Green Pea and Cheddar Salad ~
This Southern classic salad combines tender green peas, cheddar cheese, and a creamy dressing for a crowd-pleasing side dish that works just as well for weeknight dinners as it does on a potluck table.
Classic Green Peas and Cheddar Salad
As a home cook who has been cooking plant-based and vegetarian meals for over 13 years, I understand how important it is to have reliable, simple recipes that fit into both casual meals and celebrations. This Green Pea and Cheddar Salad is one of those dishes—quick to make, easy to customize, and always a crowd favorite. With just a few ingredients, it brings a nice balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors that work well with a variety of main dishes. Try it with Vegan BBQ Brisket for a classic pairing!
This Green Pea and Cheddar Salad has been a favorite for years, perfect for gatherings like spring and summer potlucks, Easter, Mother’s Day, and the 4th of July. Its easy preparation and flavorful combination of green peas, creamy dressing, red onion, and cheddar cheese make it a go-to side dish for various occasions.
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity—just mix, chill, and serve. The flavors come together best after sitting for a while, which makes it a great make-ahead option, especially when hosting or prepping meals in advance.
Pro Tip: Plan Ahead
Green Pea and Cheddar Salad is meant to be served chilled so it will need to hang out in the fridge for at least 1 hour prior to serving. Even better if you’re able to make the salad a day or two in advance. I think the flavor only gets better as it sits. 😉
Ingredients for Green Pea and Cheddar Salad
- Mayonnaise – This creamy base brings everything together. For a lighter version, you can substitute with a plant-based mayo or Greek yogurt.
- Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper – Helps to balance the flavors and enhance the taste.
- Frozen Green Peas – Frozen peas are already blanched, making them easy to use straight from the freezer. Be sure to thaw them before mixing for the best texture.
- Red Onion – Red onion gives the salad a mild crunch and a touch of sharpness. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the chopped onion in cold water for a few minutes to tone it down.
- Cheddar Cheese – Cheddar adds a rich, savory flavor to the salad. Use mild or sharp cheddar, depending on your preference, or swap in a plant-based cheddar for a vegan version. For the best texture, use cheese that’s firm enough to be diced into small chunks.
How to Make Green Pea and Cheddar Salad:
For the Dressing:
STEP ONE: In a small mixing bowl combine the mayonnaise, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir well to combine. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Putting it Together:
STEP TWO: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peas and all of the dressing. Toss until the peas are fully coated.
STEP THREE: Gently stir in the red onions and cheddar cheese.
STEP FOUR: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. Serve chilled.
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Green Pea and Cheddar Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2/3 cups mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 cups frozen green peas thawed
- 1/2 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese cut into small-size cubes
Instructions
For the Dressing:
- In a small mixing bowl combine the mayonnaise, salt, and ground black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Putting it together:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the peas and all of the dressing. Toss until the peas are fully coated.
- Gently stir in the red onions and cheddar cheese.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight. Serve chilled.
Nutrition
This post was updated on March 22, 2025.
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