old-fashioned curried pea and pearl onion salad

Name: Old-Fashioned Curried Pea and Pearl Onion Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Yield: 7 cup(s)
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (16-oz) bag(s) frozen sweet peas, thawed and drained; 1 (10-oz) bag(s) frozen pearl onions, thawed and drained; 2 cup(s) shredded sharp cheddar cheese; ¾ cup(s) miracle whip (or mayonnaise, if preferred); 1 teaspoon(s) old bay seasoning; ½ teaspoon(s) celery salt; ¼ teaspoon(s) curry powder; freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoon(s) fresh parsley, finely chopped

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Karen Feinen

Rochester, NY

Updated on Jun 12, 2026

Everyone has their own version of an old-fashioned pea salad. It's such a versatile base for all kinds of variations. This recipe is very similar to classic pea salads popular in the 1950s–1970s, except the curry powder gives it a distinctive twist. Start with ¼ teaspoon. It adds a subtle warmth without making the salad taste overtly like curry. Most classic pea salads use chopped red onion or green onion. The pearl onions give it a sweeter, milder flavor and a nice visual appeal.

Rate

prep time 15 Min

cook time 2 Hr

method No-Cook or Other

yield 7 cup(s)

Ingredients

1 (16-oz) bag frozen sweet peas, thawed and drained
1 (10-oz) bag frozen pearl onions, thawed and drained
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
¾ cup miracle whip (or mayonnaise, if preferred)
1 teaspoon old bay seasoning
½ teaspoon celery salt
¼ teaspoon curry powder
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How To Make old-fashioned curried pea and pearl onion salad

Step 1

Thaw the peas and pearl onions completely. Pat the onions dry with paper towels if they seem watery.

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine peas, pearl onions, cheddar cheese, Old Bay seasoning, celery salt, curry powder, black pepper, and parsley.
Step 3

Stir gently to distribute the seasonings evenly.
Step 4

Fold in the Miracle Whip until all ingredients are lightly coated.
Step 5

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Step 6

Stir well just before serving and adjust seasonings if desired.
Step 7

Notes: Start with ¼ teaspoon curry powder. Add a little more if you'd like a stronger curry flavor. People tend to have strong opinions regarding mayo vs Miracle Whip, but for this particular recipe, I can actually see a good argument for Miracle Whip. The peas and pearl onions are both naturally sweet, and the tanginess helps keep the salad from tasting heavy. You could even split the difference: ½ cup Miracle Whip ¼ cup mayonnaise The salad can be made a day ahead; many people find the flavor improves overnight. If the salad seems dry after chilling, stir in an additional tablespoon or two of Miracle Whip before serving. One thing I like about this recipe is that it's practical for gatherings: Inexpensive ingredients Can be made ahead Served cold Easy to double or triple No last-minute cooking
Step 8

Optional additions: 4 slices crispy bacon, crumbled 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped ¼ cup diced celery for crunch Try adding a tablespoon or two of finely chopped dill pickles or sweet pickle relish. Not enough to dominate—just enough to complement the peas.
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