If you’re looking for a refreshing and flavorful dish that can brighten up any meal, this Pea Salad Recipe with Red Onions and Cheese is the answer. Combining the sweetness of peas with the sharpness of red onions and the creaminess of cheese creates a delightful balance of flavors that will leave everyone wanting more. This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for your table. The vibrant colors make it visually appealing, perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. With minimal preparation time and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can whip up this dish effortlessly. In just about 20 minutes, you can serve up a bowl of this delightful salad that will impress your guests or family members. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a light lunch on its own, this pea salad recipe offers versatility that fits various occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Pea Salad Recipe with Red Onions and Cheese

• Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
• Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners

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Ingredients for Pea Salad Recipe with Red Onions and Cheese

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Green Peas: Use either frozen peas that have been thawed or fresh peas; both options provide great flavor and texture.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced to add a sharp bite; choose smaller onions for milder flavor if preferred.
• Creamy Cheese: Feta or goat cheese works best; they add richness to the salad.
• Dressing Ingredients: Olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper combine to create a simple yet zesty dressing.
• Fresh Herbs (optional): Chopped parsley or mint can elevate the flavors while adding freshness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Pea Salad Recipe with Red Onions and Cheese

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by rinsing your fresh green peas under cold water if using fresh ones. If you’re using frozen peas, allow them to thaw completely.

Step 2: Chop the Vegetables

Next, slice the red onion into thin rings or half-moons depending on your preference. Make sure they are evenly cut for an even distribution in the salad.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning according to taste.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the peas, sliced red onions, and crumbled creamy cheese. Pour the dressing over the mixture.

Step 5: Toss Gently

Using a spatula or spoon, gently toss all ingredients together until everything is coated well. Be careful not to mash the peas.

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

For best results, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld together beautifully.

Transfer to plates as needed; garnish with fresh herbs if desired for that perfect finishing touch.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Freshness Counts: Always opt for fresh ingredients when possible as they enhance flavor significantly.
• Creamy Texture: For creamier consistency in your dressing, consider adding Greek yogurt as an alternative to oil.
• Add Crunch: Include chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for added texture.

How to Serve Pea Salad Recipe with Red Onions and Cheese

This Pea Salad Recipe with Red Onions and Cheese is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• Grilled Chicken: The freshness of the salad enhances the smoky flavors of grilled chicken, creating a balanced meal.
• Pasta Dishes: This salad adds a crunchy texture that complements creamy or tomato-based pasta dishes perfectly.
• Sandwiches: A refreshing side that cuts through the richness of meats and spreads, making every bite enjoyable.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: Prepare the pea salad components—chopped red onions, cheese, and peas—up to two days in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness until you are ready to combine them.
• Storing: Leftover pea salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Ensure it’s tightly sealed to prevent it from absorbing other odors from the fridge.
• Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold; however, if you prefer it warm, gently heat it in a pan over low heat for about five minutes. Avoid overheating as this may affect the texture of the peas and cheese.

Suggestions for Pea Salad Recipe with Red Onions and Cheese

Avoid Overcooking the Peas

One common mistake when preparing a pea salad recipe with red onions and cheese is overcooking the peas. When you boil or steam peas for too long, they lose their vibrant color and fresh flavor, becoming mushy instead. For best results, cook the peas just until they are tender yet still bright green. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes in boiling water. After cooking, immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. This technique preserves their crunchiness, ensuring your salad has the perfect texture and taste.

Choosing the Wrong Type of Cheese

Selecting the right cheese is vital in a pea salad recipe with red onions and cheese. Many people mistakenly choose cheeses that are too strong or salty, which can overpower the delicate flavors of peas and onions. Opt for milder cheeses like feta or mozzarella that complement rather than dominate the dish. If you love a bit of tanginess, crumbled goat cheese can also work well. Always taste before adding more to ensure a balanced flavor profile that enhances your salad instead of overwhelming it.

Skipping Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs play a crucial role in enhancing the flavor of your pea salad recipe with red onions and cheese. Omitting them can result in a bland dish. Consider adding fresh dill, parsley, or mint to elevate the overall taste and aroma of your salad. These herbs not only add freshness but also a splash of color, making your dish visually appealing as well. Make sure to chop them finely before mixing them into your salad for an even distribution throughout.

Not Balancing Flavors

A key element in any successful pea salad recipe with red onions and cheese is achieving a harmonious balance of flavors. Some cooks fail to consider this aspect, leading to overly sweet or sour salads. To strike the right balance, incorporate ingredients such as lemon juice or vinegar to add acidity against the sweetness of peas and onions. Additionally, consider seasoning generously with salt and black pepper; these simple additions can make a significant difference in bringing out all the flavors.

FAQs

What are some variations for this pea salad recipe with red onions and cheese?

You can easily customize your pea salad recipe with red onions and cheese by adding various ingredients based on your taste preferences. For instance, feel free to include cherry tomatoes for sweetness or diced bell peppers for crunch. You may also experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or parmesan for added depth of flavor. Nuts such as walnuts or almonds can introduce an enjoyable crunch as well, while dried fruits like cranberries provide a contrasting sweetness.

Can I prepare this pea salad recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare your pea salad recipe with red onions and cheese ahead of time! However, it’s best to mix all ingredients just before serving to maintain freshness. You can cook the peas and chop all other components earlier in the day or even a day prior. Store each ingredient separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to combine them. This way, you’ll have a fresh-tasting salad that retains its quality.

How do I store leftovers from my pea salad?

If you have leftovers from your pea salad recipe with red onions and cheese, storing them properly will ensure they stay fresh longer. Place any uneaten portions in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly within two hours after serving. The salad will typically last about 2-3 days in the fridge; however, note that some ingredients may lose their texture over time. If possible, keep dressing separate until you’re ready to serve again for better results.

What should I serve alongside this pea salad?

This delightful pea salad recipe with red onions and cheese pairs wonderfully with various main dishes. Grilled chicken or fish provides a light protein option that complements its fresh flavors exquisitely. Alternatively, you could serve it alongside barbecued meats during summer gatherings or as part of a picnic spread. The crispness of this salad makes it an excellent side dish for heavier meals like pasta dishes or casseroles.

Conclusion

In summary, creating a flavorful pea salad recipe with red onions and cheese requires attention to detail regarding cooking methods, ingredient selection, and balancing flavors. Avoid common mistakes like overcooking peas or using overpowering cheeses to enhance freshness instead of masking it. Emphasizing fresh herbs adds depth while ensuring proper storage extends its longevity allows you to enjoy this dish even longer. By following these tips and tricks along with variations that suit your personal preferences, you’ll be able to craft an exceptional pea salad that’s both delicious and visually appealing.

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Pea Salad Recipe with Red Onions and Cheese

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• Author: Cecilia
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Brighten your meal with this vibrant Pea Salad Recipe featuring the perfect blend of sweet green peas, sharp red onions, and creamy cheese. This refreshing salad is not only visually stunning but also packed with flavor and nutrients, making it an ideal choice for potlucks, family gatherings, or a light lunch. With a quick preparation time of just 20 minutes, this dish is approachable for cooks of all skill levels. The combination of textures and tastes ensures that your guests will be impressed. Enjoy it as a side dish or on its own—the versatility of this pea salad makes it a must-try!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups fresh green peas (thawed if frozen)
• 1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup creamy feta or goat cheese (crumbled)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (chopped parsley or mint) – optional

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Instructions

1. Rinse fresh peas under cold water or thaw frozen peas.
2. Slice the red onion into thin rings.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. In a large bowl, combine the peas, sliced red onions, and crumbled cheese. Pour the dressing over the mixture.
5. Gently toss until well combined without mashing the peas.
6. Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 270mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: For added crunch, consider incorporating chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts. Customize your salad by adding cherry tomatoes or diced bell peppers for extra color and flavor.