Creamy Pea & Cheese Salad

Creamy Pea & Cheese Salad

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy pea and cheese salad. It’s the kind of dish that brings back memories of summer picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings. The crisp sweetness of peas, the rich tang of cheese, and the velvety smoothness of a well-balanced dressing come together in a symphony of flavors that’s both simple and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish, a light lunch, or a crowd-pleasing addition to your next barbecue, this recipe is a winner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re still on the fence about trying this creamy pea and cheese salad, let me give you a few reasons why it deserves a spot on your table.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this salad in under 15 minutes. No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients—just straightforward, delicious food.

Second, it’s versatile. This salad works as a side dish for grilled meats, a topping for baked potatoes, or even a standalone lunch when paired with crusty bread. It’s equally at home at a casual weeknight dinner or a fancy holiday spread.

Third, it’s a crowd-pleaser. The combination of creamy dressing, sweet peas, and sharp cheese is universally loved. Kids and adults alike will go back for seconds, and it’s always one of the first dishes to disappear at gatherings.

Finally, it’s customizable. Whether you want to add extra veggies, swap out the cheese, or adjust the dressing to your taste, this recipe is forgiving and adaptable. You can make it your own without worrying about messing it up.

Ingredients Breakdown

Every great recipe starts with quality ingredients, and this creamy pea and cheese salad is no exception. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component matters.

Frozen peas: The star of the show. Frozen peas are picked at peak freshness and retain their vibrant color and sweet flavor. They also thaw quickly, making them perfect for no-cook salads.

Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a rich, tangy depth to the salad. You can use mild or medium cheddar if you prefer a milder flavor, but the sharpness really balances the sweetness of the peas.

Red onion: A small amount of finely diced red onion provides a pleasant bite and a pop of color. If raw onion is too strong for you, soaking the diced onion in cold water for 10 minutes will mellow the flavor.

Mayonnaise: The base of the creamy dressing. Use a high-quality mayonnaise for the best texture and taste. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt or sour cream can be substituted.

Dijon mustard: A teaspoon of Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and helps emulsify the dressing. It’s a small but impactful ingredient that elevates the overall flavor.

Fresh dill: This herb brings a bright, fresh note that complements the richness of the cheese and mayo. If you don’t have dill, parsley or chives work well too.

Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning. Taste as you go and adjust to your preference.

How to Make Creamy Pea & Cheese Salad

Now that you know why this salad is so special and what goes into it, let’s walk through the steps to make it.

Step 1: Thaw the peas. Place the frozen peas in a colander and run them under cold water for a minute or two until they’re no longer icy. Let them drain well—you don’t want excess water diluting the dressing.

Step 2: Prep the cheese and onion. Cut the cheddar cheese into small cubes or shred it, depending on your preference. Finely dice the red onion. If you’re sensitive to raw onion, soak the diced pieces in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.

Step 3: Make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Combine everything. In a large mixing bowl, gently fold the peas, cheese, and onion together. Pour the dressing over the top and stir until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix—you want to keep the peas intact.

Step 5: Chill before serving. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to firm up slightly.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

To take your creamy pea and cheese salad from good to great, keep these expert tips in mind.

Use freshly grated cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the texture slightly grainy. Grating your own cheese ensures a smoother, creamier result.

Don’t skip the chilling time. While you can technically serve this salad right away, letting it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) gives the flavors time to develop and the dressing to thicken slightly.

Adjust the creaminess. If you prefer a lighter salad, replace half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream. For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese to the dressing.

Add crunch. For extra texture, toss in some crispy bacon bits, toasted almonds, or diced celery just before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this salad is how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some ideas to mix things up.

Cheese swaps: Instead of cheddar, try feta for a briny twist, Swiss for a milder flavor, or pepper jack for a little heat.

Vegetable additions: Stir in diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or blanched broccoli florets for extra color and nutrition.

Protein boost: Add diced ham, cooked shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs to turn this side dish into a hearty main course.

Dairy-free option: Use vegan mayonnaise and dairy-free cheese to make this salad suitable for those with lactose intolerance or a vegan diet.

What to Serve With It

This creamy pea and cheese salad is a versatile side that pairs well with a wide range of dishes. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it.

Grilled meats: The cool, creamy salad is the perfect contrast to smoky grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops.

Sandwiches and wraps: Serve it alongside a classic turkey club, a veggie wrap, or a grilled cheese sandwich for a satisfying lunch.

Potluck spreads: Bring this salad to your next gathering alongside other picnic favorites like deviled eggs, potato salad, and coleslaw.

Baked potatoes: Spoon a generous helping over a hot baked potato for a comforting and filling meal.

How to Store and Reheat

This salad keeps well in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead option. Here’s how to store and enjoy leftovers.

Refrigeration: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dressing may thicken slightly over time, so give it a gentle stir before serving.

Freezing: Due to the mayonnaise-based dressing, freezing is not recommended. The texture will become watery and grainy upon thawing.

Serving leftovers: If the salad seems a bit dry after refrigeration, add a splash of milk or a dollop of mayonnaise to refresh the consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen? Absolutely! If you have fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain well before using.

Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, this salad actually benefits from being made a few hours or even a day in advance. The flavors meld together beautifully, and the texture holds up well.

What can I use instead of dill? Fresh parsley, chives, or even a pinch of dried tarragon make excellent substitutes for dill.

Is there a low-fat version of this salad? You can reduce the fat content by using light mayonnaise or replacing half of it with Greek yogurt. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be slightly different.

Final Thoughts

Creamy pea and cheese salad is one of those recipes that proves simple ingredients can create something truly special. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, packing it for a picnic, or enjoying it as a quick lunch, it’s a dish that never fails to delight. The best part? It’s endlessly adaptable, so you can tweak it to suit your taste and what you have on hand. Give it a try, and I have a feeling it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation.