Creamy Pea Salad With Cheese in Just 10 Minutes

There’s something magical about Pea Salad With Cheese—it’s the kind of dish that feels both effortless and unforgettable. Whether it’s gracing the table at a summer cookout or just brightening up a weeknight dinner, this salad is my go-to for its refreshing crunch and creamy, cheesy goodness. I remember my grandma always had a big bowl chilling in the fridge during family gatherings, and let me tell you, it disappeared fast! The simplicity of tossing sweet peas with sharp cheddar and tangy dressing makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. No cooking, minimal fuss, and maximum flavor—that’s the beauty of this salad. It’s the perfect sidekick to grilled meats or even hearty enough to stand alone as a light lunch. If you haven’t tried Pea Salad With Cheese yet, trust me, you’re missing out on one of life’s easiest (and tastiest) pleasures.

Why You’ll Love This Pea Salad With Cheese

This pea salad is my secret weapon for when I need something delicious in minutes! Here’s why it’s always a hit:

• No cooking required – just mix and chill
• The perfect creamy-crunchy texture that keeps you coming back for more
• Endlessly customizable – add bacon, swap cheeses, or toss in fresh herbs
• Ready in under 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Packs bright, refreshing flavors that complement any meal

It’s the kind of salad that disappears fast from potlucks and always gets recipe requests!

Ingredients for Pea Salad With Cheese

Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference in this simple salad. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups frozen peas, completely thawed (fresh peas work too if they’re in season!)
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small, bite-sized cubes (I like the extra flavor punch)
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (trust me, you want them small so they don’t overpower)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise, packed (the good-quality kind makes a difference)
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar (apple cider vinegar works in a pinch)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (start with this, then taste and adjust)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground if you can

That’s it! Simple, fresh ingredients that come together magically.

How to Make Pea Salad With Cheese

Making this salad is so easy, you’ll wonder why you don’t whip it up every week! Here’s exactly how I do it:

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

Grab your biggest mixing bowl – I use my trusty 4-quart one because it gives plenty of room to toss everything without making a mess. Dump in those thawed peas (squeeze out any extra water first – soggy peas are the enemy!), the cheddar cubes, and your finely chopped red onion. The key here is to mix gently with a rubber spatula so you don’t smash those beautiful peas.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl (I use my favorite little Pyrex measuring cup), whisk together the mayo, vinegar, salt, and pepper until it’s smooth and perfectly blended. The vinegar cuts through the richness beautifully – don’t skip it unless you absolutely must! Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed. I sometimes add a tiny pinch of sugar if my peas aren’t super sweet.

Step 3: Assemble and Chill

Now pour that creamy dressing over your pea mixture. Use slow, folding motions to coat everything evenly – think gentle waves, not tornado-style stirring! Once everything’s nicely dressed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. This is non-negotiable – those 30 minutes of chilling time let the flavors get to know each other properly. The dressing mellows the onion bite, the cheese softens just slightly, and magic happens!

Pro tip: If you can resist, let it sit for an hour – the difference is incredible. But let’s be real, I usually sneak a few spoonfuls before the timer’s up!

Tips for the Best Pea Salad With Cheese

After making this salad more times than I can count, here are my foolproof tricks for perfection every time:

• Fresh peas are game-changers in season – blanch them quickly in boiling water for ultimate sweetness
• For extra crunch, toss in crispy bacon bits right before serving (my dad’s favorite trick)
• Always taste and adjust seasoning after chilling – cold dulls flavors
• Pat your peas dry thoroughly to prevent watery dressing
• Let the salad sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for maximum flavor

These small touches take this simple salad from good to “can I get the recipe?” amazing!

Variations for Pea Salad With Cheese

One of my favorite things about this salad is how effortlessly it adapts to whatever I’m craving or have on hand! Here are my go-to twists:

• Swap cheddar for feta when you want a salty tang – it’s incredible with fresh dill!
• Toss in diced red bell pepper for extra crunch and color (my kids love this version)
• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter dressing – just add a squeeze of lemon
• Throw in some toasted pecans for fancy potlucks – the nutty flavor pairs perfectly

The possibilities are endless – make it your own!

Serving Suggestions for Pea Salad With Cheese

This little salad plays so well with others! I love it piled next to juicy grilled chicken or a thick burger—the creaminess cuts through rich meats perfectly. For lunches, I’ll scoop it onto buttery crackers or tuck it into a pita with some greens. Some days, I skip the main dish entirely and eat it by the forkful straight from the bowl (no shame!).

Storage and Reheating

This Pea Salad With Cheese stays fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—though ours never lasts that long! Don’t bother reheating; the chilled crunch is part of its charm. Just give it a quick stir before serving leftovers.

Nutritional Information

While I’m all about delicious flavors first, I know many of you like to keep an eye on nutrition too! Just remember – these nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The beauty of home cooking is you control what goes in, so feel free to adjust ingredients to fit your dietary needs. My philosophy? Everything in moderation – especially when it comes to this irresistible Pea Salad With Cheese!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions I get about this Pea Salad With Cheese:

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh peas are wonderful when in season. Just blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until bright green but still crisp, then shock them in ice water to stop the cooking. They’ll bring amazing sweetness to the salad.

How long will this pea salad keep in the fridge?

It stays fresh for about 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container. The texture gets softer over time, but the flavors actually deepen beautifully!

What other cheeses work well in this salad?

While cheddar is my favorite, feel free to experiment! Feta adds a salty tang, Swiss gives a mild nuttiness, and pepper jack brings a little heat. Just avoid very soft cheeses that might melt.

Can I make this salad ahead?

Yes! In fact, I recommend making it at least 30 minutes ahead so the flavors can meld. You can prepare it up to a day in advance—just hold any crispy add-ins like bacon until right before serving.

Give this Pea Salad With Cheese a try and don’t forget to share your favorite variations in the comments below!

Print