Bright Fresh Pea and Cheese Salad Recipe For Spring

Nothing says summer quite like a vibrant pea and cheese delight salad that bursts with freshness and flavor.

Cool green peas dance with creamy cheese cubes in this delectable dish.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of textures and tangy notes.

The combination of crisp vegetables and smooth cheese creates a perfect harmony on your plate.

This simple yet elegant salad comes together in minutes, making it an ideal choice for quick lunches or elegant gatherings.

Serve chilled and watch as everyone savors every delicious spoonful of this refreshing culinary creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 135 kcal

Servings: 7

Pea and Cheese Salad Ingredient Guide

• Mayonnaise: Silky foundation that brings richness and smoothness to the dressing, choose a high-quality brand for best flavor.
• Yogurt: Adds tangy freshness and creamy texture, opt for thick Greek-style yogurt for better consistency.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides zesty brightness and helps balance the creamy elements, select raw and unfiltered for maximum tang.

• Dried Basil: Introduces herbaceous Mediterranean notes, ensure it's fresh and fragrant.
• Sugar: Softens the acidity and rounds out the dressing's flavor profile, use fine granulated sugar.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers subtle savory depth, choose a pure, no-additive version.
• Seasoned Salt: Elevates overall taste with complex seasoning, pick a blend without excessive sodium.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and aromatic warmth, freshly ground provides the most vibrant flavor.

• Yellow Bell Pepper: Brings crisp texture and sweet sunshine-like flavor, select firm and vibrant peppers.
• Cheddar Cheese: Contributes sharp, tangy richness, opt for aged variety for intense taste.
• Red Onion: Provides sharp, punchy bite and beautiful color, choose firm and compact onions.
• Pimentos: Adds soft, sweet pepper essence and beautiful red color, look for jarred varieties without excessive brine.
• Peas: Introduce sweet, tender green element, frozen peas work perfectly and maintain ideal texture.

Gear Checklist for Pea and Cheese Salad

• Large Bowl: Essential for mixing all ingredients and creating the salad.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dressing ingredients smoothly and removing lumps.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping bell peppers, onions, and pimentos with ease.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise and clean vegetable dicing.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and seasonings.
• Mixing Spoon: Great for gently folding peas and stirring ingredients together.
• Plastic Wrap or Lid: Used to cover and seal the salad during refrigeration.

Tossing Together Pea and Cheese Salad

• Flavor Foundation

Create a creamy base by blending tangy yogurt with zesty mayonnaise. Whisk in aromatic herbs and a hint of sweetness to develop a rich, velvety dressing that will transform simple ingredients into a spectacular salad.

• Colorful Companions

Chop vibrant yellow peppers and red onions into delicate pieces. Sprinkle in sharp Cheddar cheese and bright pimentos, allowing each ingredient to add its unique personality to the mix.

• Emerald Green Gems

Tenderly introduce cool green peas into the creamy mixture. Gently fold them through the dressing, ensuring each little sphere gets a luxurious coating without losing its delicate shape.

• Flavor Transformation

Seal the salad and tuck it into the refrigerator for several hours. During this restful time, the ingredients will dance together, developing deeper, more complex flavors that promise a refreshing culinary experience.

Fresh Ideas for Pea and Cheese Salad

• Flavor Fusion Tricks: Mix dressing ingredients a day ahead to intensify taste profiles and let herbs fully bloom.
• Cheese Swap Magic: Replace Cheddar with crumbled feta, goat cheese, or smoked Gouda for unexpected tangy twists that elevate the salad's personality.
• Veggie Boost Technique: Toss in diced cucumber, chopped fresh dill, or blanched corn kernels to add extra crunch and vibrant color dimensions.
• Make-Ahead Mastery: This salad tastes even better after 24 hours, allowing flavors to deeply marry and develop richer, more complex taste layers.
• Protein Power-Up: Incorporate diced cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or chickpeas to transform this side dish into a satisfying main course meal.

Plating Pea and Cheese Salad Beautifully

• Picnic Perfect Pairing: Pack this vibrant salad in airtight containers for outdoor gatherings, beach trips, or summer potlucks. The chilled dish travels beautifully and offers a refreshing side that everyone will love.
• Protein Power Boost: Transform the salad into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken strips, diced ham, or canned tuna. These protein additions make the dish more substantial and satisfying for lunch or light dinner.
• Elegant Party Presentation: Serve the salad in clear glass bowls or on a decorative platter garnished with fresh parsley or chives. Create visual interest by sprinkling extra cheese on top and arranging colorful bell pepper slices around the edges to elevate the dish's appearance.
• Versatile Side Companion: Pair this salad with grilled meats, barbecue dishes, or alongside sandwiches for a delightful complement. Its creamy texture and bright flavors make it an excellent accompaniment to various main courses.

How to Store Pea and Cheese Salad

• Flavor Fusion Time: Let the salad chill in the refrigerator to enhance its taste profile and allow ingredients to blend harmoniously.
• Smart Storage Strategy: Keep the salad in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, maintaining its crisp texture and delicious flavor combination.
• Ingredient Integrity: Store separately if preparing ahead of time – keep dressing and vegetables apart to prevent sogginess and maintain fresh crunch.
• Temperature Tactics: Always serve chilled for the best taste experience, ensuring the peas and cheese remain at optimal eating temperature and texture.

Colorful Pea and Cheese Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Creamy pea and cheese delight salad blends Mediterranean flavors with fresh garden ingredients. Crisp vegetables and tangy cheese create a refreshing summer dish you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) peas, fresh shelled or frozen (16 oz or 454 g packages), thawed and well drained
• ¼ cup (30 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup (60 ml) Greek yogurt, plain
• ¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
• ½ medium yellow bell pepper, finely chopped (about ½ cup)
• 1 tbsp dried basil
• 1 tbsp red onion, finely diced
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp seasoned salt (Lawry’s brand)
• ½ tsp apple cider vinegar
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• 2 tsp pimentos, diced

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Instructions

1. Dressing Preparation: Whisk mayonnaise, yogurt, apple cider vinegar, dried basil, sugar, garlic powder, seasoned salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl until smooth and thoroughly blended.
2. Flavor Infusion: Fold in yellow bell pepper, Cheddar cheese, red onion, and pimentos, ensuring each ingredient is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
3. Pea Integration: Gently incorporate frozen peas into the mixture, carefully distributing them throughout the salad while maintaining their delicate texture.
4. Chilling and Marinating: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least four hours, allowing the flavors to meld and develop a rich, harmonious profile.
5. Serving Preparation: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to reawaken the ingredients and ensure an even distribution of the vibrant dressing.

Notes

• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate the salad for at least 4 hours to allow ingredients to marinate and develop a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Prevent Pea Mushiness: Use frozen peas directly from the freezer and fold gently to maintain their crisp texture and bright green color.
• Customize Cheese Selection: Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp Cheddar, mild mozzarella, or tangy feta to personalize the salad’s flavor.
• Dressing Consistency Tip: Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy base that evenly coats all ingredients without clumping.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 135
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg