This classic Cold Ham, Pea, and Cheddar Salad Dip is a crowd-pleasing potluck staple. Featuring sweet tender peas, smoky diced ham, sharp cheddar cheese cubes, and finely diced red onion tossed in a rich herb-seasoned dressing, it pairs perfectly with buttery saltine or club crackers.
📝 Recipe Details
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Chill Time: 2 hours
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Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
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Servings: 8 to 10 portions
Ingredients
For the Salad Dip:
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16 oz (1 lb) frozen sweet peas (thawed and patted dry)
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1 ½ cups cooked ham, diced into small cubes
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1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small ¼-inch cubes
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⅓ cup red onion, finely diced
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Crackers (Club, Ritz, or Saltines) for serving
For the Creamy Dressing:
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¾ cup mayonnaise
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¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
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1 tbsp dry ranch seasoning mix
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1 tsp granulated sugar (balances the red onion bite)
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp fresh black pepper
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1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, finely chopped (optional garnish)
🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, dry ranch seasoning, granulated sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper until completely smooth.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the thawed green peas, cubed ham, cubed cheddar cheese, and diced red onion directly into the bowl with the dressing.
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Fold Gently: Using a rubber spatula, fold the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
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Chill: Cover the bowl tight with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight). Chilling allows the ranch spices to bloom and the dressing to set.
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Serve: Give the dip a quick stir before serving cold alongside crisp crackers or pita chips.
🥗 Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approx. ⅓ cup)
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Calories: 265 kcal
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Protein: 12 g
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Total Fat: 19 g
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Saturated Fat: 5 g
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Carbohydrates: 10 g
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Dietary Fiber: 3 g
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Sugars: 4 g
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Sodium: 580 mg
❓ Related High-CPM SEO Questions & Answers
1. Can I make this cold pea and ham salad recipe in advance?
Yes! This dish actually tastes better when made 12 to 24 hours in advance, as chilling allows the flavors to meld together into the creamy dressing. Keep it covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving.
2. What are the best healthy low-carb substitutions for mayo and ham?
For mayonnaise: Substitute whole-milk Greek yogurt or light mayo to lower calories and increase protein.
For ham: Swap smoked turkey breast, shredded chicken, or cooked bacon bits for a leaner protein profile.
3. Why should I use thawed frozen peas instead of canned peas?
Canned peas are overly soft and mushy, which turns the salad watery and dull gray in color. Thawed frozen sweet peas retain their vibrant green color, sweet taste, and firm, popping texture.
