Cheese and Pea Salad
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy
This Cheese and Pea Salad is proof that simple ingredients can come together in the best way! With a creamy homemade dressing, sweet peas, cheddar cheese, and fresh veggies, it’s a quick and flavorful dish that pairs well with just about anything. Here you have an easy, crowd-pleasing salad that’s nostalgic and delicious!
If you love a good old-fashioned recipe, this Cheese and Pea Salad is one to try! I stumbled upon it in an old cookbook and knew I had to make it. I’m so glad I did! While I’ll always love a classic pasta or macaroni salad, sometimes it’s fun to switch things up with a recipe that feels both nostalgic and fresh at the same time.
This pea salad is a fantastic side dish for just about any meal. Served cold, it’s especially perfect for spring and summer gatherings, but honestly, it works any time of year. Whether you’re looking for something a little different to bring to a potluck or just want to add a new favorite to your rotation, this recipe is definitely worth a try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is a nostalgic classic. If you love old-fashioned recipes that stand the test of time, this Cheese and Pea Salad is a must-try. It’s one of those simple, comforting dishes that feels like it belongs at every gathering, bringing back memories of potlucks, picnics, and family dinners.
- It’s an easy and refreshing side dish. With no cooking required (aside from boiling the eggs), this salad comes together quickly with just a handful of ingredients. Plus, since it’s served cold, it’s the perfect make-ahead dish for warm-weather meals or holiday spreads.
- The combination of sweet peas, crunchy celery, sharp cheddar, and creamy dressing creates a blend of flavors and textures that makes every bite interesting. The hint of sweetness from the pickle relish and the slight kick from the ground mustard round it out beautifully.
- It’s versatile and customizable. This salad is fantastic as-is, but you can easily switch things up to suit your taste. Try adding crispy bacon, swapping cheddar for Colby Jack, or using Greek yogurt in place of some of the mayo for a lighter twist.
Looking for more easy, unique, and delicious salad recipes? You’ve got it! Check out this collection of all Inspired by Charm’s best salad recipes. I’m certain you’ll find several new recipes to enjoy!
Ingredients
It’s time to gather all the ingredients you’ll need to make this Cheese and Pea Salad.
- Peas – The base of this salad, peas add a pop of sweetness and a soft yet slightly firm texture. You can use fresh or frozen peas—just be sure to thaw them if using frozen.
- Celery – Chopped celery brings a refreshing crunch and a subtle earthy flavor that balances the creamy dressing.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs – These add richness and a bit of protein, making the salad more satisfying while complementing the creamy dressing.
- Green Onions – Green onions provide a mild onion flavor with a touch of freshness, adding just the right amount of zing without being overpowering.
- Cheddar Cheese – Cubed cheddar brings a savory, slightly sharp bite that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the peas and the tangy dressing.
- Radishes – Thinly sliced radishes add a peppery crunch, giving the salad a little extra texture and a pop of color.
- Mayonnaise – The base of the dressing, mayonnaise makes everything creamy and ties all the flavors together.
- Sweet Pickle Relish – A touch of relish adds sweetness and tang, enhancing the overall flavor and giving the salad a slight zip.
- Sugar – Just a small amount helps balance the tangy and savory elements in the dressing.
- Seasoned Salt – This blend of salt and spices brings depth and a little extra seasoning to the salad.
- Ground Mustard – A key ingredient for rounding out the dressing, ground mustard adds subtle warmth and a hint of spice without overpowering the dish.
How To Make
It’s time to mix up this Cheese and Pea Salad. Ready? Perfect! I’ll still take you through the steps below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below.
- In a large bowl, combine the peas, celery, eggs, green onions, cheddar cheese, and radishes.
💌 SAVE THIS POST / RECIPE!
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later! Plus, I'll send you more inspiring ideas I think you'll love!
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, pickle relish, sugar, seasoned salt, and ground mustard until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and gently stir to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
And with that, this sensational side dish is ready to be enjoyed!
What I love most about this salad is how effortlessly it comes together. With just a handful of ingredients and no complicated steps, it’s a recipe that feels easy but still delivers flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making it a few hours ahead allows the flavors to meld together. Just store it covered in the refrigerator and stir it well before serving. If making it a day in advance, you may need to add a little extra mayo to freshen it up.
Can I use canned peas instead of fresh or frozen?
I would avoid canned peas for this recipe. They tend to be a bit mussy and you definitely want a fresh crispy pea for this recipe.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can swap part or all of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or sour cream. This will add a bit more tang while still keeping the salad creamy.
Can I add other ingredients to customize this salad?
Absolutely! This recipe is easy to tweak to your taste. Try adding crispy bacon, shredded carrots, or even chopped dill pickles for extra crunch and flavor.
More Unique Salads You’ll Love
That’s a wrap on this Cheese and Pea Salad. Whether you’re making it for a summer picnic, a holiday gathering, or just because you’re craving something fresh and creamy, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. If you try it, I’d love to know what you think. Would you please stop back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below? I’d appreciate it!
Want more from Inspired by Charm? Join the IBC Mailing List for inspiration in your inbox! Follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my processes. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest!
Cheese and Pea Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen peas thawed
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 2 hard-boiled large eggs chopped
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 1 cup cubed cheddar cheese about 1/2 inch cubes
- ½ cup thinly sliced radishes
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 Tbsp. sweet pickle relish
- 1 tsp. sugar
- 1 tsp. seasoned salt
- 1 tsp. ground mustard
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the peas, celery, eggs, green onions, cheddar cheese, and radishes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, pickle relish, sugar, seasoned salt, and ground mustard until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and gently stir to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.