Delicious Irish Pea Salad

This creamy Irish pea salad is my go-to dish when I want something fast, colorful, and guaranteed to please a crowd. Tender green peas, sharp cheddar, snappy celery, and sweet red bell pepper mingle in a tangy, slightly sweet dressing — and every bite delivers a little crunch and a lot of flavor. Serve it well chilled for maximum refreshment. Whether you bring this out for St. Patrick’s Day or your summer barbeque, you will watch the bowl empty every single time.

When I first brought this to a family St. Patrick’s Day party, everyone asked for the recipe — and even my pickiest nephew helped himself to seconds. It is now practically a requirement for all my family gatherings.

Ingredients

• Frozen peas: These are what make this salad so sweet and bright Look for petite peas that taste super fresh after thawing
• Cheddar cheese: Gives body and richness to every forkful Choose sharp cheddar for big flavor and cube it to match pea size for even bites
• Celery: Adds clean crunch and a hint of earthiness Choose fresh stalks that are pale green with no limpness
• Red bell pepper: Provides sweet crunch and a pop of color Opt for firm shiny peppers with vibrant skins
• Red onion: Lends gentle zing and balances sweetness If you like a milder bite soak in cold water for five minutes before using
• Mayonnaise: The creamy base that binds everything together Choose a good-quality, rich mayonnaise for the best texture
• Sour cream: Brightens and lightens the dressing Use full-fat for a satisfying tang
• Apple cider vinegar: Wakes up all the other flavors Check that your vinegar smells fruity and clean
• Sugar: Gently balances the acidity and brings out pea sweetness Opt for superfine sugar so it dissolves completely
• Salt and black pepper: Essential flavor boosters Taste and adjust to suit your preference

Instructions

Prepare The Vegetables:

Make sure your peas are fully thawed and blotted dry so the salad stays crisp. Dice the cheddar into small cubes around the same size as the peas for perfect bites. Chop the celery, bell pepper, and onion into tiny, uniform pieces. Uniform size gives every bite the ideal crunch.

Mix The Salad Components:

Place the peas, cheese, celery, bell pepper, and onion in a large mixing bowl. Use a gentle touch so you do not smash your peas while combining the mix.

Create The Dressing:

In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until your dressing is perfectly smooth and creamy. Taste and tweak the seasoning as you like.

Combine And Chill:

Pour the dressing over your veggie mixture. Fold it all together with a gentle hand so everything is evenly coated without crushing the tender peas. Transfer the bowl to the fridge and let chill for at least one hour so flavors can blend and the salad gets super refreshing.

Final Touch:

Just before serving, give the salad a careful stir to evenly distribute the dressing. After a quick taste, adjust seasoning if it needs more salt or acid.

My personal favorite part is the red bell pepper. Most classic versions skip this ingredient, but I am convinced the color and subtle sweetness make the dish sing. Every time I make this my grandmother reminds me we eat with our eyes and this colorful toss proves her right.

Make It Your Own

This recipe loves a little creativity. For heartier flavor add diced ham or crispy bacon fresh from the skillet. Chopped hard boiled eggs are perfect for making it extra creamy. If you are lightening up use Greek yogurt in place of all or part of the sour cream. Toss in some fresh mint or dill if you have some on hand for a springy twist.

Perfect Pairings

I often serve this salad side by side with roast lamb, baked chicken, or shepherds pie for a full Irish feast. In warm weather it is my answer to classic potato salad at picnics or alongside grilled burgers and fish. For the most authentic Irish meal, add a loaf of soda bread and a tall pour of chilled cider.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers tightly covered in the fridge and the flavor will only improve for up to three days. If you need to make it way in advance, wait to add the cheese until right before serving so it does not get soggy. The mayonnaise base and tender veggies mean this is not a great candidate for freezing so it is best enjoyed fresh.

Success Stories

This salad has become a repeat request in my experience. Friends and family who normally turn up their noses at peas always go back for more once they taste how creamy and balanced this salad is. I have even had friends ask for the bowl for their birthday lunch or bring it to their workplace potluck. There is something about the sweet peas and tangy dressing that draws everyone in.

Freezer Meal Conversion

While you cannot freeze the final salad, you can prep ahead by portioning your cheddar, celery, and peppers and freezing them separately. When you are ready, just mix with thawed peas and the fresh-made dressing for nearly instant salad with great crunch. This works well if you want to meal prep or batch cook for quick lunches.

Make this once and it will be on repeat for every picnic or gathering. The little bit of effort is rewarded with huge flavor and rave reviews.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How can I add extra protein?

Add crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or hard-boiled eggs for extra protein and flavor variety.

→ Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Fresh peas work well. Just blanch them briefly to maintain their color and crisp-tender texture.

→ What substitutes can I use for sour cream?

Greek yogurt provides a lighter option while preserving the salad’s creamy tang.

→ How far in advance can I make this dish?

Prepare a day ahead. Letting it chill in the refrigerator enhances the flavors and texture.

→ What main dishes pair well with this salad?

It pairs perfectly with corned beef, roast chicken, shepherd’s pie, and grilled fish or burgers.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Stir before serving.