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    Home » Recipes » Salads

    Creamy Pea Salad Recipe

    Published: Oct 22, 2018 · Modified: Feb 18, 2020 by Kate Hackworthy · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Jump to Recipe
    This creamy pea salad is easy to make (using frozen peas!) and it's full of flavour. It's a delicious side dish recipe for all seasons and sure to be your new favourite salad.  #peasalad #barbecue #sidedish #frozenpeas #veggiedessertsblog

    This creamy pea salad recipe is easy to make (using frozen peas - or even canned or fresh!) and it's full of flavour. It's a delicious side dish for all seasons and sure to be your new favourite salad.

    A bowl full of creamy pea salad. Next to black and white napkin with fresh herbs and red onion on a chopping board on the side.

    Just when I think I’m getting into my healthy parenting stride, the kids go and surprise me.

    Yesterday my son announced that he’s gone off red pepper. Until the day before, it was his favourite vegetable, but suddenly it’s received with a look of disgust. My daughter is now refusing her beloved cucumber.

    I’ve also discovered that they don’t want to eat raw carrots anymore, because they take too long to chew. I despair. These kids are more changeable than the weather.

    I think it’s all my fault though. Knowing that they were their veggies of choice, I made sure to always have a steady supply in the fridge, ready for snacks, packed lunches, raw veggies and hummus trays at dinner. Sure, I included other fruit and veg, but I always had my trusty standbys. And now they’re bored of them. Oops.

    An enamel dish of creamy pea salad recipe (using frozen peas) with a vintage spoon, grey tea towel and fresh herbs on the side.

    In a bid to keep a wider rotation of vegetables, lately I’ve been exploring hearty salads. 

    This creamy pea salad is my recreation of one that I often had growing up. It’s a nice mild way to introduce a variety of herbs, and I’ve lightened the mayo dressing by using half Greek yogurt. It only takes a few minutes to throw it all together, plus the frozen peas will keep it cool in picnics or packed lunches and slowly thaw until it’s time to down pencils and eat.

    Creamy Pea Salad

    Pea salad is 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.

    What's in pea salad?

    Fresh or frozen peas
    Mayonnaise (or dairy free mayo)
    Greek yogurt
    Apple cider vinegar
    Red onion
    Cheese cubes (optional)
    Fresh herbs (I used dill, parsley and mint)

    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!

    Close up of a scoop of creamy pea salad recipe, with red onion, cheese and fresh herbs on a black plate.

    Cook's Tips:

    • Chill the salad for at least 2 hours to really let the flavours mingle.
    • Give the salad a good stir before serving.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • Make it vegan: swap to dairy free mayo, yogurt and cheese.
    • Make it gluten free: it naturally is gluten free.

    A plate of pea salad on a table.

    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, three layer Vanilla Pea Cake with Lemon Icing? Trust me, it's so tasty. You can't taste the peas, but they leave a lovely sweetness and that fabulous green colour.

    Creamy pea salad recipe served in an enamel dish with a grey napkin and fresh herbs scattered on the side, plus a red onion.

     

    Thanks for checking out my recipe! I love hearing from my readers; you all allow me to do what I love and write this UK food blog, sharing vegetarian and vegan recipes, vegetable cake recipes and also easy vegan desserts.
    Leave a comment and star rating below and share a picture on social media with the hashtag #veggiedesserts.Follow me on Instagram > Twitter > Facebook > Pinterest > Youtube

    Get the Pea Salad Recipe

    Thanks for checking out my recipe! I love hearing from my readers. You all allow me to do what I love and write this UK food blog, sharing vegetarian and vegan recipes, vegetable cake recipes and also easy vegan desserts.
    Kate x

    A bowl full of creamy pea salad. Next to black and white napkin with fresh herbs and red onion on a chopping board on the side.

    Creamy Herb Pea Salad

    Kate Hackworthy | Veggie Desserts
    Not only is this salad great for dinner or packed lunches, but it’s perfect for picnics as the peas keep it cool and slowly thaw until you’re ready to eat it. You can also make it the night before. Don’t like peas? Just substitute frozen sweetcorn.
    4.89 from 18 votes
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    Prep Time 5 mins
    Chilling time 2 hrs
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course Salad
    Cuisine American, Vegetarian
    Servings 6
    Calories 209 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    • 4 tablespoon mayonnaise
    • 4 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt
    • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar or lemon juice
    • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
    • ½ tablespoon fresh mint chopped
    • ½ tablespoon fresh dill chopped
    • salt and pepper
    • 400 g frozen peas (don’t thaw) canned or fresh peas work too!
    • 125 g cheddar cheese cut into small cubes
    • ¼ red onion finely sliced

    To garnish

    • Additional chopped herbs

    Instructions
     

    • Mix the mayonnaise, yogurt and vinegar together in a large bowl. Stir in the chopped herbs and season with the salt and pepper.
    • Add the frozen peas, cheese and onion, then gently mix. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
    • Stir before serving, if necessary stir another tablespoon of yogurt through it to loosen, then sprinkle with some more herbs.

    Notes

    • Chill the salad for at least 2 hours to really let the flavours mingle.
    • Give the salad a good stir before serving.
    • If necessary stir another tablespoon of yogurt through it to loosen.
    • Make it vegan: swap to dairy free mayo, yogurt and cheese.
    • Make it gluten free: this pea salad is naturally is gluten free.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 209kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 9gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 195mgPotassium: 203mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 770IUVitamin C: 27.9mgCalcium: 178mgIron: 1.2mg

    The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.

    Tried this recipe?Mention @kateveggiedesserts or tag #veggiedesserts! I love seeing your recreations.

     

    More Salad Recipes

    • Quinoa and Black Beans
    • Zucchini Halloumi Couscous
    • Caprese Pasta Salad
    • Broad Bean Salad
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Katie

      February 02, 2021 at 3:22 am

      5 stars
      I made this tonight & it was delicious!! First time having pea salad, & I’m definitely a fan! 😃

      Reply
    2. Helen of Fuss Free Flavours

      October 27, 2018 at 8:43 pm

      5 stars
      I really like the idea of your pea salad. Using Greek yogurt in the dressing is a favourite of mine too, much prefer the flavour it gives.

      Reply
    3. Angela

      October 26, 2018 at 9:34 am

      5 stars
      Hi, I had everything in the fridge and freezer for this, so I made it last night for tea (with fish fingers). I didn't have any dill, but it was really good with the other herbs. Best thing is that my son liked it. He picked out the onion but loved the cheese with the peas and called it cheesy peas.

      Reply
    4. Crystal

      October 25, 2018 at 10:32 pm

      I've never heard of anything like this before but it looks like its worth a try.

      Reply
    5. Kirsty

      October 25, 2018 at 6:29 pm

      Kids can ve very funny with foods can’t they, I have this with my toddler who is obsessed with one particular food one day and doesn’t it the next. I love the sound of th speak salad it sounds reefreshing and light

      Reply
    6. Rebecca Smith

      October 25, 2018 at 5:24 pm

      5 stars
      What a delicious idea for a side dish - we love peas in our house so this salad would go down a treat!

      Reply
    7. Choclette

      October 25, 2018 at 1:59 pm

      Not like peas? Is there such a thing? Love the idea of taking this on a picnic using frozen peas. We had a picnic just this weekend as it was so balmy, but I'm feeling we might have to wait for a bit now.

      Reply
    8. Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche

      October 25, 2018 at 9:52 am

      Yum! I love those little cheese cubes in there to make it feel like a real treat. Looks like a great way to get your veg in!

      Reply
    9. MELANIE EDJOURIAN

      October 24, 2018 at 9:13 pm

      5 stars
      I'm not sure if I have ever tried pea salad before. It sounds interesting and nice and healthy too.

      Reply
    10. Ellen

      October 24, 2018 at 12:55 pm

      I love pea salad but never make it. I need to! It's the perfect picnic food!

      Reply
    11. Claudia Lamascolo

      October 24, 2018 at 12:44 pm

      5 stars
      I think I could eat this whole dish .. I love peas and this creamy style makes my mouth water!

      Reply
    12. kim

      October 24, 2018 at 12:33 pm

      5 stars
      I love a good pea salad, especially with the addition of dill! Adding this to the weekly menu!

      Reply
    13. Danielle Wolter

      October 24, 2018 at 11:36 am

      5 stars
      I have never heard of this before! I absolutely love the idea. What a great recipe - totally trying.

      Reply
    14. Leslie

      October 24, 2018 at 11:12 am

      5 stars
      I was immediately drawn to this when I saw the chopped herbs. Fresh herbs are such a great way to brighten a simple dish. Looks delish!

      Reply
    15. Ceri Jones

      October 22, 2018 at 6:25 pm

      5 stars
      This is great becuase I always have frozen peas in the freezer (and usually an onion lurking somewhere too). I love that the Americans can call them English peas, but over here they are just pease!

      Reply
    16. Christina

      October 22, 2018 at 5:23 pm

      5 stars
      What a great easy salad! I'll be making this for lunch this week!

      Reply
    17. Jennifer Farley

      October 22, 2018 at 4:45 pm

      5 stars
      The flavors in this are absolutely incredible!!

      Reply
    18. Heidy L. McCallum

      October 22, 2018 at 4:13 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is fabulous, we make something very similar in the South and I love it--- I am betting odds I would devour your recipe as well my friend. Hope you made a double batch!

      PS tell the children I will be happy to eat all the lovely veggies you cook!!! They all sound amazing.

      Good Day
      Heidy

      Reply
    19. Wajeeha

      October 22, 2018 at 4:03 pm

      5 stars
      Your photography is gorgeous! And I love pea salad, and yours looks so creamy and I love the addition of cheese cubes too! 🙂

      Reply
    20. Sues

      October 22, 2018 at 3:57 pm

      5 stars
      This looks seriously incredible and there's no way anyone could get sick of it! Especially with that added cheese 🙂 I could make a full meal out of this!

      Reply
    21. Carissa Shaw

      October 22, 2018 at 3:37 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! I need to make this as a side for holiday dinners this year! It's so pretty too.

      Reply
    22. Kelly Anthony

      October 22, 2018 at 3:22 pm

      5 stars
      This is the perfect salad to take to a picnic. Love that the frozen peas will thaw while the kids are playing.

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Kate, a journalist, author and multi-award-winning food blogger. I hope you enjoy my vegetarian and vegan recipes. About Me

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    Kate Hackworthy in the kitchen

    Hi, I'm Kate, a journalist, author and multi-award-winning food blogger. I hope you enjoy my vegetarian and vegan recipes. About Me

    Collage of press logos.

    Popular recipes

    • The BEST Easy Red Lentil Dahl
    • Easy Naan Bread Recipe (yeast-free)
    • Mini Baked Potatoes
    • Easy Lentil Soup

    Healthy Recipes

    • Butternut Squash Salad
    • Easy Healthy Cabbage Soup
    • Easy Vegan Ramen (15 minutes)
    • Rajma Masala (Kidney Bean Curry)

    My cookbook

    Veggie Desserts and Cakes Cookbook cover.

    Check out my Veggie Desserts Cookbook, full of tasty desserts with vegetables!

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