Classic English Pea Salad recipe (2024)

Recipes, Sides · May 24, 2023

Thank you so much for visiting! This post contains affiliate links. That means I may receive a small amount of compensation if you choose to purchase from my links. I only link to products that I know and love.

This Classic English Pea Salad recipe is one the whole family will love! It’s one of those recipes that’s been served in families for generations summer after summer. Save this so you can make it for your family this summer too!

This Classic English Pea Salad recipe is one dish that’s full of nostalgia for me. It’s something that would pop up each summer season for my family at large family picnics and gatherings when I was small. It makes me think of my grandmother, but I feel like this is something she never actually made. It would just appear at her house for every family party because it’s a summer staple. I feel like most families have always served a version of this salad. If you don’t, make sure to check out my version of this Classic English Pea Salad recipe because it’s one of those dishes that will stay in your heart.

What’s in a Classic English Pea Salad recipe?

Some people call this Mother-in-law House Pea Salad (which is said to have originated in Michigan at a place called “Aunt Cath’s”} and still other call this just Cold Pea Salad. However, many people call this English Pea Salad so that’s what I went with.

Also, it isn’t called English Pea Salad because it was created in England. It is called English Pea Salad because the peas that are often used in it are English Peas or what people often call Sweet Peas. Peas are believed to have been cultivated in England in the 17th century.

And while I couldn’t find a true origin for this salad, I wouldn’t be surprised if it originated in the Midwest. It certainly seems like it’s always been around here.

What’s in a Pea Salad?

Due to the name, you already know that peas are included in this salad. I use frozen peas that I can microwave to make this even easier. The other ingredients are pretty simple. They include bacon, red onion and cheddar cheese. I used grated, mild cheddar cheese because I prefer the grated over the chunks of cheese that make this more of a challenge to get on a fork.

Besides those ingredients, there’s also the ingredients in the dressing. For my version of this Classic Pea Salad the dressing includes mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, salt and pepper. If you want to add more acid to it you can also add in some apple cider vinegar.

I do not add sugar to my English Pea Salad. I hate overly sweet summer salads and I always feel like the mayo makes things sweet enough. Traditionally, most people add sugar. However, I say taste it my way and then decide if you really need the sugar.

Serving size = Party size

I tend to make this salad large because I like to keep it afterwards and eat it for lunch the next day. My recipe for English Pea Salad is a party sized for serving at things like a family picnic or barbecue. It can probably feed 8-10 people. If you want to make it smaller, cut it in half. Although, like I said, having some leftovers is always a plus here. The recipe as written uses 3, 10 oz. bags of frozen peas.

Tips for making my Classic Pea Salad recipe

• My Classic English Pea Salad is so simple to whip together there aren’t a lot of tips for me to give you. However, the main one is that this salad will get better as all the ingredients chill together. Although, I would still make it the same day you intend to serve it.
• You can store this salad in the refrigerator for two days in an air tight container.
• I use mayonnaise with olive oil in it. If you do too make sure to take the English Pea Salad out of the fridge at least 10 minutes before serving it so the olive oil in the mayo can come back to room temperature.

Looking for other summer side dishes or recipes?

Here’s a few of my other favorite summer side dishes and recipes for your family!

• French Potato Salad {HERE}
• Rotini Pasta Salad {HERE}
• Tortellini Pasta Salad with sun dried tomatoes {HERE}
• Zucchini Bites {HERE}
• Red, White and Blue Berry Trifle {HERE}