Creamy Green Pea Salad with Ham (Best & Easy Recipe)

The perfect side dish, this Green Pea Salad is an easy recipe the whole family will enjoy. Loaded with chunks of ham and cheese, then tossed in a creamy dressing, you can’t go wrong.

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There is something special to me about a creamy pea salad. It is hearty and can be a light meal on its own, during this time of year we make this Green Pea Salad very often.

An easy recipe that I get asked for again and again. It’s no wonder why, this salad is loaded with goodies and packs a ton of flavor.

Perfect for your next potluck, summer barbecues or even baby showers, everyone devours this classic pea salad. Even Lily loves this, she may eat mostly the ham, but this Mama is happy either way!

This recipe is a lot like an old fashioned pea salad that my Grandma used to make. She added crispy bacon often in place of the ham, and it is fantastic either way (bacon bits work, too!).

During the summer months, you will almost always find a container of this chilling in the fridge, it is that good. I always have some on hand.

I like to have a small bowl as a snack here and there throughout my day.

Nothing beats an easy salad, once you try our Green Pea Salad you will be hooked as well. Seriously, the best pea salad.

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1. It makes a lot to feed a crowd with simple ingredients and is also perfect for leftover ham.
2. A great make-ahead side dish or appetizer option since it needs to chill in the fridge.
3. With hearty ingredients, this makes a great light lunch.

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Dried ranch seasoning
• Fresh dill
• Granulated sugar
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Frozen peas, thawed
• Cooked ham
• Sharp Cheddar cheese
• Red onion

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1. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, dill, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Add the thawed sweet peas, ham, cheese, and red onion, and stir so everything is coated in the creamy dressing.
3. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving. Give it a good stir before serving, some of the dressing will pool at the bottom of the bowl.

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CAN YOU FREEZE PEA SALAD?

This recipe has a mayonnaise-based dressing with it.

It is known that mayonnaise does not freeze well, it tends to separate.

So, I suggest not freezing this English pea salad.

However, if you have another pea salad that was not made with mayonnaise, then you could freeze that.

WHAT KIND OF PEAS ARE THE BEST TO USE?

This delicious pea salad uses frozen peas. But, you can use fresh peas.

I suggest blanching them and then shocking them in an ice water bath before using them.

I do not suggest using jarred or canned peas.

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CAN I ADD ANYTHING?

Want to make this creamy salad even more awesome?

Here are 10 easy ideas to mix in or sprinkle on top for a crowd pleaser that’ll wow at family gatherings or large gatherings:

• Fresh Mint – Chop some up and toss it in for a cool, zippy kick. It’s like a breath of fresh air in every bite!
• Water Chestnuts – Add these for a crunchy surprise—it’s like little treasure bites in your green pea salad recipe.
• Turkey Bacon – Crumble some cooked bits on top for extra smoky flavor. Bacon makes everything better, right?
• Diced Sweet Onion – Swap or add to the diced red onion for a milder, sweet vibe. Your taste buds will thank you!
• Petite Peas – Mix in some extra thawed peas for more sweetness of the peas—because peas are the star here!
• Lemon Juice – Drizzle a tiny bit over the top for a zesty pop. It’s like sunshine in your bowl!
• Purple Onion – Toss in some for a pretty color twist alongside that red onion. Double onion, double fun!
• Broccoli Salad Bits – Add tiny broccoli pieces for a healthy crunch. It’s like sneaking veggies into a party!
• Yellow Onion – Dice some up for a different onion flavor—perfect if you’re out of red ones next time.
• Cheddar Crumbles – Sprinkle more cheese on top because, well, cheese is life, and this is a family favorite already!

ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?

Need to switch things up for taste or diet? Here are 6 simple swaps to keep this easy pea salad recipe delicious and flexible:

• Apple Cider Vinegar – Mix a splash into the dressing instead of sour cream for a tangy twist—it’s a nice addition!
• Olive Oil – Use this instead of some mayonnaise for a lighter creamy salad. Still tasty, less heavy!
• Turkey Bacon – Swap the ham for this if you want a leaner option or just love bacon vibes.
• Regular Mayo – Out of mayonnaise? Use Greek yogurt for a healthier take—it’s still creamy and dreamy!
• Yellow Onion – Sub this for diced red onion if that’s what’s in your pantry. It’s a personal favorite switch!
• Vegetarian Pea Salad – Skip the ham entirely and add more green peas or some diced carrots for a meat-free side salad.

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Store leftover pea salad in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Best served and eaten cold.

This simple side dish should not sit out for more than 2 hours at room temperature, the best way to store is to keep it in the fridge until you are ready to serve.

Since this is a mayonnaise-based sauce recipe, I do not suggest freezing.

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Need ideas for a delicious side dish for your summer gatherings?

Try this Green Pea Salad, a hearty side dish for any spread.

If you’ve tried this GREEN PEA SALAD, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!