Name: Classic Pea Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 bag (16 oz) frozen peas, thawed (or 2 cups fresh peas); 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper; 1/2 cup diced celery; 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sour cream (or Greek yogurt); 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1–2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

This Classic Pea Salad is a cool, creamy side dish that highlights the natural sweetness of green peas combined with crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing. It’s a refreshing, colorful addition to any meal—simple to make and full of flavor.

Why I Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: I put this salad together in just minutes with basic ingredients.
Creamy and Refreshing: The smooth dressing perfectly complements the peas and crunchy veggies.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, picnic, or potluck, this salad always fits in.
Customizable: I can easily tweak the ingredients based on what I have on hand.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 bag (16 oz) frozen peas, thawed (or 2 cups fresh peas)
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup diced celery
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

For the Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1–2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Prep the Peas
I thaw the peas by rinsing them under cool water or letting them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Chop the Vegetables
I dice the red bell pepper, celery, and onion into small, uniform pieces.
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, I whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until it’s smooth and well blended.
Mix It All Together
In a large bowl, I combine the peas, chopped vegetables, and cheese (if using). Then I pour the dressing over the top and toss everything gently to coat.
Chill Before Serving
I cover the salad and let it chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour so the flavors can meld.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes roughly 15 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour to chill before serving.

Variations

Dairy-Free: I use a dairy-free mayo and skip the cheese to make it fully dairy-free.
Lower-Calorie Option: I swap the mayo with Greek yogurt or light mayo.
Extra Veggies: I sometimes toss in chopped cucumbers, shredded carrots, or halved cherry tomatoes.
Herbed Flavor: Fresh dill, parsley, or chives add a burst of herbal freshness.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I always give it a gentle stir before serving again. This salad doesn’t freeze well, so I keep it fresh in the fridge only.

FAQs

Can I make this pea salad ahead of time?

Yes, I like to make it the night before. It tastes even better after chilling for several hours.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

I can use plain Greek yogurt or just add a little more mayonnaise in its place.

Are fresh peas better than frozen?

Fresh peas are great if they’re in season, but frozen peas are convenient and just as tasty for this salad.

Can I skip the cheese?

Absolutely. The salad still tastes great without the cheddar, especially if I want a lighter version.

How do I keep the peas from getting mushy?

I make sure not to over-thaw or soak them too long. A quick rinse under cold water is usually enough.

Conclusion

This Classic Pea Salad is creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor—the kind of simple recipe I find myself making again and again. It’s perfect for last-minute gatherings, light lunches, or just adding some freshness to the dinner table.