Irish Pea Salad
Irish Pea Salad is a delightful dish that combines earthy green peas, crunchy sweet onion, and creamy Irish cheese tossed in a herbed yogurt mayo dressing. This salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any casual gathering. Its unique blend of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser that is both easy to prepare and refreshing to enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 20 minutes of prep time, this salad can be made in no time.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a side dish or a light main course; it fits any occasion.
- Fresh Ingredients: The combination of fresh herbs and crisp veggies ensures vibrant flavors in every bite.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
- Kid-Friendly Option: The mild flavors make it appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing Irish Pea Salad requires just a few essential tools. These will help you create the salad effortlessly while ensuring everything is well mixed.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Strainer
- Measuring cups
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows for easy mixing of all ingredients without spilling.
- Strainer: Ensures your peas and onions are well-drained for the best texture.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements guarantee the right balance of flavors in your dressing.
Ingredients
Earthy green peas, crunchy sweet onion, sweet peppers and creamy Irish cheese with a delightful herbed yogurt mayo dressing, this salad is so easy to toss together and 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 and add cool water to thaw them. Stir a few times while you’re prepping the other ingredients to break up any frozen chunks.
Step 2: Soak the Onion
In a separate smaller bowl, soak the chopped onions in water for 15 minutes. Once soaked, drain both the peas and onions very 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 remaining salad ingredients. Toss gently to mix everything together.
Step 4: Prepare the Dressing
In the bowl you used for soaking the onions, stir together all dressing ingredients until well combined. Pour this dressing over your salad mixture and gently fold it in until all veggies are coated. Cover and refrigerate until serving time.
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 just looking for a light meal, this salad fits the bill perfectly. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
As a Standalone Dish
- A refreshing option: Serve the salad chilled on its own for a light lunch or dinner.
- Perfect for picnics: Pack it in a portable container for an easy-to-eat meal outdoors.
Pair with Grilled Meats
- Grilled chicken: The creamy texture of the salad complements the smoky flavors of grilled chicken.
- Barbecue ribs: Balance the richness of ribs with the fresh crunch of Irish Pea Salad.
On Sandwiches or Wraps
- Spread it on bread: Use Irish Pea Salad as a filling for sandwiches to add flavor and nutrition.
- Wrap it up: Roll up the salad in a tortilla with lettuce and other veggies for a healthy wrap.
As Part of a Buffet
- Add variety: Include Irish Pea Salad on your buffet table alongside other salads and sides.
- Colorful presentation: Its vibrant green color brightens up any spread and attracts attention.
How to Perfect Irish Pea Salad
To make your Irish Pea Salad truly shine, consider these helpful tips. Each one is designed to enhance flavor and texture.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh tarragon, thyme, and basil will add more depth compared to dried versions.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the refrigerator enhances flavors as they meld together.
- Experiment with cheese: While Dubliner cheese is great, feel free to try different varieties like goat cheese or feta for unique tastes.
Best Side Dishes for Irish Pea Salad
Pairing side dishes with Irish Pea Salad can round out your meal beautifully. Here are some excellent options that complement this creamy salad.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and smoky, grilled corn enhances the fresh flavors of the salad.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes provide a satisfying crunch alongside the creamy peas.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity that balances well with the richness of the salad.
- Bread Rolls: Soft rolls are perfect for scooping up the salad or as a side to soak up any dressing.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory dishes.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers are not only nutritious but also visually appealing next to your pea salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make the perfect Irish Pea Salad, it’s essential to steer clear of common pitfalls that can affect flavor and texture.
- Boldly use fresh ingredients: Using frozen peas is convenient, but ensure they are fresh and thawed properly. This enhances the salad’s flavor and texture.
- Boldly measure accurately: Too much or too little of any ingredient can throw off the balance. Always measure your mayonnaise, yogurt, and herbs carefully for the best results.
- Boldly avoid overmixing: Gently toss the ingredients to prevent mashing the peas and losing their delightful texture. Mixing too vigorously will lead to a mushy salad.
- Boldly chill before serving: Not refrigerating the salad before serving can result in a less flavorful dish. Allow it to chill for at least an hour to let the flavors meld.
- Boldly customize with herbs: Sticking to just one herb limits flavor depth. Experiment with different combinations of tarragon, thyme, and basil for a more complex taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Irish Pea Salad in an airtight container.
- It lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator without losing quality.
Freezing Irish Pea Salad
- Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture of peas and other ingredients.
- If you must freeze it, do so in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Irish Pea Salad
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the salad in an oven-safe dish for about 10 minutes. This isn’t commonly done as it’s typically served cold.
- Microwave: Use medium power for about 1-2 minutes if you prefer it warm. Stir halfway through heating.
- Stovetop: Heat on low for a few minutes while stirring gently, but this method might change the salad’s intended freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Irish Pea Salad.
What makes Irish Pea Salad special?
Irish Pea Salad combines creamy yogurt dressing with fresh ingredients, offering a unique twist on traditional salads that adds flair to any meal.
Can I substitute ingredients in Irish Pea Salad?
Yes! You can swap Dubliner cheese with aged cheddar or use different herbs based on your taste preferences.
How long does Irish Pea Salad last in the fridge?
This salad stays fresh for up to three days when stored correctly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Is this recipe suitable for picnics?
Absolutely! The Irish Pea Salad is easy to transport and makes for a delightful picnic dish that everyone will enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Irish Pea Salad is a delightful blend of flavors that captivates anyone who tries it. Its versatility allows for many customization options; feel free to experiment with different cheeses or herbs according to your tastes. Give this recipe a try—and enjoy its refreshing appeal!
Irish Pea Salad
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves about 6 people 1x
Description
Irish Pea Salad is a refreshing and delightful dish that brings together the earthy sweetness of green peas, the crunch of sweet onions, and creamy Irish cheese all enveloped in a herbed yogurt mayo dressing. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or casual gatherings, this vibrant salad is not only quick to prepare but also versatile enough to serve as a side dish or a light main course. Its combination of flavors and textures ensures it’s a crowd favorite, making it the perfect addition to any meal.
Ingredients
- 20 oz frozen peas
- 1 cup chopped sweet onion
- 2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
- 2 mini sweet peppers, chopped
- 1 cup shredded Irish cheese (Dubliner recommended)
- 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
- 1.5 tablespoons mixed fresh tarragon, thyme, and basil
Instructions
- Thaw the peas in a large mixing bowl with cool water. Stir occasionally.
- Soak chopped onions in water for 15 minutes; drain both peas and onions well.
- Combine peas and onions with remaining salad ingredients in the mixing bowl and toss gently.
- In a separate bowl, mix dressing ingredients until combined; pour over salad and fold gently until coated.
- Cover and refrigerate until serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
