If you’re looking for a fresh, creamy, and irresistibly tasty dish to brighten up your table, the Irish Pea Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. This salad combines vibrant green peas, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a tangy, luscious dressing that brings everything together in perfect harmony. It’s a charming side that feels both homey and special, making it an instant favorite at family dinners, potlucks, or any time you want a little comfort with a twist. Trust me, once you try this Irish Pea Salad Recipe, it will become a go-to whenever you want to impress without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step in crafting the perfect Irish Pea Salad. Each one plays a vital role in balancing taste, texture, and color, ensuring the salad is as delightful to the eye as it is to the palate.
- 3 cups frozen peas: Thawed peas bring a naturally sweet and tender crunch that forms the salad’s vibrant base.
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon: Adds smoky, crispy goodness that contrasts wonderfully with the softness of the peas.
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Provides a rich, tangy flavor that elevates every bite.
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped: Introduces subtle zing and a pop of color for freshness.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Creates a creamy, luscious dressing that binds the ingredients beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons sour cream: Adds a mild tang and smooth texture to the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Gives the salad a bright and slightly sharp note that balances the richness.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: A touch of sweetness to round out the flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance all the ingredients.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A touch of fresh green garnish that adds color and a hint of herbal brightness.
How to Make Irish Pea Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by cooking the bacon until it’s irresistibly crispy, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces. Next, thaw your frozen peas—either simply let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes or give them a quick rinse under cold water. While that’s happening, finely chop your red onion and shred the sharp cheddar cheese. These preparations lay the groundwork for layers of flavor and texture.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until you have a smooth and creamy dressing. This blend is the magic that ties the salad ingredients into one harmonious dish that’s both tangy and indulgently creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the thawed peas, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped red onion. Each ingredient here contributes to the salad’s unique texture and bold flavors, building excitement for the next step.
Step 4: Add the Dressing
Pour your beautifully whipped dressing over the pea mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly. This step ensures every bite gets a creamy kiss of flavor. Give it a taste and adjust with more salt or pepper according to your preference—seasoning is key!
Step 5: Chill
Cover the salad and pop it into the fridge for at least 1 hour. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and the dressing to soak into the peas just right, making the salad even more delicious when served.
Step 6: Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a lovely burst of green color and a fresh aroma. Now you’re ready to enjoy your creamy, flavorful Irish Pea Salad that tastes as wonderful as it looks.
How to Serve Irish Pea Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a fresh garnish like chopped parsley or even a few crumbles of extra crispy bacon brightens up the salad both visually and flavor-wise. These little finishing touches elevate the presentation and invite guests to dive right in.
Side Dishes
This Irish Pea Salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as a refreshing contrast alongside heavier casserole dishes. Its crisp, creamy profile adds balance and interest to any meal, making it a versatile side dish for many occasions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a creative spin, serve this salad in hollowed-out bread bowls or small mason jars for individual servings. You can also layer it over a bed of mixed greens for an even more substantial salad experience. Presentation is half the fun and can make your Irish Pea Salad Recipe stand out at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Irish Pea Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and chilling helps maintain the blend of flavors and textures you love.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad because the texture of peas and the creamy dressing might change after thawing, losing that fresh, crisp charm that defines the recipe.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary and can diminish the fresh, creamy qualities. Simply take it out of the fridge a little before serving for the best taste.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen for the Irish Pea Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh peas can add a sweeter, more delicate crunch. Just blanch them quickly and cool before assembling the salad to keep their vibrant color and tender texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Irish Pea Salad Recipe?
Sure! You can omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon bits or smoked mushrooms to maintain that smoky depth without meat.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
It’s best assembled and dressed a few hours before serving, but you can prep the ingredients separately one day ahead to save time. Toss everything together with dressing about an hour before serving for optimum freshness.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise with a healthier alternative?
Yes, Greek yogurt or a light mayo works well and will still create a creamy texture while lowering fat content. Just keep in mind the taste may be slightly tangier with yogurt.
What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
You can substitute it with white vinegar or a splash of lemon juice for that bright acidic note, but apple cider vinegar offers a subtle fruity nuance that complements the dressing best.
Final Thoughts
This Irish Pea Salad Recipe is a wonderful treasure to add to your recipe collection—comforting, full of flavor, and super easy to make. Whether you’re sharing with family or bringing something tasty to a potluck, this salad brings smiles and satisfied palates every time. Give it a try and you’ll soon see why it’s one of my personal favorites for every season.
Print
Irish Pea Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (for bacon cooking)
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
This Irish Pea Salad is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender peas, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and apple cider vinegar. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a vibrant side dish, it’s best served chilled to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups frozen peas (thawed)
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 slices)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. Thaw the frozen peas by letting them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes or by rinsing them in cold water and draining well. Finely chop the red onion and shred the sharp cheddar cheese.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed peas, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped red onion.
- Add the Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pea mixture. Gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Taste and add more salt or pepper, if needed.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
- Serve: Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Enjoy your creamy, delicious Irish Pea Salad!
Notes
- For crispier bacon, cook it in the oven on a baking sheet lined with foil at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Make sure peas are well drained after thawing to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- This salad can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- To keep the salad vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and add toasted nuts or seeds for crunch.
- Adjust the amount of sugar in the dressing according to your taste preference.
