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Kerrygold Irish Cheddar Pea & Lettuce Salad

There is something wonderfully refreshing about a salad that keeps things simple while still bringing plenty of flavor to the table. This Kerrygold Irish Cheddar Pea & Lettuce Salad combines crisp lettuce, sweet green peas, creamy Irish cheddar, and a bright homemade dressing for a dish that feels both comforting and fresh.

The richness of Kerrygold Irish Cheddar pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of peas, while crunchy lettuce adds a light, refreshing contrast. It makes an easy side dish for a family dinner, picnic, lunch, or spring and summer gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

This salad comes together without complicated cooking techniques. The peas require only a quick blanch, and the rest of the ingredients can be prepared while they cool.

The combination of textures is what makes it especially enjoyable:

Crisp lettuce provides freshness and crunch.
Green peas add a naturally sweet flavor.
Irish cheddar contributes a creamy, savory richness.
Red onion adds a mild bite.
A simple dressing ties everything together without overwhelming the ingredients.

For the best result, use a good-quality Irish cheddar and freshly prepared lettuce.

Ingredients

For the Salad

6 cups chopped crisp lettuce, such as romaine or green leaf lettuce
1 ½ cups fresh or frozen green peas
1 cup Kerrygold Irish Cheddar, cut into small cubes or shredded
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup cucumber, diced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 tablespoons sliced green onions, optional
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Dressing

¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small garlic clove, finely minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Peas

If you’re using frozen peas, bring a small saucepan of water to a boil. Add the peas and cook for about 1–2 minutes, just until they are bright green and heated through.

Fresh peas may need slightly longer, depending on their size and tenderness.

Immediately drain the peas and place them under cold running water or transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and helps preserve their vibrant color.

Drain thoroughly and set aside.

Tip: Make sure the peas are well drained before adding them to the salad. Excess water can dilute the dressing.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash and dry the lettuce thoroughly. Excess moisture can make the finished salad watery.

Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large serving bowl.

Thinly slice the red onion and dice the cucumber. Add both to the lettuce along with the chopped parsley and green onions, if using.

Step 3: Prepare the Irish Cheddar

Cut the Kerrygold Irish Cheddar into small, bite-sized cubes.

Cubing the cheese gives you little pockets of rich cheddar throughout the salad. If you prefer a more evenly distributed cheese flavor, you can grate it instead.

For an especially attractive presentation, reserve a small handful of cheddar cubes to scatter over the top just before serving.