If you’re looking for a delightful, vibrant dish that’s as comforting as it is tasty, this Chicken Ham and Pea Salad Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Packed with tender chicken ham, sweet peas, and a creamy, flavorful dressing, it perfectly balances textures and flavors in every bite. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or an impressive side for your next gathering, this salad is an effortless way to brighten your table while satisfying everyone’s cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the secret to this salad’s charm. Each component not only adds its unique touch but also harmonizes beautifully with the others to create a refreshing dish that’s full of color and texture.
- Frozen peas (36 ounces, thawed): Naturally sweet and tender, they bring a lovely pop of green and a fresh burst of flavor.
- Cubed cooked chicken ham (2 cups): Adds a smoky, savory protein that’s juicy and satisfying.
- Cheddar cheese (8 ounces, cubed): Offers a creamy, slightly tangy richness that complements the ham perfectly.
- Diced red onion (¼ cup): Provides a mild, crisp bite that enlivens the salad with sharpness and crunch.
- Mayonnaise (1 cup): Acts as the silky base, tying all the flavors together with a smooth creaminess.
- Sour cream (2 tablespoons): Adds a delightful tang that lifts the dressing and balances the richness.
- Dry ranch seasoning (2 tablespoons): Infuses classic herbs and spices for that irresistible ranch flavor we all love.
- Fresh dill (2 teaspoons, finely chopped): Brings brightness and a subtle herby note that refreshes each mouthful.
- Granulated sugar (1 teaspoon): Just a touch to enhance the natural sweetness of the peas and balance the dressing.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle depth and savoriness without overpowering the salad.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Enhances the onion’s presence in a smooth, mellow way.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors beautifully.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick that rounds out the seasoning perfectly.
How to Make Chicken Ham and Pea Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking together the mayonnaise, sour cream, dry ranch seasoning, fresh dill, granulated sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This blend creates a luscious dressing that’s creamy, tangy, and packed with herbs and spices, setting the foundation for all the other ingredients to shine.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Once the dressing is smooth and well mixed, add the thawed peas, cubed chicken ham, cheddar cheese, and diced red onion to the bowl. Gently fold everything together to ensure each piece is lightly coated with the dressing, allowing flavors to meld without mashing the peas or the cheese cubes.
Step 3: Chill for Flavor
Cover the salad tightly and refrigerate it for at least three hours, or better yet, overnight. This waiting time allows the dressing to soak in, the herbs to infuse, and the flavors to harmonize beautifully, making every bite more flavorful and refreshing.
How to Serve Chicken Ham and Pea Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra burst of freshness and color, sprinkle chopped fresh dill or finely sliced green onions over the top just before serving. A few cracked black pepper twists add an inviting aroma that will make this salad irresistible at the table.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments like crusty bread, buttery croissants, or crisp garden greens. It also complements grilled meats perfectly, making it an excellent choice for barbecues and potlucks.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Chicken Ham and Pea Salad Recipe in a hollowed-out loaf of bread for a delightful centerpiece or spoon it into small, colorful bowls for individual servings. You can even use it as a sandwich filling or stuff it into pita pockets for a quick, satisfying meal on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a convenient make-ahead option for busy days when you need a quick, tasty bite.
Freezing
Because of the creamy dressing and fresh ingredients, this salad isn’t ideal for freezing. The texture and flavor can change noticeably, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not recommended. If you want a warm meal, try pairing the chilled salad with hot dishes instead to create contrasting temperatures and textures on your plate.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen peas?
Absolutely! Fresh peas will add a nice crunch and sweetness to the salad, though you may want to blanch them briefly to soften slightly before mixing to maintain the salad’s perfect texture.
Is there a substitute for chicken ham in this recipe?
If you can’t find chicken ham, smoked turkey or regular ham cubes work well. Just be mindful of the saltiness and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Can this salad be made vegan?
You can create a vegan-friendly version by swapping the chicken ham for plant-based alternatives, using vegan mayonnaise and sour cream, and choosing a dairy-free cheese substitute. It will still be delicious and creamy!
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
At least 3 hours is ideal, but overnight chilling is best to let all the flavors meld and deepen, making the salad even more delicious when served.
Can I add other veggies to this salad?
Definitely! Sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or even chopped bell peppers would all add exciting textures and flavors without overpowering the core elements of the Chicken Ham and Pea Salad Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Ham and Pea Salad Recipe is a fantastic, no-fuss way to bring bright flavors and satisfying textures to your meals. Its creamy dressing, balanced with herbs and the natural sweetness of peas, makes it an irresistible dish perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to give it a try—the smiles and requests for seconds will tell you just how much this salad belongs in your recipe collection.
Print
Chicken Ham and Pea Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and flavorful Chicken Ham and Pea Salad combining tender cooked ham, sweet peas, sharp cheddar cheese, and zesty ranch dressing infused with fresh dill. Perfect for a make-ahead side or light meal, this salad is chilled to enhance its refreshing taste.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 36 ounces frozen peas (thawed)
- 2 cups cubed cooked chicken ham
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese (cubed)
- ¼ cup diced red onion
Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, dry ranch seasoning, fresh dill, granulated sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine salad ingredients: To the bowl with the dressing, add the thawed peas, cubed cooked chicken ham, cubed cheddar cheese, and diced red onion. Gently stir everything until all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 3 hours or overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the salad to become thoroughly chilled before serving.
Notes
- Ensure peas are fully thawed and drained of excess water to avoid a watery salad.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced flavor contrast with the creamy dressing.
- The salad is best served chilled; refrigerate for at least 3 hours or preferably overnight.
- Feel free to substitute chicken ham with smoked turkey or cooked chicken breast for variation.
- This salad can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
