Irish Pea Salad
Earthy and fresh, Irish Pea Salad is the perfect blend of flavors and textures. With its vibrant ingredients and creamy herbed dressing, this salad makes a delightful addition to any picnic or gathering. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, it’s bound to be a hit among friends and family. Whether served as a side dish or a light lunch, this salad stands out for its unique combination of Irish cheese, sweet peppers, and crunchy peas.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This salad comes together in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side for barbecues or even as a main dish for lunch; it fits any occasion.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of creamy Irish cheese, tangy yogurt mayo dressing, and fresh herbs creates a delightful taste experience.
- Nutritious Choice: Packed with protein from eggs and fiber from peas, it’s a healthy option the whole family will enjoy.
- Easily Adaptable: Swap ingredients based on your preferences; add more veggies or choose different cheeses for a personalized touch.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools for an easier cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Strainer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining all your ingredients efficiently without spills.
- Strainer: Helps to drain excess water from the peas and onions, ensuring your salad doesn’t become soggy.
- Knife: A good knife is crucial for chopping vegetables evenly, which enhances presentation.
Ingredients
Earthy green peas, crunchy sweet onion, sweet peppers, and creamy Irish cheese with a delightful herbed yogurt mayo dressing make this salad easy to toss together. It’s an excellent portable picnic salad that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients:
– 1 20-oz. package frozen peas
– 1 cup chopped sweet onion
– 2 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and chopped
– 2 4 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 another smaller bowl, soak the chopped sweet onion in water for 15 minutes. After soaking, drain both the peas and onions well using a strainer. Dry out the mixing bowl by wiping it with a clean towel.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Once drained, pour the peas and onions back into the mixing bowl along with the rest of your salad ingredients. Toss gently to mix everything evenly.
Step 4: Prepare the Dressing
In the bowl where you soaked the onions, stir together all dressing ingredients until well combined. Pour this mixture over your salad and gently fold it in until all veggies are coated. Cover the salad and refrigerate until serving time.
Enjoy your delicious Irish Pea Salad, perfect for any occasion!
How to Serve Irish Pea Salad
Irish Pea Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, a barbecue, or simply want a refreshing side for dinner, this salad can fit any occasion.
As a Standalone Dish
- Perfect for light lunches: The creamy texture and fresh ingredients make it a satisfying meal on its own.
- Great for picnics: Its portability means you can easily pack it for outdoor gatherings.
With Grilled Meats
- Complement grilled chicken: The salad’s flavors balance well with the smoky taste of grilled chicken.
- Pair with steak: The richness of the beef contrasts nicely with the crispness of the salad.
On Sandwiches or Wraps
- Add to your sandwich: Use Irish Pea Salad as a filling in sandwiches for extra crunch and flavor.
- Make wraps exciting: Spread it in a tortilla wrap along with your favorite proteins and veggies.
As an Appetizer
- Serve in small cups: Spoon individual servings into small cups for easy appetizers at parties.
- Accompany with crackers: Offer alongside crunchy crackers for dipping.
How to Perfect Irish Pea Salad
To make your Irish Pea Salad even more delightful, consider these simple tips. They will enhance the flavors and presentation of your dish.
- Use fresh peas: If available, fresh peas can elevate the salad’s taste and texture.
- Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Experiment with herbs: Feel free to mix up the herbs used in the dressing to find your favorite combination.
- Add protein: For a heartier version, include diced ham or shredded chicken to make it a full meal.
Best Side Dishes for Irish Pea Salad
Irish Pea Salad pairs wonderfully with many side dishes. Here are some great options that complement its flavors perfectly.
- Garlic Bread – A crunchy and buttery addition that enhances any meal.
- Crispy Potato Wedges – Seasoned wedges add a delicious contrast to the creamy salad.
- Coleslaw – This tangy side brings extra crunch and complements the salad’s sweetness.
- Grilled Vegetables – Smoky grilled veggies offer a delightful flavor balance.
- Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit medley enhances the overall dining experience with sweetness.
- Quinoa Pilaf – Nutty quinoa adds texture and makes for a hearty pairing with the salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Irish Pea Salad is simple, but there are some common mistakes you should avoid for the best results.
- Using Frozen Peas without Thawing: This can lead to a watery salad. Always thaw peas properly before mixing.
- Skipping the Onion Soaking: Not soaking the onion can result in a strong flavor. A quick soak in water makes them milder and more enjoyable.
- Overmixing the Salad: Overmixing can crush the peas and make the salad mushy. Gently fold ingredients together for the best texture.
- Neglecting Fresh Herbs: Using dried herbs instead of fresh can diminish flavor. Opt for fresh herbs like tarragon, thyme, and basil for a vibrant taste.
- Not Refrigerating Before Serving: Serving immediately can make flavors less pronounced. Chill for at least 30 minutes to enhance taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Irish Pea Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to potential texture changes.
- If necessary, freeze without dressing and use within 2 months.
Reheating Irish Pea Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm covered for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warm.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Irish Pea Salad.
What ingredients are essential for Irish Pea Salad?
The key ingredients include frozen peas, sweet onion, hard-cooked eggs, mini sweet peppers, and Irish cheese.
Can I customize my Irish Pea Salad?
Absolutely! You can add other veggies or different cheese types to match your taste preferences.
How do I make a vegan version of Irish Pea Salad?
To create a vegan variant, substitute yogurt with plant-based yogurt and skip the eggs or use a vegan alternative.
Is Irish Pea Salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It stores well in the refrigerator and is perfect for meal prep as it stays fresh for several days.
Final Thoughts
Irish Pea Salad is a delightful dish that combines flavors and textures beautifully. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just as a refreshing side dish at dinner. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients!
Irish Pea Salad
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves about 6 people 1x
Description
Irish Pea Salad is a delightful and nutritious dish that beautifully combines earthy green peas, sweet peppers, and creamy Irish cheese. Tossed together with a herbed yogurt mayo dressing, this salad offers a refreshing burst of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for picnics, barbecues, or light lunches. Quick to prepare in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with protein from eggs and fiber from peas, ensuring that everyone will enjoy this healthy option. Customize it with your favorite veggies or cheeses to make it uniquely yours!
Ingredients
- 20 oz frozen peas
- 1 cup chopped sweet onion
- 2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
- 4 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
- Fresh herbs (tarragon, thyme, basil)
Instructions
- 1. Thaw the frozen peas in a large mixing bowl by adding cool water and stirring occasionally.
- 2. Soak the chopped sweet onion in water for 15 minutes to mellow its flavor; then drain both peas and onions.
- 3. In the mixing bowl, combine the drained peas, onions, and the remaining ingredients. Toss gently to mix.
- 4. Prepare the dressing in the onion-soaking bowl by combining all dressing ingredients; pour over the salad and fold gently until coated.
- 5. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
