Irish Pea Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this pea salad brings together sweet peas, crisp onions and peppers, and savory cheese—all coated in a smooth, flavorful dressing. The textures and colors make it feel special, yet it’s simple to toss together. It’s also make‑ahead friendly, so it’s stress‑free for entertaining.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• 1 20 oz package frozen peas
• 1 cup finely chopped sweet onion
• 2 mini sweet peppers, diced
• 1 cup aged Irish cheese, shredded or cubed
• 2 hard‑cooked eggs, diced

Dressing:
• ¼ cup light mayonnaise
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
• 1 tsp spicy mustard
• 3 tbsp sweet pickle relish
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste

directions

1. Gently thaw peas (I run warm water or let them sit briefly).

2. Soak chopped onion in cold water to mellow the flavor, then drain well.

3. In a large bowl, combine peas, onion, peppers, cheese, and eggs.

4. Whisk together dressing ingredients until smooth.

5. Pour dressing over salad and gently toss until everything is coated.

6. Cover and chill at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

I get about 6 servings. Prep takes roughly 20 minutes, plus at least 30 minutes chilling time.

Variations

• Swap the mini sweet peppers for diced red bell pepper.

• Use cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese instead of Irish cheese.

• Replace Greek yogurt with sour cream or mayo-only for a richer dressing.

• Stir in crisp bacon or diced ham for added savory depth.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Stir before serving to refresh the dressing—no reheating needed.

FAQs

How should I thaw the peas?

I run them under cool water until pliable, or let them sit out briefly. They should be cold but not icy to avoid watering down the salad.

Can I use canned peas instead?

You can, but frozen peas maintain a brighter color and better texture. Canned peas tend to be softer and less vibrant.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. I make it up to one day ahead, keeping it chilled so flavors meld nicely.

What cheese works best?

Irish cheese adds a distinctive sharpness, but sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack are great alternatives.

Should I soak the onions?

Yes—I soak chopped onion in cold water for a few minutes to tone down the bite before adding it to the salad.

Conclusion

I love how this Irish pea salad blends sweet, creamy, and savory elements in one colorful bowl. It’s easy to prep, perfect for make-ahead entertaining, and brings a cheerful touch to any spread. I hope it becomes a go‑to classic in your recipe collection!