Irish Pea Salad
Earthy and vibrant, Irish Pea Salad is a delightful blend of fresh flavors and creamy textures. This salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a simple side dish that will impress your guests. With its combination of sweet peas, crunchy veggies, and herbed yogurt mayo dressing, it’s not just delicious but also easy to prepare. Bring a touch of Ireland to your table with this nutritious and colorful dish that’s sure to please everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Irish Pea Salad comes together in just 35 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for busy days.
- Flavorful: The unique blend of sweet peas, creamy cheese, and fresh herbs creates a taste explosion in every bite.
- Versatile: Serve it as a side dish at barbecues or as a main course for lunch; it fits any occasion perfectly.
- Nutritious: Packed with vitamins from peas and eggs, this salad is a healthy option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the deliciousness of Irish Pea Salad, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Strainer
- Spoon for mixing
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining all the ingredients without spilling.
- Strainer: Helps drain excess water from peas and onions effectively.
- Spoon for mixing: A sturdy spoon ensures that all ingredients are evenly combined without crushing them.
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 (Dubliner or aged cheddar)
– 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 quickly. Stir occasionally while prepping other ingredients to break up any frozen chunks.
Step 2: Prepare the Onions
In a separate smaller bowl, soak the chopped onion in water for about 15 minutes. Drain both the peas and onions thoroughly using a strainer. Use a clean towel to dry out the large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Once drained, return the peas and onions to the large mixing bowl. Add the remaining ingredients including chopped eggs, sweet peppers, shredded cheese, mayonnaise, yogurt, relish, sugar, salt, mustard, and herbs. Toss gently until everything is well mixed.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In the small bowl used for soaking onions, combine all dressing ingredients. Stir well until blended. Pour this dressing over the salad mixture and fold gently to ensure all veggies are coated evenly.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate until ready to serve. This allows flavors to meld beautifully before enjoying your Irish Pea Salad!
How to Serve Irish Pea Salad
Irish Pea Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. This refreshing dish can be served in various ways to delight your guests.
As a Standalone Dish
- This salad can be enjoyed on its own as a light lunch or dinner option, perfect for warm days.
In a Wrap
- Use a tortilla wrap to create a delicious and portable meal. Add some greens for extra crunch.
On a Bed of Greens
- Serve the salad atop a bed of fresh greens like spinach or arugula for added texture and nutrition.
As a Picnic Delight
- Pack it in a container for your next picnic. Its flavors develop beautifully over time, making it perfect for outdoor dining.
With Crackers or Bread
- Pair it with whole-grain crackers or crusty bread for a satisfying snack or appetizer.
How to Perfect Irish Pea Salad
To make your Irish Pea Salad even more delightful, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh tarragon, thyme, and basil elevate the flavor profile. Make sure they are finely chopped.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, sugar, or mustard according to your preference. Balance is key!
- Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This enhances the flavors.
- Experiment with Cheese: While Dubliner cheese is fantastic, try other Irish cheeses like aged cheddar for different tastes.
Best Side Dishes for Irish Pea Salad
Pair your Irish Pea Salad with complementary side dishes for a complete meal experience.
- Garlic Bread: This classic side adds warmth and crunch, perfect for scooping up the salad.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes bring hearty satisfaction alongside the lightness of the salad.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf can add protein and keep your meal balanced.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and zest that pairs wonderfully with the creamy salad.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: These add protein and can be marinated in herbs to echo the flavors in the salad.
- Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad complements the richness of the Irish Pea Salad nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making an Irish Pea Salad can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
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Ignoring ingredient quality – Using low-quality peas or cheese can diminish the salad’s overall taste. Always choose fresh or high-quality frozen peas and good Irish cheese for the best flavors.
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Overdressing the salad – Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a smaller amount and add more as needed to ensure all ingredients are lightly coated without being overwhelmed.
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Not soaking onions – Skipping the soaking step for onions may result in a sharper taste. Soaking them in water for 15 minutes mellows their flavor, making them more enjoyable in the salad.
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Forgetting about herbs – Herbs enhance the flavor of your Irish Pea Salad significantly. Don’t skip on adding fresh herbs like tarragon, thyme, and basil; they bring brightness to the dish.
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Using stale eggs – Old eggs can negatively impact both taste and texture. Ensure your hard-cooked eggs are fresh for optimal flavor in your salad.
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Skipping refrigeration time – Serving immediately after mixing may not allow flavors to meld properly. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to enhance the taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The salad will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Irish Pea Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to ingredients that may change texture.
- If you must freeze, consume within one month for best quality.
Reheating Irish Pea Salad
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave – Place portions in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on low power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until heated.
- Stovetop – Warm over medium heat in a skillet, stirring gently until heated evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about preparing and enjoying this delicious recipe:
What makes Irish Pea Salad unique?
The combination of earthy peas, crunchy vegetables, and creamy Irish cheese gives this salad its distinctive flavor profile that stands out from other salads.
Can I customize my Irish Pea Salad?
Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like corn or even diced bacon for extra flavor. Experiment with different herbs as well!
How long does it take to prepare Irish Pea Salad?
The total prep time is just about 20 minutes, making it a quick and easy dish perfect for gatherings or picnics.
Is Irish Pea Salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This salad is completely vegetarian-friendly while being rich in nutrients from peas and veggies.
Final Thoughts
This Irish Pea Salad is not only easy to make but also versatile enough for various occasions. With its delightful mix of flavors and textures, it’s sure to impress your guests at any picnic or gathering. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients for a personal touch!
Irish Pea Salad
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Irish Pea Salad, a vibrant dish that combines earthy green peas, crunchy veggies, and creamy Irish cheese. This salad is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer picnic or a cozy family gathering. With its easy preparation and nutritious ingredients, including hard-cooked eggs and fresh herbs, you can whip up this colorful side dish in just 35 minutes. Its unique herbed yogurt mayo dressing adds a refreshing twist that will impress your guests while providing a healthy option they’ll love. Bring the taste of Ireland to your table with this simple yet satisfying salad!
Ingredients
- 20 oz frozen peas
- 1 cup chopped sweet onion
- 2 hard-cooked eggs
- 2 mini sweet peppers
- 1 cup shredded Irish cheese (Dubliner or aged cheddar)
- 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 the peas by soaking them in cool water for about 15 minutes.
- Soak the chopped onion in water for 15 minutes to mellow its flavor, then drain.
- In a large bowl, combine thawed peas, drained onions, chopped eggs, sweet peppers, shredded cheese, mayonnaise, yogurt, relish, sugar, salt, mustard, and herbs. Mix gently until well combined.
- Prepare the dressing by mixing remaining ingredients in a small bowl; pour over the salad and fold gently.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
