Refreshing Pea and Cheese Delight Salad Recipe for Summer Days

Pea and cheese delight salad bursts with vibrant colors and unexpected textures that surprise your palate.

Fresh ingredients dance together in a delightful harmony of flavors.

Crisp vegetables mingle with creamy cheese, creating a refreshing culinary experience.

Summer’s bounty shines through each carefully composed bite of this innovative dish.

Lightweight yet satisfying, the combination offers a perfect balance of nutrition and taste.

Delicate herbs and zesty undertones bring depth to this simple yet sophisticated salad.

This recipe promises to become your new favorite quick and elegant meal solution.

Jump into making this delightful creation and let your taste buds celebrate!

Pea and Cheese Delight Salad – Answering Your Questions

• Can I use frozen peas for this salad?

Yes, you can use frozen peas. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess water before adding to the salad. Fresh or canned peas work great too.

• How long can I store this salad in the refrigerator?

The salad stays fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to keep it chilled and give it a quick stir before serving.

• Can I substitute the mayonnaise with a healthier option?

Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise work well as substitutes. You can also use a mix of yogurt and mayonnaise to reduce calories while maintaining the creamy texture.

• Is this salad good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time, and it actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to blend in the refrigerator. Just keep it sealed and chilled until you’re ready to enjoy it.

Pea and Cheese Delight Salad – Why It’s a Go-To Side

• The combination of mayonnaise, yogurt, and Cheddar cheese creates a rich, tangy dressing that coats every ingredient with a luxurious, mouth-watering taste.
• This no-cook salad takes just minutes to assemble, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious side dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Bright yellow bell peppers, green peas, and red onions provide a stunning visual appeal and a delightful crunch that makes every bite interesting and satisfying.
• The recipe actually improves with chilling, allowing flavors to blend perfectly, which means you can prepare it hours before serving – ideal for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Pea and Cheese Delight Salad

• Peas: Sweet green vegetable that adds freshness and color to the salad.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that provides a rich and tangy flavor.

• Red Onion, Pimentos: Colorful ingredients that bring zesty and bright notes to the dish.

• Mayonnaise, Yogurt: Creamy base that creates a smooth and rich dressing texture.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Tangy liquid that balances and brightens the overall flavor.

• Dried Basil, Garlic Powder, Seasoned Salt, Black Pepper: Aromatic spices that enhance the salad's depth and complexity.

• Yellow Bell Pepper: Crisp vegetable that adds sweet crunch and vibrant color.

Simple Instructions for Pea and Cheese Delight Salad

Step 1: Craft the Creamy Dressing

• Creamy mayonnaise
• Tangy plain yogurt
• Zesty apple cider vinegar
• Dried basil leaves
• Granulated sugar
• Garlic powder
• Seasoned salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Whisk these ingredients until they transform into a silky smooth mixture that will serve as the flavor foundation for your salad.

Step 2: Mix Colorful Vegetable Medley

• Finely chopped golden yellow bell pepper
• Shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• Diced crimson red onion
• Chopped bright red pimentos

Stir thoroughly to ensure every morsel gets a luxurious dressing coat.

Step 3: Gently Fold in Sweet Peas

Tenderly fold the bright green peas into the dressed mixture. Use a light touch to preserve their delicate shape and prevent crushing. Ensure each pea gets a generous dressing embrace.

Step 4: Chill and Marry Flavors

Seal the bowl with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap. Tuck the salad into the refrigerator for a minimum of 3-4 hours. This resting period allows the flavors to dance and intermingle, creating a harmonious taste experience.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the refrigerator just before serving. Give a gentle stir and scoop into a beautiful serving dish. This refreshing salad works perfectly as a side dish or light lunch companion.

Tips to Enhance Pea and Cheese Delight Salad

• Whisk with Precision: Use a wire whisk to blend dressing ingredients smoothly, eliminating any lumps for a silky, uniform texture.
• Chop Like a Pro: Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even flavor distribution and a consistent bite in every spoonful.
• Temperature Magic: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for the full recommended time to allow flavors to develop and intensify.
• Cheese Selection Trick: Choose a sharp Cheddar for extra tang and depth of flavor that complements the sweet peas perfectly.
• Freshness Boost: For maximum crunch and flavor, use fresh frozen peas rather than canned varieties.

Storing Leftovers of Pea and Cheese Delight Salad

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover salad to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the container sealed to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Stir Before Serving: Gently mix the salad before enjoying to redistribute the dressing and ensure even flavor. The peas and cheese might settle during storage, so a quick stir helps revive the original texture.
• Avoid Freezing: Do not freeze this salad, as the yogurt and mayonnaise-based dressing will separate and become watery, compromising the salad's creamy consistency and taste.

Perfect Mains to Serve with Pea and Cheese Delight Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the creamy, tangy salad with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, whose bright acidity cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise and cheese.
• Serve Alongside Grilled Proteins: Match the salad's cool, refreshing nature with warm, charred chicken, salmon, or pork chops to create a balanced, satisfying meal with contrasting temperatures and textures.
• Add Crunchy Bread Companion: Elevate the dish with toasted sourdough or crusty French baguette slices, providing a crisp textural contrast to the soft peas and smooth dressing while helping to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Enhance with Herbal Iced Tea: Complement the salad's herbal basil notes with a chilled mint or green tea, offering a light, refreshing beverage that cleanses the palate between bites.

Pea and Cheese Delight Salad Twists You’ll Love

• Fresh Herb Garden Salad: Replace dried basil with a mix of fresh chopped herbs like parsley, dill, and chives for a vibrant, aromatic flavor profile. Enhance the salad's brightness with additional fresh herbs.
• Spicy Southwest Pea Salad: Add diced jalapeños, swap Cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and include a pinch of cumin and chili powder. Incorporate chopped cilantro for an extra kick of southwestern flair.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Pea Medley: Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, add crumbled feta cheese, diced cucumber, and a sprinkle of dried oregano. Include kalamata olives for an authentic Mediterranean touch.
• Protein-Packed Power Salad: Mix in diced grilled chicken or cooked shrimp to transform the salad into a complete meal. Boost protein content while maintaining the original creamy dressing and vegetable base.

Pea And Cheese Delight Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy pea and cheese delight salad brings Mediterranean charm to summer dining. Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly, offering cool comfort with zesty undertones that invite you to savor each refreshing bite.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) shelled fresh peas or 2 packages (16 ounces or 454 grams each) frozen peas, thawed and well drained
• ½ medium yellow bell pepper, finely chopped (about ½ cup total)
• 1 tablespoon finely diced red onion
• 2 teaspoons diced pimentos

Cheese and Dairy:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) plain Greek style yogurt
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) mayonnaise
• ¼ cup (30 grams) shredded Cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon seasoned salt (such as Lawry’s brand)
• ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Craft a creamy foundation by whisking mayonnaise, yogurt, apple cider vinegar, dried basil, sugar, garlic powder, seasoned salt, and black pepper in a spacious mixing vessel until a silky, uniform dressing emerges.
2. Enhance the dressing with vibrant ingredients: incorporate finely diced yellow bell pepper, shredded Cheddar cheese, minced red onion, and diced pimentos, stirring thoroughly to ensure each morsel is generously coated.
3. Delicately introduce frozen peas into the mixture, gently folding to preserve their integrity while distributing them evenly throughout the salad.
4. Seal the bowl with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap, then transfer to the refrigerator for a minimum of four hours, allowing the flavors to harmonize and intensify.
5. Prior to serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing and revive the ingredients’ vibrancy, ensuring a consistent and delightful taste experience.

Notes

• Chilling is crucial for flavor development, giving the salad a richer taste profile.
• Gentle folding prevents crushing delicate peas, maintaining their perfect texture.
• Use fresh, crisp vegetables to enhance the overall crunch and visual appeal.
• Customize the dressing by adjusting spices to match your personal taste preferences.
• Serve cold as a refreshing side dish or light summer meal that impresses guests.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg