Pin it
Bright green peas, tangy cheddar, and crisp veggies blend perfectly in this delightfully easy salad. The creamy homemade dressing ties everything together, making a dish that's both familiar and fresh. Great for summer parties but also perfect any time of year, this no-cook dish goes amazingly with anything from barbecue to holiday meals while taking minimal effort and delivering tons of flavor.
I found this treasure while looking through my grandma's handwritten recipes last year. The page had food stains all over it, so I knew it must be good. When I made it for our family barbecue, my uncle tried it and said right away, "This is exactly what Grandma used to make!" Seeing how happy that food memory made him turned this simple salad into something really special.
Wholesome Ingredients
Colorful Foundation
- Green Peas: Tiny bursts of sweetness that pop when you bite them. In summer, fresh peas are wonderful, but frozen peas quickly cooled under running water work perfectly all year and keep their bright green color.
- Celery: Adds that must-have crunch and light peppery freshness against the soft peas. Pick really crisp stalks and cut them into small pieces for the best texture throughout.
- Radishes: These spicy little gems add unexpected kick and pretty pink color. Cut them super thin to spread their zingy flavor without taking over the other tastes.
Tasty Add-ins
- Cheddar Cheese: Little blocks of sharp cheddar create pockets of savory goodness throughout. Cutting fresh cheese yourself instead of buying pre-shredded gives way better flavor and the perfect chewy bits.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: Bring creaminess and protein while adding another texture. Cook them just enough so the yolks stay bright yellow but firm for the prettiest look and best taste.
- Green Onions: Give mild onion flavor without being too strong. Using both the white and green parts adds more complexity and makes the salad prettier.
Dressing Ingredients
- Mayonnaise: Makes the creamy base that hugs every ingredient perfectly. Regular full-fat mayo gives the best results, though lighter versions can work if you prefer.
- Sweet Pickle Relish: Brings tangy sweetness and tiny crunchy bits throughout. The subtle pickle flavor makes everything taste better without being too obvious.
- Seasonings: The right mix of sugar, seasoned salt, and ground mustard turns this simple dressing into something really special, adding layers of flavor you'd miss otherwise.
Pin it
Easy Assembly
Veggie Prep
Start by making sure your peas are totally thawed if using frozen ones, and drain off any extra water that might water down your dressing later. Gently pat them with paper towels if needed to get rid of moisture while keeping their round shape intact.
Smart Cutting
Cut your celery into tiny, even pieces, trying to match the size of the peas themselves. This little detail makes sure every bite has well-mixed textures and flavors throughout the finished salad.
Mixing with Care
Chop your hard-boiled eggs into chunks a bit bigger than the peas, keeping that nice contrast between white and yellow parts. Cut green onions at angles to make them look prettier in the final dish.
Cheese Approach
Cut your cheddar into small cubes instead of shredding it, so you get actual bites of cheese throughout the salad. This works better than shredding, which can just disappear into the dressing.
Thin Slicing
Clean your radishes and slice them super thin, using a mandoline if you have one. Their bright pink edges make the salad look beautiful while spreading their spicy flavor throughout without overwhelming everything else.
Mixing the Dressing
In another bowl, stir together mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, sugar, seasoned salt, and ground mustard until smooth. Give it a taste and adjust the flavors if needed before moving on to make sure it's just right.
Careful Combining
Pour your dressing over all the veggies and use a rubber spatula to gently fold everything together. This careful approach coats everything evenly while keeping all the different textures that make this salad so good.
Chilling Time
Put your finished salad in a serving bowl, cover it well, and stick it in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This resting time lets all the flavors mix together while the dressing soaks into everything for a perfectly balanced result.
Pin it
The first time I tried making this salad, I used leftover roasted peas from the night before instead of fresh or frozen ones. It was still good, but completely changed the salad's character. Those roasted peas added a nutty flavor that my husband actually liked better, but my kids all voted for the traditional version with its sweeter, pop-in-your-mouth texture. Now I sometimes make both versions depending on who's coming over for dinner.
Ideal Pairings
Make this versatile salad into a full meal by serving it with grilled meats. The cool, creamy texture works amazingly against hot chicken, juicy steaks, or flavorful salmon. Its brightness cuts through rich foods, cleaning your palate between bites and making the whole meal better.
Build an old-fashioned picnic spread by putting this salad next to fried chicken and fluffy biscuits. This combo makes a satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome. It's especially good for outdoor gatherings where comfort food creates a laid-back vibe.
Add this salad to your holiday menu alongside ham or turkey. You can make it ahead which reduces cooking stress on the big day, and its refreshing flavors balance out heavy holiday dishes. Guests usually appreciate having something light and bright on their plate among all the rich seasonal foods.
Tasty Twists
Try a Mediterranean spin by swapping feta for cheddar and adding cucumber chunks and fresh dill to the mix. A bit of lemon juice in the dressing adds brightness while keeping that creamy texture everyone loves. This version goes particularly well with grilled fish or Greek-style chicken.
Make the salad heartier by adding crunchy bacon bits and replacing some mayo with sour cream for extra tang. The smoky bacon works beautifully with the sweet peas while adding another texture. This heavier version makes a great side for burger cookouts or casual get-togethers.
Create a springtime version by adding chopped fresh asparagus and using small cubes of Swiss cheese instead of cheddar. A spoonful of Dijon mustard in the dressing complements these lighter flavors while keeping the creamy base. This variation fits perfectly at Easter gatherings or spring brunches.
Keeping It Fresh
Keep your salad at its best by storing it in a flat container with a tight lid rather than a deep bowl. This helps it cool faster and prevents water from collecting on top. When stored properly, the salad stays delicious for up to three days in the fridge.
Perk up day-old salad that seems dry by gently mixing in a tiny bit of extra mayo just before serving. A splash of cold water can help thin the dressing without watering down the flavor. This quick fix makes leftover salad taste almost as good as freshly made.
Use up aging salad by spreading it in wraps with sliced turkey or ham. The creamy texture works perfectly as a spread while the veggies add flavor and crunch. This creative reuse cuts down on food waste while making a completely different meal.
Pin it
I once took this salad to a block party where it sat next to fancy pasta dishes and complicated casseroles. Nobody paid much attention to it at first until someone tried it and loudly asked who made "that amazing pea thing." Soon a little crowd gathered around my simple dish, and I went home with an empty bowl and several requests for the recipe. There's something really satisfying about watching people discover that ordinary ingredients can create extraordinary flavors when combined thoughtfully. This salad taught me that cooking doesn't need to be complicated to impress people—sometimes the magic happens when you just let simple ingredients shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can frozen peas be used for this dish?
- Absolutely. Just thaw and drain them well, so they don't water down the dressing.
- → How early can I prepare this dish?
- You can make it a full day ahead. The flavors actually deepen after time in the fridge.
- → Is there a healthier alternative for mayo?
- Try mixing mayo with Greek yogurt. It keeps it creamy but cuts some calories.
- → What meals pair well with this dish?
- Grilled meats, fried chicken, sandwiches, or burgers pair wonderfully. Great pick for group meals!
- → How long can I store this in the fridge?
- It stays good for 3-4 days in a sealed container, though the veggies may soften a bit.