Irish Pea Salad
Earthy green peas, crunchy sweet onion, and creamy Irish cheese come together in this delightful Irish Pea Salad. Perfect for picnics or potlucks, this salad is easy to prepare and will impress your guests with its vibrant flavors and textures. The herbed yogurt mayo dressing adds a unique touch that elevates this dish beyond the ordinary.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Versatile: Serve it as a side dish, a light lunch, or as part of a buffet spread; it fits any occasion!
- Flavorful: The combination of fresh herbs and creamy cheese creates a deliciously unique flavor profile.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein from eggs and fiber from peas, this salad is both satisfying and healthy.
- Make Ahead: Prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld together in the fridge for even better taste.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience seamless, gather some essential tools before you begin. Having everything ready will help you whip up this delicious salad without a hitch.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Strainer
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Spoon for mixing
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spilling.
- Strainer: Helps to drain excess water from the peas and onions effectively.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping veggies safely.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for even-sized pieces.
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 (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 Onion
In a separate smaller bowl, soak the chopped onion in water for 15 minutes. 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, add the peas and onions back into the mixing bowl along with the remaining salad ingredients. Toss gently to mix everything evenly.
Step 4: Prepare the Dressing
In the same bowl used for soaking the onions, stir together all dressing ingredients until well combined. Pour this over the salad mixture and gently fold it in until all vegetables are coated.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Cover your Irish Pea Salad and refrigerate until serving time to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
Now enjoy this vibrant dish at your next gathering!
How to Serve Irish Pea Salad
Irish Pea Salad is a versatile dish that can complement various meals or stand alone as a refreshing snack. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or enjoying a casual dinner, here are some creative ways to serve this delightful salad.
As a Side Dish
- Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a light and nutritious meal that balances protein with fresh flavors.
- Serve alongside hearty sandwiches for a colorful addition to your lunch spread.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Spoon the Irish Pea Salad into crisp lettuce leaves for a fun and healthy handheld option. This is perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
On Toasted Bread
- Spread the salad on toasted whole-grain bread for an easy open-faced sandwich that’s both filling and delicious.
With Crackers
- Serve the salad with an assortment of crackers. This makes for an excellent appetizer that invites guests to dive in and enjoy.
How to Perfect Irish Pea Salad
To ensure your Irish Pea Salad is the best it can be, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh herbs: Freshly chopped herbs like tarragon, thyme, and basil enhance the flavor profile significantly compared to dried herbs.
- Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to rest in the fridge for at least an hour lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste your salad dressing before mixing; you may want to adjust salt, sugar, or mustard for optimal flavor.
- Experiment with cheese: While Dubliner cheese is recommended, try different varieties like aged cheddar or goat cheese for unique tastes.
- Add crunch: For extra texture, consider adding chopped nuts or seeds, which provide a delightful contrast to the creamy dressing.
Best Side Dishes for Irish Pea Salad
Pairing side dishes with your Irish Pea Salad can elevate your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options:
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers add a smoky flavor that complements the freshness of the salad.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy baked potato wedges bring heartiness while maintaining a satisfying crunch.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a contrasting texture and enhances the overall meal with its crunchy goodness.
- Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty grain dish adds protein and makes your meal more filling without overpowering the salad.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice, beans, or meat create a vibrant presentation alongside the salad.
- Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs offer creaminess that pairs well with the lightness of Irish Pea Salad.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful contrast in texture and flavor, making them an excellent choice.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds sweetness and balances out savory dishes beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Irish Pea Salad, some common mistakes can affect the final dish’s taste and texture. Here are a few to watch out for:
-
Not thawing the peas properly: Ensure you thoroughly thaw the peas in cool water before mixing them into the salad. This prevents ice chunks from watering down your dressing.
-
Using overly strong onions: Soaking chopped onions in water is essential to reduce their sharpness. Neglecting this step can lead to an overpowering onion flavor.
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Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add depth and flavor to your Irish Pea Salad. Using dried herbs instead can result in a less vibrant taste.
-
Overdressing the salad: It’s easy to pour too much dressing on the salad. Start with a smaller amount and add more as needed to coat without drowning the ingredients.
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Chilling for too long: While it’s important to let the salad chill, leaving it in the fridge for too long can cause it to lose its crunch. Aim for 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Irish Pea Salad in an airtight container.
- It will last for about 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to avoid flavor contamination.
Freezing Irish Pea Salad
- Freezing is not recommended, as peas may become mushy upon thawing.
- If necessary, consider freezing individual components instead of the whole salad.
Reheating Irish Pea Salad
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, but avoid cooking as it’s best served cold.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals on low power, but be cautious not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Gently warm over low heat while stirring continuously; keep it light and avoid cooking fully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Irish Pea Salad:
What makes Irish Pea Salad unique?
Irish Pea Salad features creamy Irish cheese and fresh herbs, giving it a distinct flavor that sets it apart from typical pea salads.
Can I use frozen peas for Irish Pea Salad?
Yes, frozen peas are perfect for this recipe as they maintain their sweetness and texture when thawed properly.
How long does Irish Pea Salad last?
When stored correctly in the refrigerator, Irish Pea Salad lasts about 3 days before it starts losing quality.
Can I customize my Irish Pea Salad?
Absolutely! You can add ingredients like bacon bits or substitute different cheeses based on your preference.
Is there a vegan version of Irish Pea Salad?
Yes! You can replace dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives, such as vegan mayo and dairy-free cheese.
What dishes pair well with Irish Pea Salad?
Irish Pea Salad pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a picnic spread alongside other salads.
Final Thoughts
Irish Pea Salad is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to suit various occasions. It is perfect for picnics or barbecues and can be customized based on your favorite flavors or seasonal ingredients. Give this delightful salad a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Irish Pea Salad
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Irish Pea Salad, a delightful blend of earthy green peas, crunchy sweet onions, and creamy Irish cheese. This refreshing salad is perfect for any gathering, from picnics to potlucks, and offers a unique herbed yogurt mayo dressing that elevates its taste. Quick to prepare in just 35 minutes, it’s not only nutritious with protein and fiber but also versatile enough to serve as a side dish or light lunch. Make it ahead of time to let the flavors meld together for an even more delicious experience.
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
- About 1 1/2 Tablespoons finely chopped MIXED fresh tarragon, thyme, and basil leaves
Instructions
- Thaw peas by soaking them in cool water.
- Soak the chopped onion in water for 15 minutes to reduce sharpness.
- Drain both peas and onions well, then combine them in a mixing bowl with the remaining ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, mix dressing ingredients and pour over the salad mixture; fold gently until coated.
- Cover and refrigerate before serving to let flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
