When it comes to comforting side dishes that are both refreshingly light and satisfyingly creamy, few recipes hit the mark quite like Irish Pea Salad. This vibrant dish, known for its blend of tender green peas, savory additions, and creamy dressing, is a staple in many kitchens for good reason—it’s easy to prepare, versatile, and utterly delicious.
Though it’s often associated with traditional Irish-inspired cooking, the beauty of Irish Pea Salad lies in its adaptability. Whether served at a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, a family picnic, or as a side at Sunday dinner, it always adds a pop of color and flavor to the table. This dish combines wholesome ingredients in a simple preparation, making it a go-to year-round.
🌱 What is Irish Pea Salad?
Irish Pea Salad is a cool, creamy side dish centered around one key ingredient: green peas. Typically made with sweet garden peas (often frozen for convenience), it’s paired with ingredients like crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, red onion, and sometimes hard-boiled eggs or celery for extra crunch. The salad is dressed in a slightly tangy, creamy base—usually made from a combination of mayonnaise and sour cream or Greek yogurt, brightened with a touch of vinegar or mustard.
While there’s no one “authentic” Irish pea salad (the roots of the dish lean more toward Irish-American cuisine), its reliance on simple, whole ingredients and comforting flavors makes it a beloved side on many tables.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a classic version of this tasty salad (serves 6–8):
For the Salad:
- 4 cups frozen green peas, thawed and drained
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 3/4 cup shredded or cubed sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (or chopped ham)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
- 1/3 cup chopped celery (optional for crunch)
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
👩🍳 How to Make Irish Pea Salad
🥣 Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by thawing the frozen peas. To keep their texture intact, place them in a colander and rinse with cool water until defrosted, then drain thoroughly. Pat lightly with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
While the peas drain, cook the bacon until crispy and chop the other vegetables and cheese. If you’re including eggs, hard-boil and chop them at this stage.
🧄 Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream or yogurt, vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—it should be creamy, tangy, and well-balanced.
🥗 Step 3: Combine the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the thawed peas with the bacon, cheese, red onion, celery, and eggs. Pour the dressing over the top and fold everything together with a spatula until well coated. Be gentle to avoid mashing the peas.
❄️ Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to become perfectly chilled. Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Irish Pea Salad is versatile and pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled meats, especially pork chops, sausages, or chicken
- Hearty stews or Irish fare like corned beef and cabbage
- Sandwiches and wraps for a picnic or casual lunch
- Potluck buffets and BBQ spreads
It’s especially popular at spring and summer gatherings thanks to its cool, refreshing nature and vibrant green color.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Make ahead: This salad actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge. Just give it a gentle stir before serving.
- Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Avoid freezing: Freezing the salad is not recommended, as the dressing can separate and the peas may become mushy when thawed.
🔄 Variations & Add-Ins
There’s room to get creative with your Irish Pea Salad. Try these tasty twists:
- Add herbs: Dill, mint, or tarragon can elevate the flavor.
- Make it spicy: Add chopped pickled jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Swap proteins: Use cubed cooked ham or shredded chicken instead of bacon.
- Go lighter: Use light mayo and Greek yogurt to cut down on fat and calories.
- Vegan version: Use vegan mayo and plant-based bacon or omit the meat altogether.
💚 A Simple Pleasure with Timeless Appeal
Irish Pea Salad may be humble, but it delivers big on comfort, flavor, and charm. With its creamy texture, bright peas, and savory mix-ins, it’s a dish that feels nostalgic yet refreshing. Whether you’re embracing your Irish roots, hosting a spring brunch, or just need a quick side for dinner, this salad brings a cool, crisp, and satisfying addition to your table.
It’s the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again—not just because it’s easy, but because it makes everyone at the table smile.