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}
Thank you so much for joining me today, friends! I hope that you love my version of the Classic English Pea Salad. You can find the full, printable recipe below and I hope you come back again. Happy eating.

Classic English Pea Salad
Ingredients
- 30 oz. frozen peas, cooked and chilled
- 1 package of bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
- 3/4 red onion, diced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. sea salt
- Optional: 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
- A few twists of fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
- Once everything has chilled (peas) or has come to room temperature (bacon), add all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Mix well. You can chill this for several hours or serve it right away.
- Add additional sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste before serving.
I love peas, so I am sure I would enjoy this salad! I will have to make it as a side dish soon with dinner.
I have never heard of English Pea Salad before. I like the combination of ingredients though so I might make it!
This salad looks really good. I’ve never had this kind before. I’m going to have to give it a try. I’m always looking for something to have on a hot day.
Wow! This looks like a really delicious and tasty salad recipe! Can’t wait to try this out
This English pea salad looks like it would be a refreshing and tasty side dish!
English pea salad isn’t something we’ve had in our family, but it’s surely something different to spice up our meals!
My husband would love this for sure it look so good! I would really love to try this out
This was a great salad to try! I’m trying to eat a wider range of salads at the moment. I’ve never had one with just peas before. It was tasty.
I’ve had something similar to this once, but not as flavorful. I’d love to try this version of it. It has been a while since I had fresh peas.
I’m not a fan of English peas but my aunt loves them. I’ll send her the recipe.
Oh my goodness! It was delicious! I am drooling over this pea salad! Must make it for any family!
This salad looks so good 😍. I’ve just got the fresh peas from the market today! I’ll have to try this recipe.
have to skip the bacon as we are vegetarians (and find something to substitute for it if possible).. but this recipe sounds delish
The salad looks amazing! Love all the ingredients in it! Can’t wait to make it!
Hi there!
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for sharing the Classic English Pea Salad recipe. It’s such a delightful and refreshing dish, perfect for summer gatherings. I appreciate the clear instructions and helpful tips provided.
I love a good salad, but I’ve never had this before. It looks delicious!
This is not only delicious looking but also so pretty! How fresh and delicious this looks! I am pinning this to make for my family this July 4th….makes the perfect side dish!