Spring Pea Salad: A Fresh and Vibrant Easter Delight 🐰🌷🥗

1. Introduction

Looking for the perfect side dish to brighten up your Easter dinner? This vibrant and refreshing spring pea salad recipe is exactly what you need! Bursting with fresh flavors and colorful ingredients, this salad is not only delicious but also adds a touch of springtime elegance to your holiday table. A delightful Easter salad with peas is the perfect way to celebrate the season. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, light dishes, and this salad fits the bill perfectly.

This spring pea salad recipe features sweet green peas, savory ham, sharp cheddar cheese, and crisp red onion, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s a delightful combination of textures and tastes that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Think of the delightful crunch of the red onion complementing the sweetness of the peas. Whether you call it an Easter salad with peas or simply a fresh pea salad, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Ready to elevate your Easter feast with this easy and delicious springtime salad recipe? If you’re looking for another great side dish to serve alongside this, consider these Family Favorite Scalloped Potatoes. They are creamy, cheesy and delicious!

2. Why This Spring Pea Salad is Perfect for Easter

Easter is a time for celebration, family, and of course, delicious food! This spring pea salad recipe is the ideal addition to your Easter menu for several reasons: Plus, it offers a lighter alternative to some of the heavier dishes often served.

• Seasonal Freshness: It utilizes fresh, seasonal ingredients like peas, which are at their peak in the springtime. If you can’t find fresh peas, frozen peas work just as well.
• Bright and Colorful: Its vibrant green hue and colorful additions make it visually appealing and perfect for a festive occasion. The red onion and yellow cheese add lovely pops of color.
• Easy to Prepare: This spring pea salad recipe requires minimal cooking and can be made ahead of time, freeing you up to focus on other aspects of your Easter celebration. That’s a huge win when you have a million other things to do!
• Versatile: It pairs well with a variety of main dishes, from roasted ham to grilled lamb. Looking for the perfect glazed ham? Look no further than this Delicious Glazed Ham Recipe!

Essentially, this fresh pea salad is the quintessential springtime salad recipe you’ve been searching for. It’s a dish that is both satisfying and refreshing, a perfect balance!

3. Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delectable Easter salad with peas, gather the following ingredients. Quality ingredients will truly make a difference in the final flavor.

• 2 cups fresh or frozen peas (if using frozen, thaw and drain)
• 1 cup diced cooked ham
• 1 cup cubed cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Consider using a high-quality mayonnaise for the best flavor. You can also adjust the amount of sugar to your liking, depending on how sweet you prefer your salad.

4. Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own amazing spring pea salad recipe. Each step is important for creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Step 1: Prepare the Peas

If using fresh peas, shell them. If using frozen peas, thaw them completely and drain any excess water. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture in your fresh pea salad. Nobody wants a soggy salad!

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the prepared peas, diced ham, cubed cheddar cheese, and chopped red onion. These ingredients create a symphony of flavors and textures in this Easter salad with peas. Make sure the ham and cheese are cut into roughly the same size cubes for visual appeal.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and sugar until smooth. This creamy and tangy dressing perfectly complements the other ingredients in this springtime salad recipe. The apple cider vinegar adds a wonderful tanginess that balances the sweetness of the peas.

Step 4: Dress and Chill

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This chilling period enhances the overall taste of your fresh pea salad. Patient is key here!

5. Tips for the Best Spring Pea Salad

Elevate your spring pea salad recipe with these helpful tips. Small details can make a big difference.

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better your salad will taste. Look for fresh, vibrant peas and good-quality ham and cheddar cheese. Don’t skimp on the cheese!
• Don’t Overdress: Add the dressing gradually, ensuring that the salad is well-coated but not swimming in dressing. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
• Make Ahead: This salad can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to develop. However, be mindful that the dressing might thin out slightly, so you may need to stir it before serving.
• Customize: Feel free to add other ingredients you enjoy, such as chopped celery, hard-boiled eggs, or toasted almonds. This spring pea salad recipe is a great base for customization. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

6. Variations and Additions

Want to put your own spin on this spring pea salad recipe? Here are a few ideas. This is where you can really get creative and make the recipe your own!

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ham with crumbled feta cheese or toasted walnuts for a vegetarian fresh pea salad. This is a great way to cater to dietary restrictions.
• Add Herbs: Fresh mint, dill, or parsley can add a bright, herbaceous note to your salad. A little bit of fresh herbs goes a long way! You can even find some great ideas at this other delicious pea salad recipe.
• Change the Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even goat cheese. Each cheese will add a unique flavor profile.
• Vinegar Variety: Try using white wine vinegar or lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar for a slightly different tangy flavor. Lemon juice will impart a brighter, more citrusy taste.

7. Serving Suggestions

This Easter salad with peas is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses, including:

• Roasted ham
• Grilled lamb
• Baked chicken
• Vegetarian quiche

It’s also a great addition to a buffet or potluck. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs or a sprinkle of paprika for an extra touch of elegance. And if you’re looking for a delicious dessert to complete your Easter meal, why not try this Delicious Carrot Cake or maybe even a Pineapple Paradise Cake? Both would be perfect complements to this salad!

8. Storage Instructions

Store leftover spring pea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become slightly watery as it sits, so give it a good stir before serving. Also, be sure to check out these other delicious salad recipes while you’re at it!

9. Conclusion

This spring pea salad recipe is a delightful and refreshing addition to your Easter dinner or any springtime meal. With its fresh ingredients, creamy dressing, and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy this vibrant and flavorful Easter salad with peas! If you’re looking for more easy recipes, check out this Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup, Ritz Cracker Chicken, Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup, Easy No-Bake Cheesy Bread or Pineapple Casserole for Easter Dinner!

Spring Pea Salad for Easter Dinner

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• Author: Serena Miller
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

Brighten your Easter dinner with this vibrant Spring Pea Salad recipe! Fresh peas, ham, cheddar, and red onion tossed in a creamy dressing make a delightful and easy side dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups fresh or frozen peas (thawed and drained)
• 1 cup diced cooked ham
• 1 cup cubed cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Peas: If using fresh peas, shell them. If using frozen peas, thaw them completely and drain any excess water.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the prepared peas, diced ham, cubed cheddar cheese, and chopped red onion.
3. Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and sugar until smooth.
4. Dress and Chill: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Notes

• Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Don’t overdress the salad; add gradually.
• Make ahead for enhanced flavor.
• Customize with celery, hard-boiled eggs, or toasted almonds.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 280 Kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: spring pea salad, easter salad, pea salad recipe, springtime salad recipe, fresh pea salad, easter dinner side dish, ham and pea salad