This classic pea and cheese salad is one of those old-fashioned potluck recipes that never goes out of style. Creamy, crunchy, and easy to make, it’s the perfect chilled side dish for summer gatherings.
With sweet peas, sharp cheddar, crisp celery, and a creamy mayo-based dressing, this easy pea salad comes together in minutes and gets even better after chilling. It’s cool, comforting, and always one of the first bowls scraped clean.
Why You’ll Love This Pea & Cheese Salad
- Ready in 10 minutes
- No cooking required
- Perfect for potlucks, picnics & BBQs
- Classic Midwestern comfort food
- Make-ahead friendly
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 4 cups fresh or frozen peas, thawed
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 2 hard-boiled large eggs, chopped
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 1 cup cubed cheddar cheese
- ½ cup thinly sliced radishes or 1 (2-oz) jar pimentos, drained
For the Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
How to Make Pea & Cheese Salad
- Mix the salad ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the peas, celery, hard-boiled eggs, green onions, cheddar cheese, and radishes (or pimentos). - Make the dressing
In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, sugar, seasoned salt, and ground mustard until smooth. - Combine & chill
Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and gently stir until everything is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. - Serve cold
Stir once more before serving. Best served well chilled.
Make It Your Own
- Add bacon: Crumbled salty bacon, or ham takes this salad over the top
- Swap cheese: Try Colby Jack, monterey jack or sharp white cheddar
- Extra crunch: Add, red onions, pepper, diced radishes even if using pimentos
- Lighter version: Use half mayo, half sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy dressing
Tips for the Best Pea Salad
- Use fully thawed green peas so the dressing doesn’t water down
- Chill at least 1 hour in the refrigerator for best flavor
- Cut ingredients into similar-sized pieces for even bites
- This salad tastes even better the next day
Classic Pea & Cheese Salad
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 SERVINGS 1x
Description
A creamy, old-fashioned pea and cheese salad made with sweet peas, cheddar cheese, eggs, and a tangy dressing. This easy potluck favorite comes together in minutes and is perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Salad
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4 cups fresh or frozen peas, thawed
-
1 cup chopped celery
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2 hard-boiled large eggs, chopped
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¼ cup chopped green onions
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1 cup cubed cheddar cheese
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½ cup thinly sliced radishes or 1 (2-ounce) jar pimentos, drained
Dressing
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1 cup mayonnaise
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3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
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1 teaspoon sugar
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1 teaspoon seasoned salt
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1 teaspoon ground mustard
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine the peas, celery, hard-boiled eggs, green onions, cheddar cheese, and radishes (or pimentos).
-
In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, sugar, seasoned salt, and ground mustard until smooth.
-
Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and gently stir until evenly coated.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Stir once more before serving.
Notes
-
For best flavor, chill the salad for at least an hour before serving.
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Frozen peas work best—just make sure they are fully thawed and drained.
-
This salad tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 MINS
- Chill Time: 1 HOUR
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make pea salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad is perfect made a day ahead. Just give it a stir before serving.
Can I use canned peas?
Frozen peas are best, but canned peas can work in a pinch—just drain them very well.
How long does pea salad last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it will keep for 3–4 days.
Final Thoughts
This classic pea and cheese salad is proof that simple recipes are often the best ones. It’s creamy, nostalgic, and always welcome on the table—especially during warm-weather gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or heading to a potluck, this easy side dish is one you’ll come back to again and again.
