A healthy spruced-up version of classic Pea Salad tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt dressing with lots of fresh herbs and smoked cheese. Tangy, delicious, and made in one bowl in about 20 minutes! Vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan-adaptable!
This Pea Salad is such a snap to make! We go for quick and easy with frozen peas (but feel free to use fresh-shelled peas if available) and leave out the mayo. Diced celery and red onion give a crunchy texture and a fresh bite.
Peas combine with almost any fresh herb; we love the combination of fresh tarragon, Italian parsley and fresh mint. But you can swap these out with what sounds good to you. Smoked cheddar cheese gives the salad depth and backbone. It’s the perfect side dish for summer gatherings and potlucks! Check out this Chopped Salad for another fresh, healthy and delicious salad recipe!
Why You Will Love Pea Salad!
- It is simple & easy! Have it together in about 20 minutes!
- It’s vegetarian! We use smoked cheddar to give it “bacon flavor”.
- It’s lightened up! Instead of using mayonnaise or sour cream in the pea salad dressing, we use Greek yogurt for a creamy base and tangy flavor.
- So tasty with perfect textures! Creamy, crunchy, herby, and fresh.
- Adaptable- switch out ingredients for what you have on hand.
Pea Salad Ingredients
Pea Salad Ingredient Notes
- Peas – frozen petite peas work great here. But if you have access to fresh, that would taste amazing! Peas are so good for us- full of fiber, protein, and vitamin A, vitamin K and vitamin C
- Greek yogurt – thick, creamy, nutritious Greek yogurt works so well for creamy dressings.
- Red onions – the bite of red onion gives a perfect compliment to the sweet peas. Green onions or sweet onions could work for a more mild flavor.
- Celery – the salad really benefits from the crunchy, juicy celery bits, creating texture. Diced fennel could work too!
- Smoked cheese – smoked cheddar cheese is so lovely here. Smoked gouda, smoked mozzarella, and smoked goat cheddar would all be great. Smoked Vegan cheese if you prefer!
- Herbs – Tarragon, parsley, mint. Swap out for basil, chives, dill, lemon thyme…
- Optional Ingredients: smoked salmon, hard-boiled eggs, vegan bacon or turkey bacon.
How To Make Pea Salad
STEP ONE- In a large bowl, stir together Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
STEP TWO- To the same bowl, on top of the dressing, add diced onions, celery, cheese, tarragon, parsley, mint, and peas. Mix thoroughly. Chill until ready to eat.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
What To Serve With Pea Salad
Pea salad is a delicious side dish to summer gatherings and potlucks. It pairs with so many things! Serve it up with salmon, grilled chicken, grilled tofu, or skewers!