If you’re on the lookout for a fresh, vibrant, and truly delightful dish to brighten up your table, this Pea Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. With its mix of sweet peas, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy, creamy dressing, it manages to be both refreshing and satisfying at the same time. Whether you’re serving it as a side for a barbecue, a potluck contribution, or a light lunch, the combination of textures and flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s straightforward to whip up but packed with personality—this is one salad that reliably impresses.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the battle in any recipe, and this Pea Salad Recipe is no exception. The beauty here is how simple but essential each component is, contributing vibrant colors, crisp textures, and balanced flavors that make every bite engaging and delightful.
- 2 cups Fresh or frozen peas (thawed if frozen): The star ingredient, offering a sweet and tender bite that forms the salad’s base.
- 1 cup Diced celery: Adds a satisfying crunch and a mild, refreshing flavor to contrast the softness of the peas.
- 1/2 cup Finely chopped red onion: Provides a sharp contrast to the sweetness of the peas, bringing a bit of zing.
- 1 cup Diced bell pepper (any color): Introduces additional sweetness and a vibrant pop of color to brighten the dish.
- 1/2 cup Shredded carrots: For a hint of sweetness and a cheerful dash of orange that livens up the plate.
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise: Acts as a creamy binder, bringing all the ingredients together in harmony.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy zest that elevates the dressing’s flavor beyond ordinary.
- 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar: Introduces acidity to balance the richness of the mayo, keeping the salad fresh-tasting.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors and ensures each bite sings.
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped: For a fresh herbal note and attractive garnish that finishes the salad beautifully.
- 1/4 cup Crumbled feta cheese (optional): Adds a salty, creamy element if you want to add a little extra indulgence.
How to Make Pea Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Peas
Start by taking care of the peas—if you’re lucky enough to have fresh ones, shell them and rinse under cool water to make sure they’re clean and ready. Using frozen peas? Just make sure they are thawed fully and well drained to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
Step 2: Dice Your Veggies
Next, it’s time to dice the celery, bell pepper, and red onion into small, consistent pieces. This step is key because uniformity here means every forkful will have a wonderful balance of flavors and textures without one ingredient overpowering the others.
Step 3: Combine the Vegetables
Grab a large mixing bowl and gently combine the peas, celery, onion, bell pepper, and shredded carrots. Take care not to mash the peas—stir gently to keep everything crisp and pretty.
Step 4: Whip Up the Dressing
In a smaller bowl, mix the mayonnaise with Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar until you have a smooth, creamy dressing. Give it a quick taste and season with salt and pepper as needed to bring out the bright, tangy tones.
Step 5: Dress the Salad
Pour the dressing over the mixed vegetables. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to carefully fold everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated in the luscious dressing.
Step 6: Add Optional Extras
If you’re a fan of feta, gently fold it into the salad now. The salty creaminess pairs wonderfully with the sweet peas and crisp veggies, but it’s absolutely optional depending on your taste preferences.
Step 7: Garnish and Finish
Transfer your beautifully dressed salad to a serving dish. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of green and fresh herbal brightness that makes the dish pop visually and flavor-wise.
Step 8: Chill for Flavor
For best results, refrigerate your Pea Salad Recipe for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows all the flavors to meld together and deepen, making every bite even more delicious.
How to Serve Pea Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish that brightens this salad beautifully. You can also add a sprinkle of extra crumbled feta or even some toasted nuts for a little crunch and depth. A light drizzle of olive oil just before serving can add a silky sheen that makes it look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pea Salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or pork, making it a perfect side dish for a summer barbecue or picnic. It also complements sandwiches, baked potatoes, or even a casual brunch spread where you want something fresh and easy yet packed with flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the salad in small mason jars for individual portions at a party. You could also layer it in a clear glass bowl to show off all the beautiful colors, making it irresistible to guests—sometimes we eat with our eyes first, after all!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, don’t worry—they keep nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen even more as it sits. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again to freshen up the textures.
Freezing
Pea Salad Recipe generally does not freeze well because of the mayonnaise and fresh vegetables. Freezing can change the texture, making the salad watery and limp. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t recommended. If you prefer a warmer side, consider serving it alongside a warm dish rather than trying to heat the pea salad itself.
FAQs
Can I use canned peas for the Pea Salad Recipe?
While canned peas are an option, they tend to be softer and less sweet than fresh or frozen peas. For the best texture and flavor, fresh or frozen peas are recommended as they hold up better and provide that sweet pop.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Swap out the mayonnaise for a vegan mayo or a cashew cream, and simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative. The salad will still be creamy and delicious.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
A minimum of 30 minutes is ideal to let the flavors meld, but if you have time, chilling it for an hour or two really elevates the taste and texture for a more cohesive salad.
Can I prepare this salad in advance for a party?
Yes! This Pea Salad Recipe is great for make-ahead prepping. Just mix the salad but hold off on adding the parsley and feta until right before serving to keep everything fresh and bright.
What variations can I try with this salad?
You can experiment with adding herbs like dill or mint for a different twist. Toasted nuts like almonds or pecans add crunch, and swapping Dijon mustard for whole grain mustard offers a heartier flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Pea Salad Recipe is truly a treasure in the world of easy, flavorful salads. Its perfect balance of sweet peas, crunchy veggies, and creamy, tangy dressing makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it out—whether for a family dinner or your next gathering, it’s sure to become a new favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Pea Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant and refreshing pea salad combines sweet peas with crunchy celery, bell pepper, and shredded carrots, all enveloped in a tangy, creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Enhanced with red onion’s sharpness, fresh parsley, and an optional salty kick of feta cheese, this no-cook salad is perfect as a light side dish or a colorful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh or frozen peas (thawed if frozen)
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the peas: Begin by shelling and rinsing fresh peas under cool water, or if using frozen peas, ensure they are fully thawed and drained to prevent excess moisture in the salad.
- Dice vegetables: Dice the celery, bell pepper, and red onion into small, uniform pieces to achieve an even mix of flavors and textures in each bite.
- Combine vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, gently stir together the peas, diced celery, red onion, bell pepper, and shredded carrots, being careful not to mash the peas.
- Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Dress the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture, and gently fold it in using a spatula or wooden spoon until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Adjust flavors and add feta: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed. If desired, fold in the crumbled feta cheese carefully for added creaminess and saltiness.
- Garnish: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for a bright, herbal finish.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill, enhancing its refreshing qualities before serving.
Notes
- This salad is best served chilled; refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- The feta cheese is optional but adds a lovely salty creaminess.
- For a vegan version, substitute mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative and omit feta cheese.
- Fresh peas can be used in season for the sweetest flavor, but frozen peas work well if thawed properly.
- Adjust the amount of Dijon mustard and vinegar to suit your preferred tanginess level.
