Best Old Fashioned English Pea Salad Recipe

Jump to Recipe

I'm always on the lookout for new and interesting recipes. And while this recipes isn't new, it's fairly new to me and I'm super excited to share this Old Fashioned English Pea Salad Recipe with you.

And with St. Patrick's Day coming up, you just might find that this is the green dish you needed to inspire a fun dinner.

Whenever I head to a potluck, I always try to find a recipe that everyone will love, but that not everyone will be bringing. And while a creamy pasta salad (like my BLT Pasta Salad) is my go-to for family gatherings, I try to think outside the box for a church picnic or other gathering where lots of people will be bringing food.

I think a classic pea salad is the perfect dish to take to any potluck or picnic during the summer months. It's light and full of flavor. Packed with peas, red onion, chunks of cheddar cheese, and dill, this recipe with its creamy dressing will be your new favorite go-to for summer salads!

Just follow the simple steps below, and you'll have a delicious salad that everyone will love. Even if you're not a fan of peas, you may be surprised at just how much you like this recipe.

English Pea Salad Recipe Ingredients

Scroll down to the printable recipe card for a full list of ingredients and instructions.

While it may look like there's a lot of ingredients in this green pea salad, you probably have most of them on hand. This is a pretty simple, no-fuss recipe.

Frozen Peas
Cheddar Cheese Cubes
Real Bacon Bits
Red Onion Slivers
Sour Cream
Mayonnaise
Apple Cider Vinegar
Salt
Black Pepper
Dried Dill (or fresh if you prefer)

How To Make Creamy English Pea Salad

To get started, you'll want to thaw your frozen peas. I usually do this by microwaving them in 30 second increments until they are cold rather than frozen.

Do not overcook your peas. Seriously. You do not want mushy peas in this recipe!

Next, you'll want to chop your red onion. You can do slivers or small pieces.

When you're finished chopping your onion, take a block of cheddar and cut it into small cubes of cheese.

Next, place your peas in a large bowl.

Add your cubed cheddar.

Pour apple cider vinegar over the peas and cheese.

Next add simple mixture of sour cream and mayo along with your bacon and onion to the bowl.

In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper and dill together. Add this to the your pea mixture!

Serve cold!

FAQs {Frequently Asked Questions}

One of the best things about this great side dish is how versatile it is and how easy it is to change up the ingredients to use what you have on hand. I've included some easy substitutions below.

Can you use fresh peas instead of frozen peas?

If you're using fresh peas, you'll need to shell peas and soak them in cold water before adding them to this classic side dish.

What kind of peas should I use in this recipe?

I recommend using english peas (hence the name of the recipe) or sugar snap peas. Frozen peas are typically english peas (just in case you're wondering).

I don't like vinegar. Is there something I can use instead of apple cider vinegar?

Sure. Feel free to use lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar.

Do I have to use mayonnaise in this recipe?

Nope. Feel free to sub miracle whip for the mayonnaise. If you're in a pinch, you can also substitute greek yogurt mixed with a touch of olive oil, dijon mustard, a squeeze of lemon and a little salt.

Is there a particular kind of cheddar cheese I should use?

I like sharp cheddar cheese in this recipe, but you could use your favorite cheese or even a blend of your favorite cheeses. Also, if you don't have a block of cheese handy, feel free to use shredded cheese instead.

Can I use slices of bacon instead of bacon bits?

You can, but remember a little bacon goes a long way. Cut your bacon strips into little pieces so that your bacon flavor is spread throughout your sweet pea salad.

What else can I add to this salad?

There are so many things you can add to this salad. Like more veggies? Dice up a bell pepper or add some green olives. Want a hearty side dish? You can add some hard boiled eggs or diced hams to make it more like a southern pea salad. Want more onion flavor? I like to use green onion as a garnish and I also like the subtle onion flavor it gives. You can also use spices like garlic powder, onion powder or turmeric to change up the flavors.

How healthy are frozen green peas?

Frozen peas are one pretty darn healthy veggie. They're full of protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. And while they have a lot more carbs than most green veggies, they still have a lot going for them.

And while they're not the most nutritional veggie, they contain essential nutrients like Vitamin K, C, A, B-complex Vitamins, magnesium, and potassium.

Can I make pea salad the night before?

Yep. You sure can. I actually like to allow this salad to sit in the fridge overnight and serve it the next day as I feel like the flavors fully blend.

Can I freeze this creamy pea salad?

No. Because this salad has a dressing of mayonnaise and sour cream, you don't want to freeze it. The dairy can get pretty nasty if you freeze it and then thaw it. This is a cold salad that is best kept cold in the fridge and not frozen.

What main dish should I serve with this cold pea salad?

We like to serve this with burgers, brats, drumsticks or other BBQ foods. It's also great with sandwiches like this Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak or this Authentic Philly Cheesesteak.

What is the best way to store this salad?

Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you're only going to be storing it in the fridge over night, you can cover your salad bowl with plastic wrap.

I hope you love this pea salad as much as I do. Print out the recipe card, gather the ingredients, and have fun making your own pea salad today!

Pin This Easy Pea Salad Recipe for Later!

Yield: 6-8