Green Pea Salad with Cheddar Cheese Recipe

Green peas: These are the base of the salad, providing a sweet and tender texture.

Cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp and creamy flavor that complements the sweetness of the peas.

Red onion: Provides a bit of crunch and a mild, tangy flavor.

Mayonnaise: Acts as the creamy base for the dressing, binding all the ingredients together.

Apple cider vinegar: Adds a slight tanginess to balance the richness of the mayonnaise.

Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the peas and balances the tanginess of the vinegar.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the salad.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the dressing.

When preparing this green pea salad, ensure that the green peas are fully thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the salad. For a finer texture, consider grating the cheddar cheese yourself rather than using pre-shredded cheese, as it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the creaminess of the dressing. To mellow the sharpness of the red onion, soak the diced pieces in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This will give a more balanced flavor to the dish.

• green peas - Substitute with edamame: Edamame offers a similar texture and a slightly nuttier flavor, making it a great alternative to green peas.

• cheddar cheese - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese provides a tangy and creamy contrast that complements the other ingredients well.

• red onion - Substitute with green onion: Green onions have a milder flavor and add a fresh, crisp element to the salad.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative that offers a creamy texture and a slight tang.

• apple cider vinegar - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice provides a bright acidity that can replace the tanginess of apple cider vinegar.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a hint of floral flavor to the salad.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory depth and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different heat profile and a more subtle flavor, making it a good alternative to black pepper.

• To keep your green pea salad fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container. This helps to maintain its crispness and flavor.
• Place the container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing the cheddar cheese and red onion to meld beautifully with the mayonnaise dressing.
• If you need to prepare the salad ahead of time, consider storing the dressing separately. Combine the green peas, cheddar cheese, and red onion in one container, and the dressing in another. Mix them together just before serving to keep the salad from becoming soggy.
• For freezing, note that the texture of the green peas and mayonnaise dressing may change. If you must freeze, place the salad in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 1 month.
• When ready to use, thaw the salad in the refrigerator overnight. Give it a good stir to reincorporate the dressing and refresh the flavors.
• To enhance the salad after thawing, consider adding a bit of fresh red onion or a sprinkle of cheddar cheese to revive its texture and taste.

• For a quick and easy method, use the microwave. Place the green pea salad in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating. Be cautious not to overheat, as the cheddar cheese may become too melty.

• Alternatively, you can use a stovetop method. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the green pea salad. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and to ensure even heating. This method will take about 3-5 minutes. The red onion will soften slightly, adding a different texture to the salad.

• If you prefer a more gentle reheating method, use a double boiler. Place the green pea salad in a heatproof bowl and set it over a pot of simmering water. Stir occasionally until the salad is warmed through. This method helps maintain the integrity of the mayonnaise dressing without breaking it down.

• For those who enjoy a bit of a crispy texture, consider using an oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the green pea salad evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10 minutes, stirring halfway through. This method can give the cheddar cheese a slightly crispy edge.

• Lastly, if you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the green pea salad in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating. This method can add a delightful crispness to the green peas.

• Large mixing bowl: Use this to combine the green peas, cheddar cheese, and red onion.

• Small bowl: Use this to whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper.

• Whisk: Essential for mixing the dressing ingredients smoothly.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the green peas, cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise.

• Measuring spoons: Use these to measure the apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for dicing the red onion.

• Chef's knife: Ideal for dicing the red onion finely.

• Spatula: Helps to mix the salad ingredients and dressing together evenly.

• Refrigerator: Needed to chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded cheddar cheese instead of shredding it yourself.

Pre-dice onions: Buy pre-diced red onions from the store to skip the chopping step.

Thaw peas quickly: Thaw frozen peas by placing them in a colander and running cold water over them for a few minutes.

Make dressing in advance: Prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until needed.

Use a large mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl makes it easier to combine ingredients quickly and evenly.