Creamy Pea Salad (Easy Make-Ahead Side Dish)

This Creamy Pea Salad recipe is a delicious and easy vegetable side dish, or light main dish that you can enjoy any time of year. Made with sweet green peas and a tangy, creamy dressing, it’s also great with add-ins like cheese, bacon, turkey, or ham. The perfect side dish for potlucks, picnics, BBQs, or quick lunches. Simple, flavorful, and filling!

Best Pea Salad Recipe

Pea Salad is a quick and easy side dish salad. Cool and creamy, combining the sweetness of green peas with the savory goodness of the creamy dressing. Try it with my Salisbury Steak Meatballs.

It’s completely customizable! Add your favorite protein, cheese, or mix-ins, or keep it simple. However you make it, this cold pea salad is a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pea Salad

Here's why I love it, and why I think you will, too!

• Quick & Easy – Minimal chopping, then just mix everything together!
• Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Friendly – Make the day before your event. Also great for meal prepping lunches.
• Customizable – Use whatever protein or cheese you have on hand, or leave them out.
• Perfect for Any Season – Made with frozen peas, so you can enjoy it year-round.
• Cool & Refreshing – A creamy salad that’s especially satisfying in warmer months.

It's a simple salad to prepare, and the dressing is creamy and flavorful, with a hint of dill.

Pea Salad is wonderful, and one of my favorite things to eat in the summer.

Ingredients in Easy Pea Salad Recipe

You can add any meat or cheese to your taste. Or keep it vegetarian, it’s delicious either way!
• Green Peas
• Mayonnaise
• Sour Cream
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Sugar
• Kosher Salt
• Black Pepper
• Fresh Dill (optional)
• Red Onion (or Green Onion)

Protein Options
A great way to use up leftover meat.
• Leftover Roasted or Smoked Turkey
• Grilled Chicken or Shrimp
• Cubed Ham or Crispy Bacon

Cheese Options
• Sharp Cheddar, Mild Cheddar, White Cheddar
• Monterey Jack, Swiss, Mozzarella, or Gouda
• Or leave it out if you prefer

How to Make Creamy Pea Salad

Making this easy pea salad takes just a few simple steps:

1. Thaw the Peas – Let the frozen peas sit at room temperature or run them under cool water in a colander. Drain well.
2. Make the Dressing – In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and dill (if using).
3. Mix it All Together – Add the peas, onion, and any optional add-ins (like cheese or cooked meat). Stir gently to coat.
4. Chill – Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor. Stir before serving

That’s it! A quick, creamy salad that’s perfect for any occasion.

FAQ – Creamy Pea Salad

What are people asking?

• Can I use canned peas instead of frozen?
  Frozen peas are best because they’re firmer and have a fresher taste. Canned peas tend to be too soft and may make the salad mushy. If using canned, drain and rinse well, and stir them in gently.
• Do I need to cook the peas first?
  Nope! Frozen peas are already blanched, so just thaw them. No cooking required.
• How far ahead can I make this salad?
  You can make it up to a day in advance. It actually tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld. Just give it a good stir before serving.
• Can I make this salad without mayonnaise?
  Yes! You can substitute Greek yogurt or a mix of Greek yogurt and sour cream for a lighter version. Just note the flavor will be a bit tangier.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy pea salad pairs wonderfully with:
• Barbecue Beef Roast or Meatloaf
• Sandwiches and Sliders
• Other classic picnic fare like pasta salad or baked beans
• A simple green salad for a light lunch combo

Make-Ahead Tips

• Make this salad a few hours in advance so the flavors can meld.
• If prepping ahead, wait to add any crispy toppings (like bacon) until just before serving.
• Stir before serving to redistribute the creamy dressing.

Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to about 3 days.
• Do not freeze—the texture of the peas and dressing won’t hold up.

More Great Salad Recipes You Might Like

Mexican Street Corn Salad
Italian Pasta Salad
Easy Instant Pot Potato Salad
Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Orange Vinaigrette
Caprese Orzo Salad

If you make this easy Pea Salad, please leave a comment and a star rating below. I’d love to know how you customized it and what you served it with!

5 from 1 vote

Print

Creamy Pea Salad

Prep Time

10 mins

Chilling Time

30 mins

Total Time

40 mins

 

Pea Salad with Smoked Turkey is a tasty side or main dish salad. You can also use either bacon or ham. Simply delicious! 

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: leftover turkey soup, main dish salad, side dish salad

Servings: 5 - 7

Calories: 220 kcal

Author: Sandy Clifton

Ingredients

• 16 oz Frozen Peas, partially thawed (or fresh)
• 6 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese, cubed
• ½ Small Red Onion, finely minced
• ½ cup Mayonnaise
• ⅓ cup Sour Cream
• ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
• ½ teaspoon Dill Weed, dried
• Pinch of Kosher Salt, to taste
• Pinch of Black Pepper

Optional

• 1 cup Diced Protein (See Notes)

Instructions

1. Put peas in a bowl and add the turkey, cheese, and onion.

2. In a small bowl combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and the seasonings. Stir well to combine.

3. Pour dressing over the salad and mix until all of the salad is coated.

4. Cover the bowl and put the salad in the fridge to develop flavors for at least 30 minutes before serving.

5. Serve chilled.

Recipe Notes

Protein Options

You can use cubed ham or cooked bacon, chicken, firm tofu

Use any cheese that you like. My favorites are Cheddar, Mozzarella, Swiss, and Gouda.

 

 

 

 

 

Per serving (without protein added): | Calories: 220 | Carbohydrates: 14g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 300mg | Sugar: 5g | Fiber: 3g |