Creamy Pea Salad Recipe

Pea salad is a creamy, tangy, and fresh side dish made with peas, cheese, and herbs. Quick to mix, budget-friendly, and perfect for BBQs or weeknight dinners.

If you have never tried a cold pea salad, you might be surprised at how refreshing it is!

The dressing has a tang from vinegar and yogurt, which balances the natural sweetness of peas. The cheese gives it richness, while the onion and fresh herbs cut through with a sharp, clean flavor.

I usually make this salad in the summer, when I want something that can sit in the fridge until the last minute.

It travels well, so it is perfect for potlucks or barbecues. It is also a great way to use frozen peas, which stay bright green and tender after chilling.

For me, this is a comfort dish that also feels fresh. It is the kind of recipe you can adapt endlessly, but the classic combination is hard to beat.

If you need a few cold salads that travel well for a picnic, be sure to try Greek Bean Salad, Caper Potato Salad, Broad Bean Salad, or Broccoli Cranberry Salad.

This recipe was originally posted on 22 October 2018 and republished on 17 September 2025 with revised text.

Jump to:

• What is Pea Salad
• Why You Should Make This Recipe
• Peas
• Ingredients
• How to make Pea Salad
• Storage, Freezing, Make-Ahead Advice
• Cook's Tips
• Other delicious salad recipes
• What to serve with Pea Salad
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

What is Pea Salad

Pea salad is a popular dish from the southern United States. Typically it also includes crispy bacon or even ham. My version is obviously vegetarian but you could also easily make it vegan. It's also often called English pea salad.

This salad uses frozen peas (you could also use fresh) which makes it a really handy dish to make, with just a few simple ingredients.

It's a perfect side dish at a barbecue, or for any meal year-round. Think sweet peas, creamy dressing, fresh vibrant herbs, sharp red onion and cubes of flavourful cheese... it's absolutely delicious and so easy to make!

This salad is perfect to take on picnics, as the peas keep it cool and slowly thaw until you're ready to eat it.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

• The creamy dressing balances lightness and richness.
• Pea salad uses basic ingredients most kitchens already have.
• It can be made in advance, saving time before a gathering.
• It is budget-friendly but still looks bright and appealing on the table.
• It works for both casual meals and holiday spreads.

Peas

Whether you use frozen, canned, or fresh, peas bring sweetness, color, and texture to the salad.

Frozen peas are often picked and frozen at peak freshness, which is why they work so well in this dish. You do not even need to thaw them before mixing, since they soften naturally as the salad chills.

Love peas? Be sure to also try Pea Cabbage Curry, Easy Pea Soup, and even Sweet Vanilla Pea Cake with Lemon Frosting!

Ingredients

• Peas. The foundation of the salad. Frozen peas stay sweet and crisp. Canned peas work in a pinch, but fresh is also excellent.
• Mayonnaise. Provides creaminess and body in the dressing. Can be replaced with vegan mayo.
• Greek yogurt. Adds tang and lightness. Sour cream works too.
• Vinegar or lemon juice. Gives acidity to cut through the creaminess.
• Parsley. Fresh and clean-tasting herb.
• Mint. Adds brightness and a cool note.
• Dill. Brings a soft, aromatic flavor that pairs well with peas.
• Cheddar cheese. Salty, rich cubes that give substance.
• Red onion. Sharp and slightly sweet when thinly sliced.
• Salt and pepper. Essential for balance.

How to make Pea Salad

This pea salad is so easy to make!

• Mix the mayo, yogurt and vinegar together in a large bowl.
• Add the chopped herbs, frozen peas, cheese and onion and give it a really good mix.
• Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
• Enjoy!

Storage, Freezing, Make-Ahead Advice

Pea salad keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container and stir before serving, as the dressing can thicken slightly.

Freezing is not recommended, since the dressing will separate and the peas will lose texture.

To make ahead, prepare the salad up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Add extra herbs or a spoonful of yogurt just before serving to freshen it up.

Cook's Tips

• Chill the salad for at least 2 hours to really let the flavours mingle.
• If necessary stir another tablespoon of yogurt through it to loosen.
• Serve on a it's own or on a bed of spinach with more chopped herbs.
• Use frozen peas straight from the bag for the best texture.
• Slice the onion very thin so it blends without overpowering.
• Stir just before serving to refresh the texture.
• Taste and adjust seasoning after chilling, as flavors develop in the fridge.
• If you don't like frozen peas, try canned or fresh.
• Don't like peas at all? Try it with corn!
• For non-veggies, a traditional way to serve pea salad is with some chopped crispy bacon.

Other delicious salad recipes

Try some of my other tasty salad recipes! They're all perfect veg-packed accompaniments to any meal (or indeed a meal in themselves!)
Broccoli salad (with potatoes and herbs)
Brazilian Gaucho Potato Salad (with apple, carrot and and delicious dressing)
Mexican Grilled Chipotle Salad in Tortilla Bowls
Sauteed Butter Bean Salad

What to serve with Pea Salad

This delicious salad would be perfect alongside:
Sweet Potato Frittata
Lentil Carrot Hot Dogs (vegan)
Mini Beet Burgers
15 minute Bean Burgers
Pea Spinach Burgers

Why not finish the meal with a bright green, Pea Cupcakes? Trust me, they're so tasty. You can't taste the peas, but they leave a lovely sweetness and that fabulous green colour.

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