SaladSide Dish

Pea Salad

This classic Pea Salad combines tender baby peas, cheddar cheese, salted peanuts, crisp vegetables, and a creamy homemade dressing for a refreshing side dish that's perfect for cookouts, holidays, potlucks, and everyday family meals. Roasted peanuts add a satisfying crunch that makes this traditional salad stand out.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • 14 oz LeSueur baby peas
  • 1 cup Cubes mild longhorn or cheddar cheese Diced to the size of the baby peas
  • 6 oz Salted peanuts
  • 1/3 cup Chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup Chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup Chopped sweet pickles (not relish)
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Parsley
  • 2 tbsp Chopped Green Bell Pepper
  • 1 tbsp Chopped Red Bell Pepper
  • 1 Hard-cooked egg, coarsley chopped
  • 4 tbsp Duke's Mayo
  • 1 tsp Lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Prepared mustard
  • 1 tsp Celery Seed

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Rubber spatula
  • Serving bowl

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, prepared mustard, and celery seed until smooth and well combined.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cheese, celery, onion, sweet pickles, parsley, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and chopped hard-cooked egg.
  3. Add the baby peas along with half of the salted peanuts. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to blend.
  5. Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining salted peanuts over the top for extra crunch and garnish if desired with additional parsley.

Notes

  • Chill the salad before serving for the best flavor and texture.
  • Add the reserved peanuts just before serving to keep them crisp.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Mild cheddar or longhorn cheese both work well in this recipe.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley for additional color before serving.

Helpful Tips for Making Peanut Pea Salad

  • Chill the salad before serving to allow the dressing to fully coat every ingredient.
  • Add the reserved peanuts immediately before serving so they stay crunchy.
  • Dice the cheese into pieces similar in size to the peas for a consistent texture.
  • Fresh parsley adds color and brightness just before serving.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator and enjoy within two days for the best quality.

A Classic Pea Salad with Peanut Crunch

Pea Salad has long been a favorite at family gatherings, holiday meals, cookouts, and potlucks because it combines simple ingredients into a flavorful dish that's easy to prepare ahead of time. Tender baby peas, cheddar cheese, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing create the familiar foundation, while roasted peanuts introduce an unexpected crunch that makes every bite more satisfying.
The contrast between creamy, crisp, and crunchy textures is what gives this salad its lasting appeal. Because the dressing coats every ingredient while the salad chills, the flavors continue developing before serving, making it an excellent make-ahead recipe.

Peanuts Add More Than Crunch

Salted peanuts provide texture, but they also balance the sweetness of the peas and the richness of the dressing. Their roasted flavor complements the cheddar cheese while creating a satisfying contrast with the fresh vegetables. Reserving part of the peanuts for the final garnish ensures they remain crisp and visually appealing when served.
This simple addition transforms a familiar pea salad into a recipe that highlights one of the Southeast's most versatile crops without overwhelming the classic flavors many families already enjoy.

An Easy Side Dish for Gatherings

Because this salad can be prepared several hours in advance, it works especially well for picnics, backyard barbecues, holiday dinners, and neighborhood potlucks. Chilling allows the dressing to fully blend with the vegetables while giving the flavors time to develop naturally.
Whether served alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or other seasonal favorites, Peanut Pea Salad brings freshness, color, and texture to almost any meal.

From Peanut Farms to Family Tables

Roasted peanuts are what make this salad unique while connecting the recipe to the peanut-growing traditions of North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina. These neighboring states continue producing high-quality peanuts that appear in everything from classic recipes to modern snacks enjoyed across the country.
Learn more about Where Peanuts Grow, follow The Peanut's Journey, or explore the different varieties in Peanut Types. Looking for more recipes? Browse our Side Dishes, Soups & Salads, and complete Recipe Collection for additional peanut-inspired meal ideas.

More Peanut Recipes