If you’re looking for a new side salad that’s as delicious as it is eyecatch, I have just the thing. This Dublin Pea Salad is packed with sweet green peas, crunchy peppers, and creamy Irish cheese. I can’t speak to how authentically Irish the dish is, but I can tell you that it has quickly become a favorite in my house. And I don’t even care for peas typically! Whether you’re serving it at a summer picnic, a family gathering, or as a weeknight side, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

You’ll start by finely chopping half a sweet onion and soaking it in cold water. This step helps to mellow the onion’s sharpness so it doesn’t overpowers the dish. Don’t skip it! As the onion soaks, combine two bags of thawed frozen peas, diced hard-boiled eggs, and diced sweet peppers. Then, last but definitely not least, 1 ½ cups of shredded or diced Irish cheese for a richness that ties all the flavors together.

The simple homemade dressing is made with half a cup of mayo, some sweet relish, a pinch of salt, spicy mustard, and dried thyme. The dressing strikes the perfect balance between creamy and tangy, with just a touch of sweetness from the relish. Pour it over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.

For the best results, cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensify– it’s worth the wait. When you’re ready to serve, give it one final toss and dig in!