Pea Salad Cheddar Cubes: Delicious 30-Min Dish

August 1, 2025

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Pea salad cheddar cubes have a way of bringing back the best summer memories for me. I remember picnics at the park, the sun warming my face, and a big bowl of this cool, refreshing salad always being the star. The sweet crunch of the peas, the satisfying bite of the sharp cheddar, and that irresistible creamy dressing—it’s pure comfort food! This easy pea and cheddar salad is so simple to whip up, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Pea Salad Cheddar Cubes

Get ready to be obsessed with this simple yet delicious dish! Here’s why this pea salad cheddar cubes recipe is a winner:

Incredible Flavor: It’s a delightful mix of sweet peas, sharp cheddar, and savory bacon, all coated in a tangy dressing.
Quick Prep: You can have this ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy-ish Side: Packed with protein from the peas and cheese, it’s a satisfying and relatively healthy option.
Budget-Friendly: Uses common, affordable ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store.
Family Favorite: Even picky eaters love this creamy pea salad with cheddar – it’s a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
Versatile Dish: It’s fantastic for picnics, potlucks, BBQs, or just as a refreshing side dish any day of the week.
Easy to Customize: You can easily adapt this creamy pea salad with cheddar to your liking with add-ins like nuts or different veggies.
Classic Comfort: It’s an old fashioned pea salad cheddar that brings back comforting, nostalgic flavors.

Ingredients for Pea Salad Cheddar Cubes

Gather these simple ingredients for a truly delightful pea salad with cheese cubes. The base of this refreshing salad starts with 4 cups frozen green peas, thawed; make sure they are well-drained to avoid a watery salad. We’re using 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes for that perfect cheesy bite. For a bit of aromatic flavor, you’ll need ½ cup red onion, finely diced, and ½ cup celery, finely chopped for a satisfying crunch. The star of the show for many is ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled, adding a savory depth. The creamy dressing comes together with ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sour cream for tang, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar for brightness, 1 teaspoon sugar to balance the flavors, and of course, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to season.

How to Make Pea Salad Cheddar Cubes

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients. First, let’s get everything ready for this easy pea salad with cheddar cheese. Thaw your frozen peas by placing them in a colander and rinsing them under cool water for a few minutes. Make sure they drain really well so your salad isn’t watery. Next, finely dice the red onion and chop the celery – aim for small, consistent pieces. Then, cut your sharp cheddar cheese into small cubes, about ¼-inch size, for that perfect bite in every spoonful.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Dressing. Grab a large mixing bowl; this is where the magic happens. Whisk together the ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sour cream, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Keep whisking until the dressing is smooth, creamy, and beautifully blended. The aroma of the vinegar and sugar mingling is a great sign you’re on your way to a fantastic pea salad with cheddar and bacon.
Step 3: Combine the Salad. Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add your thawed and drained peas, the cheddar cheese cubes, diced red onion, chopped celery, and the crumbled bacon to the bowl with the creamy dressing. Gently fold everything together using a spatula. You want to coat all those lovely ingredients without mashing them. Make sure every pea and cheese cube is nicely coated in that delicious dressing for a truly easy pea salad with cheddar cheese.
Step 4: Chill and Serve. For the best flavor, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour. This chilling time is crucial because it allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully. When you’re ready to serve this delightful pea salad with sharp cheddar, give it a gentle stir. Serve it chilled, and watch your guests rave about this classic dish!

Pro Tips for the Best Pea Salad Cheddar Cubes

Want to elevate your pea salad cheddar cubes from good to absolutely amazing? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that make all the difference. These simple tips will ensure your salad is always a hit!

Use Quality Cheddar: Opt for a block of sharp cheddar and cube it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can affect the texture and meltability.
Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Letting the salad chill for at least an hour is non-negotiable. It allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to coat everything perfectly.
Drain Peas Thoroughly: Excess water is the enemy of a creamy salad. Make sure your thawed peas are well-drained, perhaps even patting them dry with a paper towel.
Crisp the Bacon: Cook your bacon until it’s nice and crispy before crumbling. This adds a wonderful textural contrast to the soft peas and cheese.

What’s the secret to perfect pea salad cheddar cubes?

The magic is in the balance! A good quality sharp cheddar, well-drained peas, and a creamy, tangy dressing are key. For a truly simple cheddar pea salad, focus on fresh ingredients and proper chilling time.

Can I make pea salad with cheddar cubes ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad is actually better when made a few hours or even a day in advance. It gives the flavors time to meld. Just store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

How do I avoid common mistakes with pea salad cheddar cubes?

The biggest pitfall for an old fashioned pea salad cheddar is using watery peas. Always drain them well! Another mistake is overmixing, which can mash the peas and cheese. Gently fold everything together to maintain texture.

Best Ways to Serve Pea Salad Cheddar Cubes

This versatile pea salad cheddar cubes is a fantastic addition to any meal. For BBQs and picnics, it’s a perfect pairing with grilled chicken, burgers, or pulled pork. Its creamy texture and fresh flavors cut through richer meats beautifully. I also love serving this pea salad with cheddar and bacon alongside a hearty sandwich or wrap for a light lunch. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. It’s a dish that truly shines at informal gatherings and family dinners.

Nutrition Facts for Pea Salad Cheddar Cubes

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional goodness in each serving of this delightful pea salad cheddar cubes:

Calories: 260
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Protein: 9g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 0mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Pea Salad Cheddar Cubes

Properly storing your delicious pea salad cheddar cubes ensures it stays fresh and flavorful for your next meal. After serving, allow the salad to cool slightly before transferring it to airtight containers. This prevents condensation and keeps the texture just right. You can store this delightful dish in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. While it’s not ideal for freezing due to the creamy dressing and cheese cubes, if you must freeze it, wrap it very well and know that the texture might change slightly upon thawing. For the best results with a pea salad with frozen peas cheddar, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheating isn’t usually necessary as it’s best served chilled, but if you prefer it slightly less cold, a brief 30-minute chill in the fridge is usually sufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pea Salad Cheddar Cubes

What makes this pea salad cheddar cubes recipe so popular?

It’s the perfect combination of sweet peas, sharp cheddar, and savory bacon, all brought together by a creamy, tangy dressing. This classic combination is incredibly satisfying and appeals to a wide range of tastes. Plus, knowing how to make pea salad with cheddar this easily makes it a go-to for any occasion.

Can I substitute the sharp cheddar cheese?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar offers a great flavor, you can certainly experiment. Medium cheddar works well, or for a milder taste, try Monterey Jack. Some people even like to add a bit of crumbled feta or blue cheese for a bolder flavor profile in their pea salad with cheese cubes.

What are some good variations for pea salad cheddar cubes?

You can easily customize this recipe! Try adding crunchy elements like water chestnuts or diced bell peppers. For a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely diced jalapeños in the dressing works wonders. Fresh herbs like dill or chives also add a lovely brightness to the creamy pea salad with cheddar.

Is it possible to make pea salad with cheddar cubes without bacon?

Yes, definitely! If you’re looking for a vegetarian option or simply don’t have bacon on hand, you can easily omit it. For a similar crunch and savory element, consider adding toasted sunflower seeds, crispy fried onions, or even some toasted slivered almonds to your pea salad cheddar cubes.

Variations of Pea Salad Cheddar Cubes You Can Try

This classic recipe is fantastic as is, but I love experimenting with different twists! Here are a few variations that keep this pea salad cheddar cubes recipe exciting and adaptable to any need or preference. Each one offers a unique flavor profile while still capturing the essence of the original.

Lightened-Up Version: For a healthier take on this creamy pea salad with cheddar, swap half of the mayonnaise and sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. This cuts down on fat and calories while adding a nice bit of tang.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, add a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce or a finely diced jalapeño to the dressing. This adds a subtle warmth that complements the sweetness of the peas and the sharpness of the cheddar.
Herbaceous Delight: Brighten up your classic pea salad cheddar by stirring in a generous handful of fresh, chopped herbs like dill, chives, or parsley just before serving. These fresh additions add a burst of flavor and a beautiful pop of green.
Bacon-Free Bliss: For a vegetarian option, simply leave out the bacon. To add a similar crunchy texture and savory note, try adding toasted sunflower seeds, crispy fried onions, or even some toasted slivered almonds.