Enjoy the taste of spring with our delightful English pea salad recipe. Packed with fresh flavors, this vibrant dish is a must-try for any salad lover.

A serving bowl of creamy English pea salad.

Enjoy the crisp, refreshing flavors of our English pea salad. This delightful dish combines tender green peas, tangy red onions, carrots (optional), cheddar cheese, and creamy dressing. Perfect for spring gatherings or as a side, it’s a refreshing addition to any meal.

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Ingredients for English Pea Salad

Gather your ingredients for this delightful English pea salad:

Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise serves as the base for the creamy dressing in the English pea salad. It adds richness and a smooth texture, binding all the ingredients together. The creamy element adds depth of flavor and complements the sweetness of the peas and carrots.
Kosher salt and black pepper: These seasonings are essential for enhancing the overall flavor of the salad. The kosher salt helps to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients, while black pepper adds a subtle hint of spiciness and complements the other flavors in the dish.
Frozen peas: The star ingredient of the salad, the peas provide a fresh and vibrant taste. They bring a pleasant sweetness and a burst of color to the dish. Thawing the peas before adding them ensures they are tender and ready to be enjoyed.
Frozen diced carrots: Carrots add both color and texture to the salad. They provide a slight crunch and a touch of natural sweetness. Thawing the carrots allows them to blend seamlessly with the other ingredients and ensures they are tender enough to be enjoyed in the salad. These are optional.
Red onions: Chopped red onions add a sharp and tangy flavor to the salad. They provide a contrasting element to the sweetness of the peas and carrots. The red onions also add a vibrant color and a satisfying crunch to the dish.
Cheddar cheese: The cubed cheddar cheese adds a savory and creamy component to the salad. It provides richness and depth of flavor. The cheese cubes also contribute to the overall texture, adding a smooth and slightly gooey element to each bite.

The ingredients for creamy English pea salad in a large mixing bowl. A spoon rests inside the bowl ready to combine the ingredients.

How to Make

Prepare a mouthwatering English pea salad with our simple instructions. Combine the ingredients, toss gently, and enjoy the perfect blend of textures and flavors.

Blanche and shock the peas. Drain and set aside.
Add the mayonnaise to a large bowl, add salt and pepper; mix well and then set aside.
Add the peas, carrots, onion, and cheese. Toss, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Why this Recipe Works

Overall, this recipe works because it offers a delightful combination of fresh flavors, balanced textures, and customization options. Its simplicity, versatility, and make-ahead potential make it an appealing choice for various occasions, while the suggested wine and cocktail pairings add an extra layer of enjoyment to the dining experience.

Fresh and vibrant flavors: The English pea salad combines fresh ingredients like green peas, red onions, and a creamy dressing, resulting in a salad bursting with vibrant flavors.
Balanced textures: The combination of tender green peas, carrots, onions, cheese, and creamy dressing creates a satisfying and well-balanced texture profile. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of crispness and creaminess.
Versatility and customization: The recipe provides options for customization, allowing individuals to tailor the salad to their preferences. Whether it’s adding herbs to the dressing, substituting the protein, or experimenting with different cheeses, the recipe offers flexibility and encourages creativity in the kitchen.

Recipe Tips and Kitchen Tricks:

For extra freshness, blanch the peas before using them in the salad.
Customize the dressing by adding herbs like dill or mint.
Serve the salad chilled for a more refreshing experience.

Recipe Variations:

Add meat such as bacon, grilled chicken, or roasted turkey for a protein-packed alternative.
Add crumbled feta cheese or grated Parmesan for a cheesy twist.
Experiment with different dressings, such as lemon vinaigrette or ranch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a light lunch alongside crusty bread or a quiche.
Pair with grilled seafood or roasted chicken for a satisfying dinner.
Pair with grilled steak or lamb for a satisfying dinner.

Storing, freezing, and reheating instructions

Storing: To store the English pea salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Freezing: While it’s not recommended to freeze the assembled salad, you can freeze the individual components separately. Blanched peas can be frozen in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating: If you want to serve the salad warm, you can reheat the individual components separately. For the peas, blanch them briefly in boiling water until heated through, then drain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh ones? A: Yes, you can substitute frozen peas, but blanch them briefly before using them.
Q: Can I make the salad ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance and refrigerate until serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of onion? A: Yes, you can use shallots or scallions as alternatives to red onions.

Wine & Cocktail Pairings

Wine Pairings:

Chardonnay: The buttery and oak flavors of a Chardonnay complement the creamy dressing in the English pea salad.
Riesling: The slightly sweet and acidic notes of a Riesling balance the tanginess of the red onions and add a refreshing touch to the salad.
Rosé: A dry or off-dry rosé with its fruity and floral undertones pairs well with the fresh and vibrant flavors of the English pea salad.

Cocktail Pairings:

Classic Gin and Tonic: The crisp and botanical flavors of a gin and tonic make it a fantastic companion to the light and refreshing English pea salad.
Cucumber Vodka Collins: This cocktail combines the coolness of cucumber, the smoothness of vodka, and the tanginess of lemon, perfectly enhancing the flavors of the salad.
Mojito: The minty and citrusy profile of a mojito complements the fresh ingredients in the salad, creating a harmonious pairing.

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