Why Make This Recipe
Classic Pea and Cheese Salad is a delightful dish that combines fresh flavors with creamy textures. This salad is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick lunch or a side dish at a barbecue. If you’re a fan of salads, you might also enjoy this crunchy peanut carrot salad that adds a unique twist to your meal.
How to Make Classic Pea and Cheese Salad
To make this delicious Classic Pea and Cheese Salad, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. You may also find Creamy Peach Cobbler Cheesecake useful.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh sweet peas
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: diced red onion or bell pepper
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the fresh sweet peas and cubed sharp cheddar cheese.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pea and cheese mixture and stir until well combined.
- If desired, add diced red onion or bell pepper for extra flavor and color.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
How to Serve Classic Pea and Cheese Salad
Classic Pea and Cheese Salad can be served on its own or alongside a variety of dishes. It’s great with grilled meats or served as part of a buffet. You can also pair it with a light main course, such as egg salad sandwiches for a satisfying meal.
How to Store Classic Pea and Cheese Salad
To store any leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 2-3 days. Make sure to cover it well to maintain its freshness. If you’re looking for other salads that store well, consider trying a classic Italian pasta salad for your next gathering.
Tips to Make Classic Pea and Cheese Salad
- You can add chopped herbs like parsley or dill for extra freshness.
- If you prefer a tangy flavor, consider adding more lemon juice or a splash of vinegar to the dressing.
- For added texture, try mixing in some crunchy nuts or seeds.
- To make it even creamier, include a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt in the dressing.
Variation
This salad is versatile; you can easily swap the cheese for a different variety, such as feta or mozzarella. Additionally, you can mix in other vegetables like carrots or celery to enhance the flavor and crunch. If you’re interested in a delicious pasta dish with peas, check out this creamy bacon and pea pasta for another amazing option.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen peas work well too. Just thaw them before mixing into the salad.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
You could reduce the mayonnaise and replace it with yogurt or low-fat dressing for a lighter version.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, it’s best to make it a few hours ahead of time, which allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Conclusion
Classic Pea and Cheese Salad is a delightful addition to any meal. Its creamy texture and the sweetness of the peas make it irresistible. For more delicious recipes, check out this pea salad recipe or explore the classic creamy pea salad for more variations to enjoy!
Print
Classic Pea and Cheese Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful blend of fresh sweet peas and creamy sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for a quick lunch or a side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh sweet peas
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: diced red onion or bell pepper
Instructions
- Combine the fresh sweet peas and cubed sharp cheddar cheese in a large bowl.
- Mix together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a separate small bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the pea and cheese mixture and stir until well combined.
- Add diced red onion or bell pepper if desired for extra flavor and color.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Notes
For extra freshness, consider adding chopped herbs like parsley or dill. You can also replace some of the mayonnaise with yogurt for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Written by Chef Anna
I'm Anna - a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef, recipe developer, and the voice behind Chef Johns Gourmet. After a decade in professional kitchens, I now spend my mornings testing recipes and my afternoons writing them down so you can make them perfectly in your own kitchen. Every one of the 1,100+ recipes on this site has been personally cooked, tasted, and refined. I write like I'm standing next to you, walking you through every step. Simple recipes. Bold flavors. Made for real kitchens.