Quick Spring Pea Salad Recipe: A Burst of Freshness in Every Bite! 🥗🌱😋

1. Introduction

Welcome to the bright and vibrant world of spring flavors! This spring pea salad recipe is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of the season’s bounty. Perfectly combining sweetness and freshness, this easy pea salad is ideal as a light lunch, a side dish for your barbecues, or a delightful addition to any spring gathering. Imagine tender peas, crisp mint, and a zesty vinaigrette coming together in perfect harmony. This quick salad with peas is incredibly simple to make, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s the perfect way to showcase seasonal produce and brighten up any meal. Need more salad inspiration? Check out our other delicious salad recipes! Let’s dive into creating this refreshing salad that will surely become a seasonal favorite!

2. Ingredients You’ll Need

The key to an amazing spring pea salad is using high-quality, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

3. Equipment Needed

No need for fancy gadgets here! This simple salad requires minimal equipment:

• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Knife
• Cutting board

4. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Peas

If using fresh peas, shell them. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them. This fresh pea salad starts with the best possible peas, so make sure they’re fresh and vibrant! Fresh peas really do make a difference, offering a sweeter and crisper flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Peas

Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil. Add the peas and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain the peas immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This ensures they retain their vibrant color and perfect texture in your spring pea salad recipe. Overcooking will result in mushy peas, so keep a close eye on them! If you’re looking for another quick recipe, you may like our easy no-bake cheesy bread that can pair with this salad!

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked peas, diced red onion, chopped mint, and crumbled feta cheese. The combination of these ingredients makes this easy pea salad incredibly flavorful and texturally satisfying. The slight bite of the red onion, the coolness of the mint, and the tanginess of the feta create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

Step 4: Prepare and Add the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper. Pour the vinaigrette over the pea mixture and gently toss to combine. Make sure every pea is coated with the dressing for the best flavor in this quick salad with peas. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – a little extra lemon juice can brighten things up, or a pinch more honey can add a touch more sweetness.

5. Tips for the Perfect Pea Salad

Want to take your pea salad to the next level? Here are some insider tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh peas and mint will elevate the flavor of your salad. Consider visiting a local farmer’s market, or for more ideas and an alternative recipe, check out this Classic Spring Pea Salad recipe.
• Don’t Overcook the Peas: Overcooked peas can be mushy. Aim for a tender-crisp texture.
• Adjust Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to your liking. Some people prefer a tangier salad, while others enjoy a touch more sweetness.
• Chill Before Serving: Chilling the salad for about 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together. This also helps the salad stay fresh and crisp.

6. Variations and Add-Ins

Get creative and customize your pea salad with these delicious add-ins:

• Cheese: Substitute goat cheese for feta for a Tangy alternative. Goat cheese adds a creamy and slightly more assertive flavor that complements the peas beautifully.
• Nuts: Add toasted almonds or pine nuts for added crunch. Toasting the nuts beforehand enhances their flavor and adds a delightful textural contrast.
• Vegetables: Include sliced radishes or cucumbers for extra freshness. These veggies add a refreshing crispness that perfectly complements the sweetness of the peas.
• Protein: Toss in some grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a complete meal. This transforms the salad from a side dish into a satisfying and nutritious main course. If you want a great side dish to go with this salad, see our ritz cracker chicken recipe.

7. Serving Suggestions

This spring pea salad recipe is versatile and pairs well with many dishes. Serve it as a side with grilled salmon, roasted chicken, or a veggie burger. It’s also a perfect addition to a picnic basket or a potluck gathering. For your next gathering, you could also bring this cowboy caviar dip everyone will love it! Enjoy it as a light and refreshing lunch on its own! This salad is also an excellent starter before a larger meal.

8. Storage Instructions

Store any leftover fresh pea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but the flavors will still be delicious the next day. Be aware that the mint might darken slightly, but it will still taste great. If you’re planning to store the salad, consider adding the vinaigrette just before serving to prevent the peas from becoming soggy. For a party, create your glazed ham ahead of time and assemble everything when you’re ready to start serving!

9. Conclusion

This quick spring pea salad recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. With its vibrant flavors and easy preparation, it’s the perfect dish to welcome spring and enjoy the season’s fresh produce. Whether you’re looking for an easy pea salad for a quick lunch or a delightful side dish for your next gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a burst of freshness in every bite! Now that you’ve got your salad sorted, how about a Pineapple Paradise Cake for dessert?

Quick Spring Pea Salad Recipe

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• Author: Serena Miller
• Total Time: 13 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

This Quick Spring Pea Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that celebrates the fresh flavors of spring. Made with tender peas, crisp mint, red onion, and feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette, it’s the perfect light lunch or side dish for any occasion.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. If using fresh peas, shell them. If using frozen peas, no thawing is needed.
2. Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil. Add the peas and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
3. Drain the peas immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked peas, diced red onion, chopped mint, and crumbled feta cheese.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper.
6. Pour the vinaigrette over the pea mixture and gently toss to combine.

Notes

• Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh peas and mint will elevate the salad’s freshness.
• Don’t overcook the peas to avoid a mushy texture. Aim for tender-crisp.
• Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup to your preference.
• Chill the salad for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 180 Kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 20mg