Creamy Pea & Cheddar Pasta Salad
Discover the delightful combination of flavors and textures in this Creamy Pea & Cheddar Pasta Salad. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick family meal, this refreshing salad mixes al dente pasta with sweet peas, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy dressing, all brightened with a hint of diced onion and optional pickles. Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, it's a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Best of all, it can be made ahead, letting the flavors meld together for a truly tasty dish.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
ring pasta or elbow macaroni
8 ounces (cooked according to package instructions)
frozen green peas
10 ounces (thawed)
cheddar cheese
8 ounces (cubed)
salad dressing or mayonnaise
3/4 cup (as desired)
onion
1/2 cup (minced)
baby dill pickle
1/2 cup (minced (optional))
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package directions. Be careful not to overcook it;
2
When the pasta is almost done, place the frozen peas in a colander and drain the pasta directly over them. The hot water will perfectly cook the peas to a crisp-tender texture.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and peas with the cubed cheddar cheese, minced onion, and dill pickles (if using).
4
Drizzle in the salad dressing or mayonnaise. Gently stir the mixture until everything is evenly coated.
5
For optimal flavor, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least two hours or overnight.
6
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. If it appears a bit dry, feel free to add an extra splash of dressing or mayo as needed.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Pea & Cheddar Pasta Salad?
It is a refreshing salad that combines al dente pasta with sweet peas, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy dressing, perfect for picnics and potlucks.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
This recipe is designed to be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a quick family meal option.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe recommends using 8 ounces of ring pasta or elbow macaroni.
How do I prepare the frozen peas?
Place the frozen peas in a colander and drain the hot pasta water directly over them to cook them to a crisp-tender texture.
What kind of cheese is best for this salad?
Sharp cheddar cheese, cubed into small pieces, is recommended for a bold and savory flavor.
Can I use mayonnaise instead of salad dressing?
Yes, you can use either a creamy salad dressing (like Miracle Whip) or mayonnaise based on your preference.
Is the onion necessary?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of minced onion to brighten the flavors, but it can be adjusted or omitted if desired.
Are the pickles required?
Minced baby dill pickles are optional but provide a nice tangy crunch to the salad.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is scaled to provide approximately 4 servings.
Should this pasta salad be served hot or cold?
It is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
For optimal flavor, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least two hours or overnight.
What if the salad seems dry after chilling?
If the salad appears dry before serving, add an extra splash of dressing or mayonnaise to restore the creaminess.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, making it ahead allows the flavors to meld together for a more delicious result.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, though you may need to blanch fresh peas slightly longer to ensure they are tender.
What is the best way to cook the pasta?
Cook the pasta according to package directions until it is al dente, being careful not to overcook it.
Can I add meat to this salad?
Yes, adding protein like diced ham, cooked bacon, or shredded chicken would complement the ingredients well.
How long do leftovers stay fresh?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
Can I freeze this pasta salad?
Freezing is not recommended as the creamy dressing and pasta texture will change significantly when thawed.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as written.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cheddar is traditional, you can substitute it with Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or mild cheddar if you prefer.
How small should I cube the cheese?
Small cubes roughly the size of the peas are ideal for ensuring every bite has a bit of cheese.
What other vegetables can I add?
Diced celery, bell peppers, or shredded carrots would be great additions for extra crunch.
Can I use Greek yogurt in the dressing?
Yes, you can substitute some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier, higher-protein version.
What is the best way to mince the onion?
The onion should be finely minced so that its flavor is evenly distributed throughout the salad.
Can I use canned peas?
Canned peas are much softer and may get mushy; frozen peas are highly recommended for their texture.
Does the pasta need to be rinsed?
Draining the hot pasta over the peas acts as a quick thaw/cook; rinsing with cold water is not necessary unless you want to stop the cooking process immediately.
What is ring pasta?
Ring pasta, also known as Anelli, is a small, circle-shaped pasta that holds dressing and peas very well.
Can I add fresh herbs?
Yes, adding fresh dill or parsley would enhance the refreshing flavor of the salad.
How much dry pasta equals 8 ounces?
For elbow macaroni or rings, 8 ounces of dry pasta is approximately 2 cups.
Why let it sit overnight?
Allowing it to sit overnight ensures the pasta absorbs the flavors of the dressing and the onion for a deeper taste.