Name: Creamy Pea Salad with Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/3 cup plain full fat or 2% Greek yogurt (may substitute sour cream); 2 tablespoons mayo (I like Primal Kitchen avocado oil mayo); 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar); 1 teaspoon pure honey; ½ teaspoon fine salt, more to taste; ¼ teaspoon black pepper, more to taste; 10-12 ounces frozen peas, thawed; 2 hard boiled eggs, chopped; ½ cup thinly sliced radishes; ½ cup cubed sharp cheddar cheese (2 ounces); ¼ cup diced red onion (may substitute sliced green onions); 3 tablespoons fresh herbs (a mix of dill and chives); ½ cup roasted sunflower seeds (may substitute chopped cashews or almonds); 3 strips bacon, cooked to crisp, chopped (~⅓ cup)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 3 reviews

There is something truly comforting about a salad that is both fresh and indulgently creamy, and that is exactly what you get with this Creamy Pea Salad with Cheese Recipe. It brings together sweet, tender peas and sharp cheddar cheese, all coated with a luscious blend of Greek yogurt, mayo, and tangy vinegar. Toss in crunchy radishes, crispy bacon, and roasted sunflower seeds, and you have a symphony of textures and flavors that dances on your palate. Whether you’re looking for a bright side dish for dinner or a delightful salad to bring to a gathering, this dish is an absolute winner that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows various ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface, each in separate white bowls or clear glass bowls. Starting from the bottom left, there is a white colander filled with bright green peas. Above this, a clear bowl holds light brown sunflower seeds. Next to it, a white bowl contains chopped fresh green herbs. In the center, a white bowl is filled with thinly sliced white and red radishes. To the right, there are four smaller bowls: one holds finely chopped red onions, another one contains orange cubed butternut squash, the third has chopped crispy bacon, and the last one has chopped hard-boiled eggs with bright yellow yolks. At the top, three glass bowls contain light yellow honey, beige tahini, and creamy white mayonnaise or sour cream. The arrangement is neat, and all items are clearly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Creamy Pea Salad with Cheese Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in balancing creaminess, crunch, and flavor. From the velvety Greek yogurt dressing to the crisp radishes and smoky bacon, these essentials come together with ease to create a salad bursting with color and taste.

Plain Greek yogurt (⅓ cup): Adds creamy tang and a healthy protein boost, making the dressing light yet rich.
Mayo (2 tablespoons): Contributes smoothness and helps bind the salad ingredients together perfectly.
Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brings a bright, subtle acidity that lifts the flavors and balances the creaminess.
Honey (1 teaspoon): A touch of sweetness that softens the tang of the vinegar and brightens the overall flavor.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every component without overpowering them.
Frozen peas (10–12 ounces, thawed): Sweet and tender, they’re the star of the salad and provide a beautiful pop of green.
Hard boiled eggs (2, chopped): Offer richness and a comforting texture contrast.
Radishes (½ cup, thinly sliced): Provide crunch and a peppery bite for balance.
Sharp cheddar cheese (½ cup, cubed): Adds a bold, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the peas.
Red onion (¼ cup, diced): Infuses a mild sharpness and crunch; green onions work great if preferred.
Fresh herbs (3 tablespoons): Dill and chives bring freshness and a delicate fragrance that brighten every bite.
Roasted sunflower seeds (½ cup): Add an irresistible nutty crunch that elevates the texture profile.
Bacon (3 strips, cooked crisp and chopped): Introduces smoky, savory depth that makes this salad truly crave-worthy.

How to Make Creamy Pea Salad with Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Start by whisking together the Greek yogurt, mayo, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This mixture creates the creamy, tangy dressing that brings all the salad ingredients together in harmony. Take a moment to taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed—this layer of flavor is what makes the salad unforgettable.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, gently toss the thawed peas with the chopped eggs, thinly sliced radishes, cubed cheddar cheese, diced red onion, and fresh herbs. The herbs are your little bursts of sunshine, infusing fresh, bright notes that compliment the richness. Pour your freshly made dressing over this vibrant mixture and fold everything together with care, ensuring every bite is deliciously coated.

Step 3: Add Crunch and Bacon

If you plan to serve the salad immediately, now is the time to add the roasted sunflower seeds and the crispy bacon pieces. Toss them gently through the salad to distribute their crunch and smoky goodness evenly. However, if you’re making this ahead, save these ingredients for just before serving to keep their texture at its peak.

Step 4: Season and Taste

Give your salad one final taste test. Add a pinch more salt or a dash of pepper if you feel it needs a little extra flavor pop. This small tweak ensures every spoonful is perfectly balanced and ready to delight.

Step 5: Chill and Serve or Store

You can enjoy this salad right away or refrigerate it to let the flavors meld and intensify. If storing, cover it tightly and keep it chilled until you’re ready to eat. It loves a little rest time to bring out its full potential.

How to Serve Creamy Pea Salad with Cheese Recipe

A white bowl filled with a colorful salad consisting of many small green peas, thin slices of white and pink radish, small orange cheese cubes, and bits of browned bacon, all mixed with fresh dill and a creamy dressing that coats the ingredients lightly. The salad has a mix of green, orange, white, and pink colors with some chopped herbs sprinkled on top. The bowl is held by a woman's hand at the bottom right, while another woman's hand holds a gold fork that is lifting some salad from the bowl. The setting shows a white marbled surface with a striped cloth napkin and several gold forks in the background, along with a stack of white plates. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Consider sprinkling a few extra herbs on top for a fresh, inviting look. Additional crispy bacon or roasted seeds can also be used as a garnish to add visual appeal and texture just before serving.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Pea Salad with Cheese Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light meal. It also complements classic barbecue fare like ribs, burgers, or hot dogs, bringing a fresh, creamy contrast to smoky dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salad in a clear glass bowl to showcase its colorful layers or spoon portions onto individual salad plates topped with a radish slice and a sprinkle of herbs. For a picnic or potluck, it’s great served in a large mason jar or colorful ceramic bowl to make a stunning presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover salad in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep any bacon and roasted seeds separate if possible and add them fresh before serving to retain their crunch.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen. Freezing may affect the texture of the peas, radishes, and cheese, so it’s not recommended for preserving this Creamy Pea Salad with Cheese Recipe.

Reheating

Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not necessary. If you want to enjoy it at room temperature, allow it to sit out for 15–20 minutes after refrigeration, then stir gently and serve.

FAQs

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh peas add a wonderfully sweet and tender bite. Just blanch them briefly in boiling water and cool them quickly before adding to the salad.

What can I substitute for cheddar cheese?

Sharp cheddar brings a great tang, but you can also use gouda, mozzarella, or even feta for a different flavor profile that still pairs beautifully with the peas.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes! Use dairy-free yogurt and vegan mayo to replicate the creamy dressing, and be sure to omit the cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative.

How do I make this salad ahead without it getting soggy?

Prepare the dressing and salad ingredients separately, then combine and toss just before serving. Keep crunchy elements like bacon and seeds aside until the last minute.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Definitely! Chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or sweet bell peppers would all add great freshness and texture to this already vibrant salad.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Creamy Pea Salad with Cheese Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to dishes for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or just because you deserve a delicious treat. It’s bright, creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect side or light main that’s as satisfying as it is colorful. I can’t wait for you to bring this salad to your table and watch it disappear bite by bite!

Creamy Pea Salad with Cheese Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need