Best Homemade Spring Pea Salad: A Refreshing Taste of Spring 🥗🌿🌼

1. Introduction

As the days grow longer and the weather gets warmer, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a vibrant and fresh spring pea salad recipe. This homemade pea salad is not just a dish; it’s a burst of springtime flavors, combining sweet peas with crisp vegetables and a creamy dressing that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch, this garden pea salad is incredibly easy to make and will surely become a new favorite. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen peas, the simplicity and deliciousness of this salad will impress everyone. It’s also a fantastic way to incorporate seasonal produce into your diet. So, ditch the heavy meals and embrace the freshness! Get ready to enjoy a delightful culinary experience with our spring pea salad recipe!

2. What Makes This Spring Pea Salad Special?

This spring pea salad recipe stands out for its delightful combination of textures and flavors. The sweetness of the peas is perfectly balanced by the saltiness of the cheese and the tanginess of the dressing. Fresh mint adds an aromatic note that elevates the entire dish. Many pea salad recipes rely on heavy, overpowering dressings, but this one uses a light touch to let the natural flavors shine. Looking for more refreshing salads? Why not try our other salad recipes! Unlike heavier salads, this fresh pea salad is light and refreshing, making it an ideal choice for warm weather. Plus, it’s versatile – you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or seasonings to create your unique homemade pea salad. Imagine adding some toasted almonds for crunch or a sprinkle of parmesan for extra flavor. The possibilities are endless!

3. Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
• 1 cup cooked pasta (small shells or ditalini work well)
• 1/2 cup cubed cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Before we dive into the instructions, let’s talk about ingredient quality. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will truly elevate this salad. If you can get your hands on some locally grown peas, you’ll notice a significant difference in flavor. For a different flavor profile you can also prepare our zesty cowboy caviar dip

4. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Best Spring Pea Salad

1. Prepare the Peas

If using fresh peas, shell them. If using frozen peas, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and retain their vibrant green color. Drain well. This ensures that the peas are tender and have a crisp texture in your spring pea salad recipe. Nobody wants mushy peas! This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.

2. Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the prepared peas, cooked pasta, cubed cheddar cheese, and chopped red onion. Ensure that the pasta is cooled before adding it to the bowl to prevent the cheese from melting. This vibrant mix forms the base of your delicious homemade pea salad. If you’re looking for another easy recipe try our easy no-bake cheesy bread!

3. Add Fresh Mint and Cheese

Sprinkle the chopped fresh mint over the mixture. The mint adds a refreshing aroma and flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients. Gently toss everything together to ensure the mint is evenly distributed. The addition of cheese and mint really brings the garden pea salad to life. For a different dessert option, consider making our blueberry cheesecake cookies. Alternatively, if you’re after a quick and easy dessert, our strawberry cheesecake rolls might be just the thing!

4. Prepare and Add the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and lemon juice until smooth. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently fold to combine. Make sure the dressing coats everything evenly without being too heavy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This creamy dressing makes the spring pea salad recipe irresistible. Want to try something different, try our low-carb high-protein 3-ingredient cottage cheese pancakes.

5. Tips for the Perfect Spring Pea Salad

• Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the salad. Fresh peas, high-quality cheese, and fresh herbs make a significant difference.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Overcooked pasta can make the salad mushy. Cook the pasta al dente and let it cool completely before adding it to the salad.
• Adjust the Dressing to Your Taste: If you prefer a tangier salad, add more lemon juice. For a sweeter salad, consider adding a touch of honey or maple syrup.
• Chill Before Serving: Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors time to meld together and enhances the overall taste. For best results, chill for 1-2 hours.

For more inspiration, you might find some creative ideas on websites like The Pioneer Woman, which often features variations on classic recipes.

6. Variations to Try

• Bacon Pea Salad: Add crispy cooked bacon for a smoky, savory twist.
• Ham Pea Salad: Diced ham adds protein and a delightful flavor contrast.
• Vegan Pea Salad: Use vegan mayonnaise and dairy-free cheese alternatives to make this salad plant-based.
• Mediterranean Pea Salad: Add Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a lemon-herb vinaigrette for a Mediterranean flair.

Don’t be afraid to experiment! This salad is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.

If you enjoy adding pineapple to your salads, give our pineapple casserole for easter dinner recipe a try!

7. Serving Suggestions

This fresh pea salad is a versatile dish that pairs well with many meals. Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or sandwiches. It’s also a great addition to potlucks, picnics, and barbecues. For a light lunch, enjoy it on its own or with a side of crusty bread. You could also enjoy a Cranberry brie mozzarella grilled sandwich

8. Health Benefits of Spring Pea Salad

Besides being delicious, this spring pea salad recipe offers several health benefits. Peas are a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants. The addition of fresh mint provides anti-inflammatory properties. Choosing whole wheat pasta can further enhance the nutritional value by adding more fiber and nutrients. Enjoying this homemade pea salad is a tasty way to boost your health! Similar to this recipe, you might also like our delicious carrot cake recipe. You deserve dessert!

9. Conclusion

Our spring pea salad recipe is a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of the season. Its simplicity, combined with fresh and vibrant ingredients, makes it a standout dish for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or a light lunch, this garden pea salad is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy the refreshing taste of spring with this easy and delicious homemade pea salad! Or you can check our pineapple paradise cake recipe if you want to prepare another recipe.

Best Homemade Spring Pea Salad

---

• Author: Serena Miller
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Celebrate spring with this Best Homemade Spring Pea Salad! A refreshing and easy recipe featuring sweet peas, crisp vegetables, creamy dressing, and fresh mint. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch. Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful garden pea salad!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
• 1 cup cooked pasta (small shells or ditalini work well)
• 1/2 cup cubed cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Peas: If using fresh peas, shell them. If using frozen peas, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and retain their vibrant green color. Drain well.
2. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the prepared peas, cooked pasta, cubed cheddar cheese, and chopped red onion. Ensure that the pasta is cooled before adding it to the bowl to prevent the cheese from melting.
3. Add Fresh Mint and Cheese: Sprinkle the chopped fresh mint over the mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure the mint is evenly distributed.
4. Prepare and Add the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and lemon juice until smooth. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently fold to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

• Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the salad. Fresh peas, high-quality cheese, and fresh herbs make a significant difference.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Overcooked pasta can make the salad mushy. Cook the pasta al dente and let it cool completely before adding it to the salad.
• Adjust the Dressing to Your Taste: If you prefer a tangier salad, add more lemon juice. For a sweeter salad, consider adding a touch of honey or maple syrup.
• Chill Before Serving: Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors time to meld together and enhances the overall taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Cold prep
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 250 Kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: spring pea salad, pea salad recipe, homemade pea salad, garden pea salad, fresh pea salad, spring salad, easy salad recipe, pea and pasta salad