Dinner

Irish Pea Salad Recipe

Name: Irish Pea Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 4 cups frozen peas, thawed; 1 cup diced cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup chopped celery; 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper; 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon sugar; Salt and black pepper to taste

ByElla Hart July 20, 2025July 20, 2025

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s fresh, colorful, and irresistibly creamy, let me introduce you to Irish Pea Salad. This classic salad instantly brightens any table with its sweet, tender peas, sharp cheddar, and a zippy, velvety dressing that ties everything together. Whether you’re hosting a spring brunch, a cozy family dinner, or just need something different for your work lunch, this salad is a vibrant crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Irish Pea Salad comes together with just a handful of everyday ingredients, each chosen for the way it boosts flavor, adds crunch, or gives a pop of color. Don’t let the short list fool you: every ingredient plays a starring role in making this dish such a hit!

Frozen peas (4 cups, thawed): These are the heart of the salad, delivering a sweet, vibrant base that stays plump and juicy.
Diced cheddar cheese (1 cup): Sharp and creamy cheddar creates perfect little bursts of richness in every bite.
Chopped celery (1/2 cup): This brings a refreshing crunch and an herbal note that balances the creaminess.
Chopped red bell pepper (1/2 cup): Adds a pop of color and a lovely mild sweetness.
Finely chopped red onion (1/4 cup): A hint of sharpness and subtle bite keeps things interesting.
Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The base of our luscious dressing — classic, creamy, and decadent.
Sour cream (1/4 cup): Lends a subtle tang that lightens the dressing and wakes up the flavors.
Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): A splash of acidity brightens and balances the salad.
Sugar (1 tablespoon): Just enough to enhance the peas’ natural sweetness without overpowering.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): These bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.

How to Make Irish Pea Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Veggies and Cheese

Begin by making sure your peas are thoroughly thawed; this helps the salad stay crisp and not watery. Next, dice the cheddar cheese, chop the celery and red bell pepper into small, even pieces, and finely mince the red onion. The smaller you chop, the better everything mixes — you want every forkful of Irish Pea Salad to be a perfect combination of flavors and textures.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and a generous pinch each of salt and black pepper. The mayonnaise and sour cream provide that signature creaminess, while a bit of vinegar balances out all the flavors. Once smooth, give it a quick taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 3: Combine Everything

In your largest salad bowl, combine the thawed peas, chopped veggies, and diced cheese. Pour the dressing over the top, then gently toss to combine. Be gentle with those peas — you want them to stay whole, so fold with care until everything is delightfully coated and glistening.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least an hour. This little rest period is when the flavors of Irish Pea Salad truly shine, as the dressing soaks in and transforms the salad into a cohesive, delicious dish. Before serving, give it a final gentle toss and check the seasoning. Then, spoon into your favorite serving dish and watch it disappear!

How to Serve Irish Pea Salad

Garnishes

A little extra flourish goes a long way! Before serving, sprinkle the salad with fresh chopped chives, parsley, or even crispy bacon crumbles for a savory kick. These simple garnishes not only make your Irish Pea Salad look festive, but they also add layers of flavor and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Irish Pea Salad plays beautifully alongside roasted chicken, grilled ham, or a platter of crusty brown bread. It’s also right at home on a picnic table or at a potluck, paired with other fresh salads or warm, buttery boiled potatoes. Its creamy goodness is a lovely counterpoint to hearty mains and lighter nibbles alike.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra special occasion, try serving Irish Pea Salad in individual mason jars or lettuce cups for a charming, portable option. Layer it in a trifle bowl if you want to show off all those gorgeous colors. Or go old-school by scooping it onto crisp butter lettuce leaves for a retro-cool presentation that’s as pretty as it is practical.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Irish Pea Salad keeps wonderfully! Place any extras in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors become even more harmonious as they meld, though you may notice the veggies soften slightly after a day or so — still delicious, just a bit more tender.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for Irish Pea Salad. The creamy dressing doesn’t hold up well in the freezer, and both peas and veggies lose their vibrant texture after thawing. For the very best flavor and appearance, it’s worth enjoying this salad freshly made or from the fridge within a few days.

Reheating

No reheating needed! Irish Pea Salad is designed to be enjoyed chilled, straight from the fridge. If it’s been refrigerated for a while and seems a bit dry, simply give it a gentle stir and maybe add a little extra spoonful of mayo or sour cream to freshen everything up before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you’re lucky enough to find sweet, tender fresh peas in season, use them by all means. Blanch them quickly in boiling water, then cool in an ice bath before using. Their flavor is phenomenal in Irish Pea Salad.

What kind of cheddar works best?

You can use any cheddar you love — mild or sharp, orange or white. Sharp cheddar gives the most robust flavor, while milder cheddar has a creamier, mellower taste. Just be sure to dice it into small cubes to ensure every forkful is balanced.

How do I keep the salad from getting watery?

Make sure your frozen peas are fully thawed and drained, and pat them dry with a paper towel if needed. Too much moisture will thin out the dressing, so a little advance prep keeps your Irish Pea Salad perfectly creamy.

Can I lighten up the dressing?

Certainly! Swap in light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for part or all of the mayo and sour cream. The salad will still be tasty and satisfying, with a tangier twist and a bit less richness.

What’s the origin of Irish Pea Salad?

Though there’s debate about its exact roots, Irish Pea Salad is beloved for its old-fashioned, simple appeal. It’s a staple at gatherings and Sunday dinners all across Ireland and among Irish-American families, valued for its cheerful color and fresh, creamy flavor.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking to impress at your next get-together, Irish Pea Salad is pure joy in a bowl. It’s satisfyingly creamy, pops with color, and couldn’t be easier to throw together — so why not whip up a batch tonight? Your taste buds (and everyone at the table) will thank you!