The Story & Intro
Hi 👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom, and cooking has always been my love language. I grew up watching food bring women together in the kitchen my mum, my aunties, my neighbours chatting, laughing, and sharing stories while something comforting simmered or cooled on the counter. That’s where my heart learned that cooking is about more than just food. It’s about sharing stories and making memories.
This Classic Creamy Pasta Salad with Peas and Cheese takes me straight back to those moments. I remember summer afternoons when the table was crowded, the windows were open, and someone always asked, “Who made the pasta salad?” I still make this Classic Creamy Pasta Salad with Peas and Cheese for family lunches, picnics, and quiet evenings when I want something simple but deeply satisfying.
When I cook Classic Creamy Pasta Salad with Peas and Cheese, I slow down. I let the pasta cool just right, I fold everything gently, and I taste as I go. This recipe shows up again and again in my kitchen because it’s easy, reliable, and full of comfort. Classic Creamy Pasta Salad with Peas and Cheese doesn’t need fancy ingredients it just needs care, patience, and a little love.
I share recipes like this on marilynrecipes.com because I truly believe cooking should feel warm and welcoming, not stressful. And this Classic Creamy Pasta Salad with Peas and Cheese is exactly that kind of recipe.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
I love this recipe because it never fails me. I can make it ahead, serve it cold, and watch everyone go back for seconds. The creaminess hugs the pasta, the peas add little pops of sweetness, and the cheese melts slightly into everything.
This Classic Creamy Pasta Salad with Peas and Cheese works for busy days, potlucks, school lunches, and family gatherings. I don’t need to stand over the stove for hours. I don’t need expensive ingredients. I just need a bowl, a spoon, and a few minutes of calm in my kitchen.
Most of all, I love how this salad brings people together. Someone always asks for the recipe, and I always smile when I share it.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
I keep this recipe simple, but I’m very intentional with each ingredient.
Pasta is the heart of this dish. I usually choose short pasta like fusilli or penne because the sauce clings beautifully. I always salt my water generously — that’s the first layer of flavor.
Peas add freshness and sweetness. I often use frozen peas because they’re tender and reliable. I just blanch them briefly so they stay bright.
Cheese brings comfort. I love sharp cheddar for depth, but sometimes I mix in mozzarella for extra creaminess.
The dressing is creamy but balanced. Mayonnaise gives richness, while a touch of mustard and lemon keeps it from feeling heavy.
My biggest secret is patience. I let everything cool before mixing so the sauce stays thick and silky.
How I Make It, Step by Step
I start by boiling a big pot of salted water. I cook the pasta until just tender, never mushy. I drain it well and spread it out so it cools quickly.
While the pasta cools, I blanch the peas in hot water for about a minute, then rinse them under cold water. This keeps them sweet and vibrant.
I whisk together mayonnaise, a little mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Once everything cools, I gently fold the pasta, peas, and cheese together. I pour the dressing over and stir slowly so everything stays intact.
I always taste at the end. Sometimes I add more pepper or a squeeze of lemon. That final taste matters.
How I Serve It at Home
I serve this Classic Creamy Pasta Salad with Peas and Cheese cold or slightly chilled. At home, I pair it with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or simple sandwiches.
For family gatherings, I place it in a big bowl with a serving spoon and let people help themselves. It disappears fast.
Sometimes I sprinkle extra cheese on top just before serving, especially if children are around. They love that little touch.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
I store this pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days.
If it thickens, I stir in a spoonful of mayonnaise or a splash of milk to loosen it.
I never reheat this salad. It’s meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
I often make it the night before because the flavors deepen beautifully.
100-Word Short Version
This Classic Creamy Pasta Salad with Peas and Cheese is my go-to comfort recipe for busy days and family gatherings. Tender pasta, sweet peas, and rich cheese come together in a smooth, creamy dressing that feels familiar and cozy. I love how simple it is to make and how easily it fits into any meal. This salad tastes even better when made ahead and served chilled. It’s proof that the best recipes don’t need to be complicated they just need heart, balance, and a little love from the kitchen.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 300 g short pasta
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water until tender. Drain and cool.
- Blanch peas briefly and cool completely.
- Whisk mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Combine pasta, peas, and cheese in a bowl.
- Gently fold in dressing until evenly coated.
- Chill before serving.
📝 Notes
Let ingredients cool before mixing to keep the dressing creamy.
🍽️ Nutrition
Creamy, filling, and comforting 💛
Classic Creamy Pasta Salad with Peas and Cheese
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic creamy pasta salad with peas and cheese is a comforting, make-ahead side dish perfect for family meals, picnics, and gatherings. Tender pasta, sweet peas, and rich cheese come together in a smooth, flavorful dressing everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 300 g short pasta
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water until tender. Drain and let cool completely.
- Blanch peas for 1 minute, then rinse with cold water and drain.
- Whisk mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Combine cooled pasta, peas, and cheese in a large bowl.
- Gently fold in the dressing until evenly coated.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Let all ingredients cool before mixing to keep the dressing creamy. Add extra mayonnaise if the salad thickens after chilling. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Conclusion
Every time I make this Classic Creamy Pasta Salad with Peas and Cheese, I feel connected to the women who taught me that food is love. This recipe reminds me that comfort doesn’t come from complexity it comes from care. I hope you make this salad for someone you love and create your own memories around the table.