Dublin Pea Salad

Rooted in the rustic charm of Irish comfort food, Dublin Pea Salad is a cool, creamy side dish that brings together humble ingredients with elevated flavor. Sweet peas, rich Irish cheese, and tender eggs form the heart of this salad, while a punchy, herbed dressing adds complexity and depth.

The sweetness of the relish, the bite of spicy mustard, and the mellowed onion create a balance of sharp and soft—both refreshing and hearty.

Ideal for springtime gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy family meal, this salad is a tribute to the simplicity of seasonal ingredients, made luxurious with a distinctly Irish twist.

Why People Will Love the Dublin Pea Salad

Unexpected depth from simple ingredients: What seems like a classic cold salad transforms into a flavorful, layered dish with the richness of aged Irish cheese and the sharp-sweet contrast of the dressing.

Creamy yet refreshing balance: The coolness of peas and peppers pairs beautifully with the creamy dressing, making it both comforting and crisp.

Mellow sweetness with subtle heat: Sweet relish and spicy mustard create a sophisticated play of flavors—sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy—all rounded out by earthy thyme.

Protein-packed and satisfying: With hard-boiled eggs and cheese, it’s hearty enough to serve as a standalone lunch or a robust side.

Perfect for gatherings: Its vibrant color, make-ahead convenience, and crowd-pleasing taste make it an ideal dish for potlucks, picnics, and holiday tables.

Culturally inspired: Infused with Irish influence through aged cheese and classic seasoning, it brings a unique regional twist to a familiar format.

Easy yet elegant: Requires minimal cooking, but delivers a finished dish that feels thoughtful, comforting, and full of character.

Key Ingredients:

Frozen peas, thawed to tenderness: These sweet, vibrant pearls bring freshness and a soft snap, serving as the base that anchors the entire salad with bright, vegetal notes.

Hard-boiled eggs, diced: Rich and protein-packed, they add creamy texture and substance, giving the salad a satisfying, filling quality.

Sweet peppers, diced finely: Their subtle sweetness and gentle crunch contrast beautifully with the soft peas and eggs, adding bursts of color and freshness.

Aged Irish cheese: Sharp, nutty, and slightly tangy, this cheese infuses the salad with depth and a distinctly Irish character that elevates every bite.

Sweet onion (soaked): Soaking mellows the onion’s harsh bite, transforming it into a delicate aromatic that gently enhances the flavor without overpowering.

Creamy mayo-based dressing: Blended with sweet relish, spicy mustard, salt, and thyme, the dressing is the soulful binder—tangy, creamy, and herbaceous, adding personality to each spoonful.

Expert Tips:

Soak the onions for a reason, not just habit: Soaking finely chopped sweet onion in cold water for 5–10 minutes reduces its sulfur compounds, making it milder and more pleasant, while preserving its crisp texture—a small step that greatly refines the overall flavor.

Use aged Irish cheese with character: Opt for a sharp, well-aged variety like Dubliner or vintage cheddar. Its crumbly texture and bold flavor bring richness and authenticity that milder cheeses can’t replicate.

Don’t overmix after adding the dressing: Gently fold the ingredients to maintain the structural integrity of the peas and eggs. Over-stirring can cause the salad to become mushy or lose its visual appeal.

Balance the dressing to taste: Before dressing the full salad, taste and adjust for sweetness, tanginess, or saltiness. Mustards vary in heat and relishes in sugar content—your palate should guide you.

Chill for at least 30 minutes, ideally longer: Resting allows the flavors to meld and the thyme to infuse gently through the dressing. An overnight chill actually enhances the overall depth.

Serve with a texture contrast: This creamy salad shines next to crisp elements—think buttery crackers, toast points, or even fresh lettuce cups if you want a lighter presentation.

Make it ahead—but freshen before serving: If preparing a day in advance, reserve some extra chopped peppers and a sprinkle of cheese to stir in just before serving. It refreshes both color and texture.

Dublin Pea Salad

Ingredients:

½ sweet onion, finely chopped

2 (12 oz) bags frozen peas, thawed

4 hard boiled eggs, diced

5 sweet peppers, diced

1 ½ cup aged Irish cheese, shredded or diced

Dressing:

½ cup mayo

¼ cup sweet relish

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons spicy mustard

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions:

Soften the Onion:

Place the finely chopped sweet onion in a small bowl and cover with ½ cup of cold water.

Let it soak while you prepare the rest of the salad—this step mellows the raw bite of the onion.

Combine the Salad Base:

In a large mixing bowl, add the thawed peas, diced hard-boiled eggs, chopped sweet peppers, and shredded or diced aged Irish cheese.

Drain the onions and add them to the bowl.

Gently toss all ingredients together until evenly mixed.

Make the Dressing:

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet relish, salt, spicy mustard, and dried thyme until smooth and well blended.

Dress the Salad:

Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.

Chill Before Serving:

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.

Serve cold as a refreshing, savory side.