Discover a fresh, modern take on a classic favorite with this Simple Pea Salad Recipe with Ham. This budget-friendly, quick and delicious recipe is the perfect way to turn leftovers into a stress-free dinner that your whole family will actually enjoy. It’s also an ideal make-ahead dish for picnics and potlucks since it travels well and stays perfectly creamy!
Jump to:
- 🍖The answer to your holiday ham leftovers
- ✅Why this recipe is an easy weeknight win
- 🥗Perfect summer potluck side
- 🥘Basic ingredients needed
- 🔪How to make this simple pea salad recipe
- 🌿Healthy ingredient substitutions
- 🥗Creative simple pea salad recipe variations
- 🍽Essential equipment needed
- 🍶Storing your salad
- 🫛Top tips for making the perfect pea salad
- 🗨️Simple pea salad recipe FAQ
- 🥄More easy weeknight recipes
- 🌞Favorite summer potluck pairings
- 📋Recipe with step-by-step instructions
- 💬 Comments
🍖The answer to your holiday ham leftovers
This simple pea salad recipe is the ultimate "fridge-raid" win for transforming your Easter or Christmas leftovers into a fresh, creamy treat without any extra stovetop stress. It’s a clever way to repurpose your extra holiday ham into a light and flavorful dish that tastes brand new. This quick recipe ensures that not a single bite of your celebration feast goes to waste while keeping your post-holiday meal prep completely effortless!
✅Why this recipe is an easy weeknight win
This budget-friendly dish is a total protein-packed powerhouse that makes a healthy, satisfying family meal in just minutes. By combining savory ham and sharp cheddar with fiber-rich peas and a creamy Greek yogurt base, you’re serving a nutrient-dense dish that keeps everyone full for longer. It’s an incredibly easy recipe to throw together in the morning, allowing you to get a high-protein dinner on the table in minutes later on without ever turning on the stove!
🥗Perfect summer potluck side
Looking to bring a crowd-pleasing, unique side-dish (with retro vibes) to your next gathering? This simple pea salad recipe is the perfect potluck side dish because it’s incredibly easy to prep ahead of time. The creamy texture and savory flavors hold up beautifully during travel, ensuring every scoop is just as delicious at the party as it was in your kitchen. It’s a guaranteed hit that stands out on any buffet table, offering a fresh and hearty alternative to the standard store-bought options!
🥘Basic ingredients needed
- pre-cooked ham - using leftover or pre-cooked ham is the ultimate time-saver that adds a smoky, savory depth to the dish with zero extra prep
- cheddar cheese - sharp cheddar provides a bold, familiar flavor and a creamy texture that makes this a kid-friendly option everyone will love
- frozen baby sweet peas - these are a pantry-staple win, adding a pop of bright color and a subtle sweetness that balances the savory ham and cheese flavors
- green OR red onion - whether you want a mild crunch (green) or a bit of zest (red), these onions add a fresh, aromatic bite that cuts through the creamy dressing
- reduced fat mayonnaise - this keeps the base of your homemade dressing smooth and rich while being a lighter option for a more balanced meal
- Dijon mustard - a touch of Dijon provides a tangy zip that elevates the flavor profile and acts as a natural emulsifier for the sauce
- plain Greek yogurt OR sour cream - this creates a tangy base that ensures your dressing is incredibly velvety without feeling overly heavy
- fresh dill - adds a bright, garden fresh aroma and bite
- ranch seasoning - the secret shortcut to a bold, herb-infused flavor that perfectly seasons the entire dish in just one easy step
- garlic powder - provides a savory warmth
- salt & pepper - fundamental seasonings to bring out the flavors
See recipe card for quantities.
🔪How to make this simple pea salad recipe
- Step 1: Defrost peas, then add to large bowl. Toss in cubed ham and cheddar.
- Step 2: Mix the ingredients together.
- Step 3: Make the dressing by combining the mayo, Dijon, yogurt OR sour cream, dill, and seasonings.
- Step 4: Fold dressing into pea bowl. Cover and chill for a minimum of 2 hours for best flavor.
For step-by-step instructions, see the recipe card below.
Hint: This is the ultimate make-ahead meal prep win because letting the dish chill in the fridge allows the smoky ham, fresh dill, and tangy dressing to meld together for a much deeper flavor profile.
🌿Healthy ingredient substitutions
- Turkey Ham or Lean Roast Turkey - Swap the traditional ham for a lean turkey alternative to lower the saturated fat while keeping that essential protein-packed bite. It provides a similar savory flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the sweet peas and creamy dressing.
- Diced Cucumber or Celery - Use chopped cucumber or celery in place of some of the cheese to add a hydrating, low-calorie crunch and extra vitamins. This increases the volume of the salad and adds a refreshing crispness that balances the richness of the yogurt base.
- Ranch Herb Blend - Replace the pre-packaged ranch seasoning with a homemade mix of dried parsley, chives, and onion powder to eliminate hidden preservatives and extra sodium. This allows you to control the seasoning perfectly while highlighting the bright, fresh flavor of the dill.
🥗Creative simple pea salad recipe variations
- The Smoky Retro Favorite - Give this dish a classic throwback feel by using crispy crumbled bacon instead of ham and a handful of toasted sunflower seeds for an extra layer of crunch. This variation leans into the retro pea salad vibes that everyone remembers from family gatherings.
- Spicy Southwest Kick - Transform the flavor profile by swapping the dill for fresh cilantro and adding a dash of chili powder or diced jalapeños. The creamy ranch and yogurt base acts as the perfect cooling balance to the heat, making it a bold and zesty high-protein lunch option.
- Garden Fresh Crunch - Amp up the texture by folding in finely diced radishes and chopped water chestnuts for a refreshing, water-dense bite. This version highlights a vibrant garden aesthetic, making the salad feel even lighter and crisper while keeping the preparation quick and easy.
See this Southwest Chicken Pasta Salad--another quick and easy, one dish meal that's perfect for cookouts or busy weeknights!
🍽Essential equipment needed
- mesh colander
- large baking sheet lined with a light kitchen towel
- cutting board
- chef's knife and serrated knife
- measuring cups and spoons
- large mixing bowl (6 qt)
- small mixing bowl and whisk
🍶Storing your salad
Store your simple pea salad recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the ingredients crisp and the dressing perfectly creamy. This recipe holds up beautifully for up to three days, making it a reliable make-ahead meal as the flavors continue to develop and meld over time.
It’s not recommended to freeze this salad because the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise base will separate and become grainy upon thawing, ruining the creamy texture of the dressing and the crispness of the peas.
🫛Top tips for making the perfect pea salad
Here are the best ways to prep your peas quickly while keeping your salad perfectly creamy and low-moisture:
- Batch Defrosting - Instead of crowding all three bags into one colander, defrost them one bag at a time under warm water for about 60 seconds each to ensure every pea is evenly thawed and the water doesn't get trapped in the middle.
- The Salad Spinner Secret - The most effective way to avoid moisture is to give the thawed peas a quick spin in a salad spinner to force off the excess water.
- Double Down on Drying - With three bags, a single paper towel won't cut it; spread the peas out in a single layer across a large baking sheet lined with a clean kitchen towel to let them air-dry for a few minutes before mixing.
🗨️Simple pea salad recipe FAQ
No, you don’t need to cook them! Frozen peas are flash-steamed before freezing, so they're ready to eat once thawed; just run them under warm water in a colander for about a minute per bag to keep that bright green color and signature "pop."
The secret is in the drying! After thawing your three bags of peas, spread them out on a clean kitchen towel and pat them completely dry—or better yet, use a salad spinner—to ensure the creamy dressing stays thick and doesn't get thinned out by excess moisture.
Absolutely! This is a fantastic make-ahead side dish because the flavors actually improve as they sit. For the best results, prep it a few hours or even a full day in advance so the smoky ham and tangy Greek yogurt dressing have time to meld.
When stored in an airtight container, this salad stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. After that, the peas may begin to soften, and the dressing can start to separate, so it’s best enjoyed within that 72-hour window.
I don't recommend freezing this dish. Because the dressing uses a Greek yogurt and mayonnaise base, it will separate and become grainy once thawed, losing that signature creamy texture you want in a fresh salad.
It’s best to stick with frozen or fresh peas for this recipe. Canned peas are much softer and have a muted color, which can lead to a mushy texture rather than the crisp, vibrant bite that makes this salad so good!
🥄More easy weeknight recipes
Looking for other easy and quick recipes like this to feed the family? Try these:
🌞Favorite summer potluck pairings
These are my favorite summer dishes to serve with this simple pea salad recipe:
📋Recipe with step-by-step instructions
Simple Pea Salad Recipe with Ham (No Cook Family Meal)
Equipment
- mesh colander
- large baking sheet lined with a light kitchen towel (for drying defrosted peas)
- cutting board
- chef's knife
- serrated knife
- measuring cups & spoons
- large mixing bowl (6 qt)
- small mixing bowl
- whisk
Ingredients
- 2 cups pre-cooked ham cut into small cubes
- 8 oz (2 cups) sharp cheddar cheese cut into small cubes
- 3 (12-13 oz) bags frozen baby sweet peas regular frozen pea bags (not microwaveable bags)
- ½ cup green OR red onion chopped
- ¾ cup reduced fat mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup whole milk plain Greek yogurt OR sour cream
- 2 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- 2 tablespoon fresh dill finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Empty ONE frozen pea bag into colander; run warm water over peas for 60 seconds. Then place peas on large baking sheet lined with kitchen towel to dry. Repeat this process for next two bags.
- While peas are drying, chop the ham, cheese, and onion; add to large salad bowl. Then add the peas and gently mix.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk the mayo, Dijon, yogurt OR sour cream; add the ranch seasoning, dill, sugar, and garlic powder. Whisk until blended; add salt and pepper to taste.
- Fold dressing into large bowl; gently mix until all ingredients are lightly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours for best flavor.
Notes
Nutrition
Please note that nutritional information is provided by a third party service and is intended for guidance purposes only. KitchenReadyBetty.com makes no claims to its accuracy.
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