Spring Pea Salad With Mint Recipe
You’ll discover that spring peas aren’t just a side dish when you transform them into this elegant pea salad. The tender sweet peas pop with freshness against crisp radishes and butter lettuce, while mint adds an aromatic touch that awakens your senses. It’s the kind of dish that bridges winter’s hearty meals and summer’s light fare, making it perfect for those first warm days when you’re craving something bright and invigorating. Let’s explore how this simple combination becomes something extraordinary.
Overview
- Fresh peas and mint combine with butter lettuce, radishes, and feta cheese for a bright, seasonal salad.
- Blanch peas for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to maintain color.
- Torn fresh mint leaves add essential brightness and complement the natural sweetness of spring peas.
- A light lemon-Dijon dressing enhances the flavors without overpowering the delicate pea and mint combination.
- Assemble the salad just before serving to keep ingredients crisp and prevent wilting of lettuce and herbs.
Fresh and Vibrant Spring Pea Salad
Spring Pea Salad
A vibrant celebration of spring, this refreshing pea salad combines tender sweet peas with cooling mint, crisp radishes, and creamy feta cheese. The bright citrus dressing and delicate herbs create a perfect balance of flavors that showcase the season’s best produce, making it an ideal accompaniment for any springtime meal.
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh or frozen peas
- 1 head butter lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 6 radishes, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, torn
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Prepare an ice bath.
- Blanch peas for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Transfer peas immediately to ice bath; drain when cooled.
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey in a small bowl.
- Arrange butter lettuce on a serving platter.
- Combine cooled peas, sliced radishes, and chives in a large bowl.
- Pour dressing over vegetables and toss gently.
- Arrange dressed vegetables over lettuce.
- Top with torn mint leaves and crumbled feta cheese.
- Serve immediately.
Top Tips
- Shell fresh peas just before cooking to maintain maximum sweetness
- Don’t overcook the peas – they should retain some bite
- Pat vegetables completely dry before assembling to prevent diluting the dressing
- Make dressing ahead and store at room temperature for up to 2 hours
- For best results, assemble the salad just before serving
- Use good quality feta cheese and crumble it yourself
Variations
- Add blanched asparagus tips for extra spring flavor
- Substitute goat cheese for feta
- Include sugar snap peas for added crunch
- Try with a yogurt-based dressing for a creamier version
- Add toasted pine nuts or almonds for texture
- Include microgreens for additional color and nutrients
Nutritional Guide
Per serving (serves 6):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 165 |
| Fat | 11g |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 280mg |
Additional nutritional notes: This salad is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. The combination of peas and feta provides a good balance of plant-based and dairy protein, while the olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Frozen Peas if Fresh Ones Aren’t Available?
Yes, you can swap fresh peas for frozen peas! Just quickly blanch them in boiling water until they’re bright green and tender-crisp. They’ll still give you that sweet, vibrant flavor you’re looking for.
How Long Will This Spring Pea Salad Keep in the Refrigerator?
For the best storage tips and longest shelf life, you’ll want to enjoy your salad within 2-3 days. Keep it fresh in an airtight container, and you’ll find it’s still delightfully crisp and flavorful.
Is It Necessary to Blanch the Peas Before Adding Them?
You’ll want to blanch your peas to reveal their vibrant color and crisp-tender texture. Blanching benefits include better flavor and mouthfeel. Fresh peas need blanching, while frozen peas are pre-blanched during processing.
What Other Herbs Can I Use Instead of Mint?
You’ll love swapping mint with bright, peppery basil alternatives or crisp parsley options. Try chervil’s delicate anise notes, fresh dill’s feathery charm, or even tender tarragon’s subtle licorice undertones for wonderful results.
Can This Salad Be Made Ahead for a Party?
You’ll love this make-ahead party planning secret: prepare all components separately, storing them chilled. Just before serving, toss everything together to keep the peas crisp and vibrant for your guests’ enjoyment.
Before You Go
This vibrant spring pea salad you’ve created combines nature’s finest elements: tender sweet peas, crisp radishes, and delicate butter lettuce. You’ll love how the fresh mint and chives add bright, aromatic notes that dance with the zesty lemon dressing. With crumbled feta adding a creamy, salty finish, you’ve mastered a dish that captures spring’s essence in every invigorating bite.
