Peafectly Simple Frozen Pea Salad

Easy Pea Salad with Frozen Peas My Classic Recipe

By Cameron BlytheSeptember 25, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a taste of summer? Do you love a quick and easy side? This pea salad with frozen peas is exactly what you need. It's sweet, creamy, and oh-so-refreshing!

Brief Overview

This classic pea salad is American comfort food at its finest. It’s super simple, taking only minutes. You'll get about 6 servings. This easy pea salad is fab!.

Main Benefits

This recipe is packed with protein and fibre from the peas. It is also a fantastic make-ahead salad for picnics and parties.

Honestly, this recipe is special because it's adaptable! You can make so many pea salad variations .

Ingredients You'll Need

Okay, let's chat ingredients. You'll need frozen peas, of course!. Mayonnaise is essential, a bit of sour cream or greek yogurt adds a great tangy.

A dash of Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, and, if you're feeling fancy, some cheddar cheese and bacon. Pea salad with mayonnaise is a must!

How to Make This Magic Happen

First, give your frozen peas a quick blanch in boiling water. Don't overcook them. Mix your mayo, sour cream, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

Now, fold in the peas, celery, onion, cheese and bacon if you're feeling naughty. Chill for at least 30 minutes to let those flavours meld.

Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this summer salad recipes alongside some BBQ chicken or grilled sausages. Perfect for picnic salad recipes and summer potlucks.

It also works great as a side for sandwiches or wraps. This pea salad recipe is very versatile.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Pea Salad

Don't overcook those peas! Nobody wants mushy peas. Dice your celery and red onion finely for even flavour distribution. Fresh herbs like dill or mint can elevate this dish.

You can sub plain Greek Yogurt for the sour cream for a tangy twist.

Variations to Keep It Interesting

Feeling adventurous? Add feta and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist. A pinch of red pepper flakes can bring some heat.

Want a vegan option? Just use vegan mayo and skip the sour cream! Frozen pea salad is so versatile!

Alright, let's dive into what you need to whip up this pea-fectly simple pea salad with frozen peas . I promise, it’s easier than putting up an umbrella in a London drizzle.

Honestly, it is one of my favorite side dish recipes .

Ingredients & Equipment

Okay, so first things first. You'll be needing these bits and bobs. Trust me, you probably have most of it already!

Main Ingredients

1 (10 ounce / 283g ) bag frozen petite peas. Look for peas that are nice and green. No one wants dull, lifeless peas!
1/2 cup ( 113g ) mayonnaise. Full fat or light is your shout!
1/4 cup ( 60g ) sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt). Greek yogurt gives it a lovely tang!
1 tablespoon ( 15ml ) apple cider vinegar. It adds a great zing.
1 teaspoon ( 5ml ) Dijon mustard. Adds a bit of a kick.
1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25ml ) salt (to taste).
1/8 teaspoon ( 0.6ml ) black pepper (to taste).
1/2 cup ( 50g ) celery, finely diced.
1/4 cup ( 25g ) red onion, finely diced.
1/4 cup ( 25g ) sharp cheddar cheese, cubed small (optional).
Optional: 4 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled. Makes it taste even better.

Seasoning Notes

The mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper are the real magic makers. If you don't have Dijon, English mustard can work, but use less.

It's got some real welly. For a summer salad recipes , you can add fresh mint.

Oh my gosh, speaking of substitutions, If you don't have apple cider vinegar, lemon juice works in a pinch. Honestly, I often wing it and it always turns out great.

Equipment Needed

Medium saucepan.
Colander.
Large mixing bowl.
Measuring cups and spoons.

See? Nothing too fancy. No need to buy new equipment. If you don't have a colander, a sieve will do.

The goal is to quickly rinse and drain those frozen pea salad ingredients.

You know, making this easy pea salad is a breeze, and it's the perfect picnic salad recipes . Plus, you can make-ahead salad !

I think this classic pea salad is one of the best pea salad variations because it's so customisable. And the best part? It uses pea salad with mayonnaise , so it’s creamy and comforting.

Get ready to make a killer pea salad recipe !

Cooking Method: Pea-fectly Simple Frozen Pea Salad

So, you wanna make a pea salad with frozen peas ? Honestly, it's dead easy. This easy pea salad is my go-to for summer barbecues.

It's a classic, you know? This classic pea salad brings a nostalgic vibe and it's always a winner.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic

Right then, before we start, let's get organised. It's called mise en place which just means "everything in its place".

First, get all your ingredients out. Chop the celery and red onion super small. This gives a better crunch in every bite, you know?

step-by-step: Pea Salad Perfection

Blanch the Peas: Pop your frozen peas into boiling water for 1- 2 minutes . Not longer. Drain them quick and rinse with cold water. This keeps them bright green and snappy. Drain or pat dry, around 5 minutes .
Whip Up the Dressing: Grab a big bowl. Whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper. Get it nice and smooth.
Combine Everything: Chuck in the blanched peas, celery, red onion, and cheddar, bacon if you're using.
Fold Gently: Mix it all gently so you don't mush the peas.
(Optional) Chill Out: Cover the bowl and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes . This lets the flavours meld together, trust me. This make-ahead salad can be made the day before.
Taste and Adjust: Give it a taste. Add more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Pea Salad

Don't overcook your peas. Mushy peas are sad peas. Blanching is key to avoid sad peas!
For a slightly different pea salad variation , add a bit of fresh mint or dill right before serving. Oh my gosh, it's a game changer.
This picnic salad recipe travels well! Just keep it chilled. Pack in a cooler with ice packs for your trip.

This pea salad with mayonnaise is a cracking side dish. You can serve it at barbecues, potlucks or just as a quick lunch.

Honestly, it's like a ray of sunshine in a bowl! If you're after summer salad recipes or looking for inspiration in side dish recipes , give this frozen pea salad a whirl.

It will soon be a family favourite.

Recipe Notes for Your Pea-fect Salad

Let's talk about some tweaks and tricks for this amazing pea salad with frozen peas . Honestly, this pea salad recipe is super forgiving, so don't stress too much! Here's the lowdown:

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Presentation matters, you know? I reckon a chilled bowl looks fab. Garnish with a sprig of mint. Serve this easy pea salad alongside some grilled chicken or even posh up your picnic basket.

It's also delightful with a simple ham sandwich. A crisp glass of white wine or even a sparkling elderflower cordial goes down a treat.

Storage Savvy: Keep It Fresh

Got leftovers? No worries! Refrigerate this classic pea salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The mayonnaise might make it a bit watery after a while, so give it a good stir before serving.

I wouldn't recommend freezing. This pea salad with mayonnaise just doesn't do well after defrosting.

Pea Salad Variations: Mix It Up!

Fancy a twist on this frozen pea salad ? For a lighter vibe, swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. It’ll give it a lovely tang! For my veggie friends, just skip the bacon (if you're using it).

During the summer, add some fresh mint to the summer salad recipes , honestly elevates the flavour!

Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness in a Bowl

Okay, so pea salad isn't exactly health food, let's be honest. But peas are packed with vitamins and fiber. It also got some protein in there.

It's a great side dish recipes . Plus, you can always lighten it up by using low-fat mayo. Keep it mindful.

This make-ahead salad option is convenient too!

Honestly, this pea salad variations recipe is all about having fun and making it your own! Don't be afraid to experiment with flavours.

It’s great for picnic salad recipes and guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser. Go on, give it a go! I know you'll nail it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make pea salad with frozen peas ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making this salad ahead of time is recommended. Chilling it for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) allows the flavours to meld together beautifully, making it even tastier. Just give it a good stir before serving, like you're mixing a proper cuppa!

My pea salad with frozen peas turned out watery. What did I do wrong?

A watery pea salad is usually caused by excess moisture from the peas. Make sure you thoroughly drain and even pat dry the peas after blanching them to remove any excess water. Also, if you added any fresh ingredients, such as tomatoes, make sure they are patted dry too.

How long does pea salad with frozen peas last in the fridge? Is it safe to eat the next day?

Pea salad with frozen peas is generally good in the fridge for 3-4 days, as long as it's stored properly in an airtight container. Use your best judgment though: if it smells off or looks discoloured, it's best to chuck it. Nobody wants a dodgy tummy, especially not on a sunny Bank Holiday!

What are some fun variations I can try to jazz up my pea salad with frozen peas?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! For a Mediterranean twist, try adding crumbled feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon. If you're feeling spicy, a pinch of red pepper flakes will add a nice kick.

You could even add some chopped ham or hard boiled eggs for extra protein, turning it into more of a complete meal like a posh Ploughman's Lunch!

Is pea salad with frozen peas healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?

Pea salad can be a relatively healthy side dish. Frozen peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The dressing can add some fat and calories, so you can lighten it up by using light mayo or Greek yogurt. Remember that nutritional values change depending on the ingredients you use!

Can I use different veggies in my pea salad with frozen peas?

Of course, you can! Get creative and use whatever veggies you have on hand. Diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or even some shredded carrots would be delicious additions. Just be mindful of the textures and flavors you're combining to ensure they complement each other.

Think of it as building your own culinary masterpiece, a bit like a modern day Capability Brown garden!