Pea Pasta Salad

The Creamy Spring Pea and Cheddar Pasta Salad is the ultimate side dish that brings a comforting twist to your favorite BBQs, potlucks, and casual family dinners. With the irresistible combo of sharp cheddar cubes, tender green peas, and chewy shell pasta all enveloped in a creamy, tangy dressing, this salad stands out on any table. It’s simple to prepare yet full of nostalgic flavors that instantly transport you to sunny days and shared meals.

What makes this dish special is its balance of textures and flavors, the slight sweetness of peas pairs beautifully with the bold cheddar, while red onion adds a subtle kick. Best served cold, it’s a dish that improves as it chills, making it perfect for prepping ahead. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or packing leftovers for lunch, this vibrant pasta salad delivers comfort and freshness in every bite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 box (16 oz) medium shell pasta

• 2 cups frozen peas, thawed

• 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, cubed

• ¾ cup red onion, finely diced

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ½ cup sour cream

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.

3. Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the dressing and toss to coat evenly.

4. Stir in thawed peas, cubed cheddar cheese, and diced red onion.

5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.

6. Stir again before serving, adjusting seasoning if needed.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Creamy Spring Pea and Cheddar Pasta Salad: The Perfect Comfort Food for Any Season

When it comes to easy, nostalgic, and utterly satisfying side dishes, Creamy Pea and Cheddar Pasta Salad is a timeless classic. This dish combines simple pantry staples with fresh ingredients to create a cold salad that’s brimming with flavor, color, and comforting textures. Whether you’re looking for the perfect side for a summer BBQ, a crowd-pleaser for a potluck, or just a quick prep-ahead meal for a weekday lunch, this salad checks all the boxes.

At the heart of this dish are sweet green peas and sharp cheddar cheese, two ingredients that, when paired together, offer the perfect blend of creamy, salty, and subtly sweet. Tossed with tender shell pasta and coated in a tangy dressing made of mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, and a touch of sugar, this salad delivers bold flavor in every bite. It’s a refreshing twist on traditional pasta salads and requires minimal prep with maximum reward.

Why You’ll Love This Pea Pasta Salad

There’s something comforting about the simplicity of this dish. For one, it comes together in less than 30 minutes and uses ingredients that are likely already in your fridge or pantry. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, you can customize it based on what you have available, or tailor it to suit specific dietary preferences.

Here are just a few reasons why this dish deserves a permanent place in your recipe rotation:

• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With just pasta, peas, cheese, onion, and a creamy homemade dressing, you can create a salad that tastes like it took hours to make.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad tastes even better after it’s had time to chill and absorb the flavors, making it perfect for prepping in advance.

• Kid-Approved: The mild, cheesy flavor and soft texture make this a hit even among picky eaters.

• Customizable: Don’t have cheddar? Use mozzarella or Monterey Jack. Want more color? Add diced red bell peppers or shredded carrots. It’s easy to tweak.

• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, burgers, or enjoy as a light lunch or dinner.

The Star Ingredients

Each element in this pasta salad serves a distinct role, creating the perfect harmony of texture and taste. Let’s break down the ingredients and why they work so well together:

• Shell Pasta

The shape of shell pasta makes it ideal for holding onto the creamy dressing and tiny peas. Their texture is soft yet satisfying, offering just the right chewiness. You can also use elbow macaroni, rotini, or bowtie pasta for variation.

• Sweet Green Peas

These tender peas add a pop of sweetness and bright green color, giving the dish its signature spring vibe. Frozen peas are best for this salad as they retain their flavor and texture after thawing, unlike canned peas, which can become too mushy.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Cubed cheddar provides that rich, savory element that balances the sweetness of the peas. The sharpness adds depth, while the firmness gives a pleasant bite amidst the creaminess of the dish.

• Red Onion

Finely chopped red onion introduces a hint of sharpness and a touch of crunch. If you’re sensitive to raw onions, you can soak them in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to mellow out the flavor.

• Creamy Dressing

The magic of this salad lies in its luscious dressing. A blend of mayonnaise and sour cream forms the base, while apple cider vinegar adds tang and a bit of sugar lends a touch of sweetness. It’s well-balanced and doesn’t overpower the other ingredients, instead tying them together with a velvety finish.

Creative Variations to Try

One of the best things about this salad is how easily it can be adapted. Whether you want to boost the nutritional content, switch up the flavor profile, or make it suitable for different diets, here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add Protein: Toss in cooked diced chicken, bacon bits, or chopped hard-boiled eggs for added protein and a heartier version of the salad.

• Incorporate More Veggies: Diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, celery, or even blanched broccoli florets can be stirred in for extra crunch and nutrition.

• Make It Vegan: Use vegan mayo, dairy-free sour cream, and a plant-based cheese alternative.

• Go Gluten-Free: Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta, just be mindful of overcooking, as gluten-free pasta can become mushy if left too long.

• Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for a bit of heat, or sprinkle in some smoked paprika for depth.

Storage Tips and Meal Prep Advice

This salad is a dream for meal preppers. Here’s how to get the most out of your batch:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir well before serving, as the dressing can settle over time.

• Make Ahead: You can prepare this salad 24 hours in advance, in fact, the flavors develop more over time, making it even tastier the next day.

• Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the pasta and peas will degrade after thawing.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Pea and Cheddar Pasta Salad pairs well with a variety of dishes, especially during spring and summer when lighter fare takes center stage. Here are some ideas:

• With grilled meats like chicken, steak, or pork chops

• Alongside sandwiches and wraps for a quick lunch

• As part of a BBQ or picnic spread

• With soups or stews as a chilled contrast

• On its own as a vegetarian lunch

Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approx. 420 kcal

• Protein: 10-12g

• Carbohydrates: 35-40g

• Fat: 25-30g

• Fiber: 2-4g

Note: Nutritional values can vary based on exact ingredients used.

Conclusion

The Creamy Spring Pea and Cheddar Pasta Salad isn’t just another side dish, it’s a delicious nod to classic comfort food, made modern with fresh, bright ingredients and a crave-worthy dressing. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and crowd-pleasing flavors make it a recipe worth repeating time and time again. Whether you’re gathering around the backyard grill, prepping lunches for the week, or just in need of something quick, cold, and satisfying, this salad delivers every time.

Simple, nostalgic, and endlessly adaptable, this pasta salad is proof that some of the best dishes are the ones that bring us back to basics.