Description
This creamy dill cheddar pea salad is a go-to side dish, combining sweet frozen peas, sharp cheddar, fresh dill, and a tangy mayonnaise-based dressing. It’s an easy, hearty, and family-friendly side perfect for weeknights or potlucks, and great for meal prepping lunches.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz frozen peas
- 0.25 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Thaw and Drain Peas: Empty 16 oz (about 3 cups) of frozen peas into a colander. Let them thaw partially on the counter for 10-15 minutes until no longer icy but still quite cool to the touch. Drain them very well, pressing gently to remove excess water; pat dry lightly with a clean paper towel if needed to prevent a watery salad.
- Prep Other Ingredients: Finely dice 0.25 cup of red onion (aim for small, consistent pieces). Cube or shred 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese. Chop 2 tablespoons of fresh dill.
- Make the Creamy Dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 0.5 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 0.5 teaspoon salt, and 0.25 teaspoon black pepper until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the thoroughly drained peas, finely diced red onion, prepared cheddar cheese, and fresh dill into the creamy dressing using a rubber spatula. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Chill Salad: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is essential for flavors to meld and deepen, and for the salad to firm up slightly.
Notes
For a lighter option, use reduced-fat mayonnaise or replace half with Greek yogurt. Finely diced celery or celery seed can add extra crunch and earthy undertones. Ensure peas are well-drained to prevent a watery salad. If dressing is too thick, thin with 1-2 teaspoons of milk or water. Store chilled leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.75 cup (150 g)
- Calories: 280 calories
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: pea salad, creamy, dill, cheddar, potluck, side dish, easy, family-friendly, no-cook, meal prep