances the summer feel and adds natural sweetness.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad can be a nutritious companion, adding protein and fiber.
- Caprese Skewers: These bite-sized treats offer fresh basil and mozzarella, creating a delightful contrast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Irish Pea Salad, avoiding common mistakes can make a significant difference in the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the soaking step: Not soaking the sweet onion can lead to a strong, overpowering flavor. Soak it in water for at least 15 minutes to mellow its taste.
- Using frozen peas without thawing: Adding frozen peas directly can create a watery salad. Thaw them by soaking in cool water before mixing with other ingredients.
- Not draining well: Failing to drain the peas and onions thoroughly may result in a soggy salad. Use a strainer and dry the bowl before mixing.
- Overdressing the salad: Too much dressing can overpower the flavors of the fresh ingredients. Start with less dressing and add more if needed for balance.
- Neglecting seasoning: Skipping spices or herbs will make your salad bland. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Irish Pea Salad in an airtight container.
- It will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Irish Pea Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to the texture change of peas and mayonnaise when thawed.
- If you must freeze, consider separating the dressing from the salad ingredients.
Reheating Irish Pea Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread salad on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Irish Pea Salad:
What is Irish Pea Salad?
Irish Pea Salad is a refreshing dish made with green peas, sweet onions, mini sweet peppers, creamy cheese, and a herbed yogurt mayo dressing.
Can I customize my Irish Pea Salad?
Yes! You can add other ingredients like diced ham or bacon for extra flavor or substitute different cheeses based on your preference.
How long does Irish Pea Salad last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, it lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Is this recipe suitable for picnics?
Absolutely! Irish Pea Salad is easy to transport and makes an excellent picnic dish that everyone will enjoy.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes! Fresh peas can be used but ensure they are blanched quickly before adding them to the salad for optimal texture.
Final Thoughts
Irish Pea Salad offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make it perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various ingredients while still staying true to its essence. Try this recipe today and impress your family and friends!
Irish Pea Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Irish Pea Salad is a vibrant and creamy dish that beautifully blends the freshness of green peas with the rich flavors of Irish cheese. This quick and easy salad is perfect for any occasion, whether at a picnic, potluck, or a casual family dinner. The combination of crunchy sweet onions, colorful peppers, and a delightful herbed yogurt mayo dressing creates a harmony of flavors that will impress your guests. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also nutritious, packed with vegetables and protein from eggs. Make it ahead of time for effortless entertaining—it tastes even better after chilling!
Ingredients
- 20 oz 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)
- 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 tarragon, thyme and basil leaves
Instructions
- Thaw the frozen peas in cool water.
- Soak the chopped sweet onion in water for 15 minutes; then drain well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine thawed peas, soaked onions, chopped eggs, sweet peppers, and shredded cheese.
- In the bowl used for soaking onions, mix dressing ingredients until well combined; pour over the salad mixture and gently fold to coat.
- Chill in the refrigerator before serving to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
