Pea salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that can be enjoyed year-round. It's quick to prepare, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines sweet peas, tangy red onions, and creamy cheese to create a satisfying and nutritious salad. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a light main course, this pea salad is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Step 1: Thaw the Peas
Begin by thawing the frozen peas. You can do this by placing them in a colander and running them under cold water for a few minutes. Ensure they are fully thawed and then drain any excess water.
Step 2: Prepare the Red Onion
Thinly slice the red onion. To reduce the sharpness of the onion, you can soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Cube the Cheese
Cut the cheddar cheese into small cubes. You can use pre-cubed cheese if you prefer, but freshly cubed cheese will have a better texture and flavor.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and smooth.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed peas, sliced red onion, and cubed cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Note
This pea salad does not require cooking, making it a perfect quick and easy dish. Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor, and if you prepare it ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
This pea salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, such as chicken or steak. It also complements other picnic favorites like potato salad, coleslaw, and fresh fruit. For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside a hearty vegetable soup or a crusty piece of bread.
Tips
- For added texture, you can mix in chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts.
- If you prefer a tangier flavor, increase the amount of apple cider vinegar slightly.
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- This salad can be made a few hours in advance; just keep it chilled until serving.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
10 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
Conclusion
Pea salad with red onions and cheese is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for any gathering or meal. Its refreshing ingredients and creamy dressing make it a standout side dish, while the minimal prep and no-cook requirement make it a favorite for busy days. Enjoy this delightful salad as part of your next meal and savor the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors.
PrintPea Salad Recipe with Red Onions and Cheese
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy this refreshing Pea Salad Recipe with Red Onions and Cheese, perfect for a quick and tasty side dish. Featuring fresh peas, crunchy red onions, and savory cheese, this salad is easy to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
- ½ cup diced red onions
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the peas in boiling water for 2-3 minutes if using fresh, or thaw if using frozen.
- In a large bowl, combine the peas, diced red onions, and shredded cheese.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and lemon juice until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and toss to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a handful of chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
- This salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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