Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy pea salad is a quick and simple dish that requires very little preparation—just thaw the peas and mix with the other ingredients. The creamy dressing, along with the crunch of red onion, makes this salad both flavorful and satisfying. It’s a great alternative to traditional potato or macaroni salads, and it’s so easy to make that you can prepare it even when short on time.
Ingredients
- 2 packages frozen peas (16 oz each), thawed and drained
- ½ – 1 cup diced Cheddar cheese
- ½ – 1 cup diced Mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 cup Miracle Whip or mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the thawed peas, diced Cheddar cheese, diced Mozzarella cheese, chopped red onion, Miracle Whip (or mayonnaise).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Refrigerate the salad until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
Feel free to customize your creamy pea salad! Here are a few ideas:
- Add hard-boiled eggs or cashews for extra flavor.
- Try adding diced peppers, celery, or water chestnuts for more crunch.
- For a little heat, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños.
- Substitute Greek yogurt or ranch dressing for the Miracle Whip or mayonnaise if you prefer a different flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. Just ensure it’s chilled before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make this creamy pea salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this salad up to two days in advance.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
3. Can I use canned peas instead of frozen peas?
Yes, you can use canned peas if that’s what you have on hand. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the salad.
4. What can I substitute for Miracle Whip or mayonnaise?
You can substitute Greek yogurt, ranch dressing, or even sour cream if you prefer.
5. Can I add eggs to this salad?
Yes, hard-boiled eggs are a great addition if you want to add more protein and richness to the salad.
6. How can I make this salad spicy?
You can add some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to give it a spicy kick.
7. Can I add different vegetables to the salad?
Absolutely! You can add diced peppers, celery, or even water chestnuts for extra crunch.
8. How long does it take to make this salad?
This salad only takes about 10 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and easy dish to whip up.
9. Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. A sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese could work well for a different flavor profile.
10. How long can this salad sit out at a picnic?
Since the salad contains dairy, it should not be left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
Conclusion
This creamy pea salad is a perfect dish to bring to your next get-together. With its creamy texture, flavorful ingredients, and quick prep time, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue or as a side dish for a holiday meal, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!
Print
Creamy Pea Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Pea Salad is a simple, refreshing, and delicious side dish, perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or potlucks. A flavorful combination of sweet peas, creamy cheeses, and a tangy dressing, this salad will be the star of your next gathering. Quick to make and full of texture and flavor, it’s the perfect alternative to traditional salads.
Ingredients
-
2 packages frozen peas (16 oz each), thawed and drained
-
½ – 1 cup diced Cheddar cheese
-
½ – 1 cup diced Mozzarella cheese
-
¼ cup finely chopped red onion
-
1 cup Miracle Whip or mayonnaise
-
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
In a large bowl, combine thawed peas, diced Cheddar cheese, diced Mozzarella cheese, chopped red onion, Miracle Whip (or mayonnaise).
-
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
-
Refrigerate until ready to serve to allow flavors to meld together.
Notes
-
For additional flavor, consider adding hard-boiled eggs or cashews.
-
For extra crunch, add diced peppers, celery, or water chestnuts.
-
To make it spicy, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
