Welcome to the delightful world of classic side dishes! Made with just a few pantry staple ingredients, this flavorful Pea Salad with Ham is the perfect dish to bring to a potluck, complement your next BBQ, or simply complete any family meal. Prepare to indulge in a symphony of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors that will make this recipe an instant favorite.
The Ultimate Potluck Perfection: A Creamy Pea Salad with Ham
Pea-lease your taste buds with this delicious pea salad recipe that’s sure to make everyone ask you for the recipe at your next gathering! Say goodbye to boring salads and hello to a burst of flavor and texture in every single bite. This vibrant dish isn’t just a side; it’s a celebration of simplicity and fresh ingredients. Imagine crisp, sweet peas combined with savory bits of ham, delightful chunks of cheese, and a creamy, herb-infused dressing that ties everything together. It’s a culinary masterpiece that will make you forget all about those bland, uninspired side dishes.
This ham and pea salad is more than just easy to make; it’s incredibly versatile and designed for convenience. Whether you’re planning a summer picnic, a casual backyard barbecue, a holiday feast, or just need a quick yet impressive side for dinner, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. Its vibrant green hue and inviting texture make it visually appealing, while its rich and satisfying taste ensures it disappears quickly from any table. So grab a fork, gather your ingredients, and let’s get ready to whip up some goodness that will undoubtedly become a staple in your recipe collection!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pea Salad
Pea salad is a beloved American classic, typically made with a base of frozen green peas, often paired with savory protein like ham or bacon, and complemented by a rich, creamy mayonnaise-based dressing. Beyond these core components, common additions include diced cheese, crisp red onion for a touch of sharpness, and fresh herbs like dill to brighten the flavors. The beauty of pea salad lies in its balance of textures – the tender peas, the chewiness of the ham, the creaminess of the dressing, and the slight crunch of the onion. It’s a comforting and refreshing side dish perfect for any occasion.
Thawing peas for pea salad is a simple process, and there are a few effective methods to ensure they retain their vibrant color and fresh texture. The quickest and most straightforward approach is to place the frozen peas in a colander and run cold water over them until they are completely thawed. This usually takes less than five minutes and helps prevent them from becoming mushy. Alternatively, for a hands-off method, you can transfer the frozen peas to a bowl and let them thaw gradually in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving is an option: place the frozen peas in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for one to two minutes, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even thawing and prevent overcooking, which can diminish their bright green color and tender bite.
Absolutely, making pea salad a day ahead is not only possible but often recommended! Allowing the salad to chill overnight in the refrigerator gives the flavors ample time to meld and deepen, resulting in an even more delicious and harmonious taste profile. The dressing has a chance to fully infuse with the peas, ham, and cheese, creating a more cohesive and satisfying dish. To ensure optimal freshness and flavor, always store your pea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This preparation method makes it an ideal choice for busy hosts or for meal prepping in advance of events.
Yes, chilling the ham and pea salad before serving is a crucial step for the best culinary experience. This period allows all the distinct flavors from the mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, dill, ham, peas, cheese, and onion to properly meld together, creating a well-rounded and balanced taste. A chilled salad also offers a refreshing contrast, especially when served alongside warm dishes at a barbecue or picnic. Aim for at least two hours of refrigeration, but an overnight chill is even better for maximum flavor development. Remember, a cold salad is not just refreshing; it’s truly when this dish shines brightest.
Certainly! Pea salad is wonderfully adaptable, and incorporating other vegetables can add new dimensions of flavor and texture. Some excellent ideas for additions include crunchy broccoli florets, tender cauliflower, or vibrant matchstick carrots, which contribute both color and a pleasant bite. Finely diced celery can also provide a refreshing crispness, while corn adds a touch of sweetness. When adding extra vegetables, keep in mind that you might need to adjust the quantity of the dressing to ensure all ingredients are adequately coated and the salad maintains its creamy consistency. Experiment with your favorite additions to customize the salad to your taste!
Proper storage is key to enjoying your pea salad leftovers. Any remaining salad should be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated promptly. When stored correctly, pea salad typically stays fresh and delicious for up to 5 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent any absorption of refrigerator odors and to maintain the salad’s creamy texture and vibrant flavors. Before serving leftovers, give the salad a good stir, as some of the dressing may settle at the bottom.
It is generally not recommended to freeze pea salad. The main reason for this is the mayonnaise-based dressing. Mayonnaise tends to separate and become watery or oily when frozen and then thawed, which can significantly alter the texture and appeal of the salad, making it unappetizing. Additionally, ingredients like cheese and some vegetables might also undergo undesirable texture changes after freezing. For the best quality and enjoyment, it’s best to consume pea salad fresh or within the recommended refrigerated storage period.
Ingredients Needed: (See Recipe Card Below for the Full Recipe)
Crafting the perfect Pea Salad with Ham relies on a selection of quality ingredients that blend harmoniously. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential:
- Mayonnaise: This forms the creamy base of our dressing. Using a high-quality mayonnaise like Duke’s or Hellman’s can make a noticeable difference in the final taste and texture. While some may prefer Miracle Whip for its sweeter, tangier profile, for this classic recipe, a richer, more traditional mayonnaise is often preferred to achieve that quintessential creamy pea salad flavor.
- Sour Cream: Adding sour cream introduces a delightful tang and helps to lighten the richness of the mayonnaise, providing a balanced creamy texture without being overly heavy. If sour cream isn’t available, plain Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute, offering a similar tang and creaminess while potentially adding a boost of protein.
- Ranch Seasoning: This secret ingredient is a game-changer, infusing the dressing with a complex blend of savory, herbaceous flavors that are universally loved. You can use a convenient store-bought packet for ease or whip up your own homemade version for an extra touch of freshness and control over ingredients.
- Finely Chopped Fresh Dill: Fresh dill is paramount to this salad, offering a bright, distinctive herbaceous note that truly elevates the dish. Its slightly sweet and grassy flavor pairs beautifully with peas and ham. If fresh dill is unavailable, dried dill can be used, but remember that dried herbs are more potent; start with half the amount (about half a teaspoon) and adjust to taste.
- Granulated Sugar: It might seem unconventional to add sugar to a savory salad, but a small amount of granulated sugar plays a crucial role. It beautifully enhances the natural sweetness of the green peas and helps to balance the savory, tangy, and salty elements of the dressing and other ingredients. This subtle sweetness prevents the salad from being overly sharp or one-dimensional, without making it taste dessert-like.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These foundational seasonings are essential for building layers of aromatic flavor into the dressing. They provide a warm, savory depth that complements the fresh dill and ranch seasoning, ensuring every bite is rich with well-rounded taste. Feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your personal preferences.
- Frozen Peas: For this recipe, frozen peas are unequivocally the best choice. They are picked at their peak of freshness and flash-frozen, locking in their vibrant green color and sweet, tender texture. Canned peas, by contrast, are often mushy, dull in color, and lack the fresh “pop” that makes this salad so appealing. Ensure your frozen peas are fully thawed before mixing.
- Cooked Ham: Savory, diced cooked ham provides the hearty, salty counterpoint to the sweet peas and creamy dressing. Leftover ham works wonderfully, or you can purchase pre-diced ham. For a delicious variation, consider substituting the ham with cooked and crumbled bacon, or even smoked turkey for a leaner option.
- Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds a delightful creamy texture and a sharp, tangy flavor. While shredded cheddar is convenient, dicing a block of cheddar into small cubes is my personal preference as it provides satisfying bites of cheese throughout the salad. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a mild Swiss cheese to customize the flavor profile.
- Red Onion: Finely diced red onion offers a crisp texture and a pungent, slightly sweet, and zesty kick that cuts through the richness of the dressing and balances the other ingredients. If red onion is too strong for your palate, you can opt to leave it out, or substitute it with milder alternatives such as finely diced shallots or thinly sliced green onions.
How to Make the Best Pea Salad: A Simple Guide
Making this incredible pea salad is surprisingly easy, requiring just a few simple steps. Follow this guide for a perfect, flavorful outcome every time:
**Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Dressing**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, dried ranch seasoning, finely chopped fresh dill, granulated sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk all these ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and well-combined. Ensure there are no lumps of seasoning, as this will guarantee a uniform and flavorful dressing that coats all your salad components perfectly. This is the heart of your pea salad, so take your time to mix it well.
**Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients with Dressing**
To the bowl containing your freshly prepared dressing, add the thawed frozen peas, small-diced cooked ham, small-cubed cheddar cheese, and finely diced red onion. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently fold and stir all the ingredients together. Continue mixing until every pea, ham bit, and cheese cube is thoroughly coated in the creamy dressing. Be careful not to mash the peas; you want to maintain their individual shape and tender texture.
**Step 3: Chill for Flavor Infusion**
Once all the ingredients are combined, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Place the covered bowl in the refrigerator and allow the salad to chill for at least 2 hours before serving. This chilling period is crucial as it allows the flavors of all the ingredients to meld and deepen, transforming the salad from just a mix of components into a harmonious and incredibly delicious dish. For even better flavor, an overnight chill is highly recommended.
**Step 4: Stir and Serve**
Before serving your chilled pea salad, give it a good stir. It’s common for some of the dressing to pool at the bottom of the bowl, so stirring ensures that every serving is equally creamy and flavorful. Transfer the salad to your favorite serving bowl or platter. Serve it nice and cold, and prepare for compliments! This pea salad is a fantastic accompaniment to grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a vibrant addition to any buffet spread.
Craving More Delicious Recipes?
If you’ve enjoyed this creamy pea salad, you’ll love exploring other fresh and flavorful side dish options from our collection. These recipes are perfect for expanding your repertoire and bringing exciting new tastes to your table, whether for a weeknight dinner or your next big gathering:
- Broccoli Salad – A crunchy, sweet, and savory favorite.
- Black Eyed Pea Salad – A fresh, zesty, and vibrant Southern classic.
- Summer Corn Salad – Captures the essence of summer with sweet corn and fresh veggies.
- Cornbread Salad – A hearty and satisfying layered salad.
- Macaroni Salad – A timeless, comforting pasta salad.
- Tuna Macaroni Salad – A delicious seafood twist on a classic.
- Ham Salad – Perfect for sandwiches or as a delightful dip.
- Autumn Salad – Seasonal flavors celebrating the best of fall produce.
- Chicken Salad – Versatile and delicious, great on its own or in a sandwich.
Pea Salad
Print
Pin
15
2
2
15
12
servings
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
For the dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons sour cream
- 2 Tablespoons dried ranch seasoning
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the salad:
- 3 (12 ounce) packages frozen peas, thawed
- 2 cups small-diced cooked ham
- 8 ounces block cheddar cheese, diced into small cubes
- ¼ cup small-diced red onion
Instructions
- Whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 Tablespoons sour cream, 2 Tablespoons dried ranch seasoning, 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh dill, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper, until smooth.
- Add 3 (12 ounce) packages frozen peas, thawed, 2 cups small-diced cooked ham, 8 ounces block cheddar cheese, diced into small cubes, and ¼ cup small-diced red onion to the bowl. Stir to combine until everything is coated in the dressing.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Give the salad a good stir before serving as some of the dressing may pool at the bottom of the bowl.
- Serve the salad chilled and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
- You can make this ahead of time; in fact, it’s recommended since it needs a few hours to chill to help the flavors meld.
- You can trade out the red onion for green onion or diced shallots, if needed.
- Feel free to try other cheese options like blue cheese crumbles, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, and Swiss cheese.
- You can add other veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, and matchstick carrots. You may need to adjust the amount of peas or dressing.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Don’t try to freeze it; it won’t turn out well.
Side Dish
American
Nutrition
Calories:
344
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
15
g
|
Protein:
14
g
|
Fat:
25
g
|
Sodium:
809
mg
|
Fiber:
5
g
|
Sugar:
6
g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.