Quick Spring Pea Salad Recipe: A Burst of Freshness in Every Bite! 🌿🥗✨
1. Introduction
Looking for a vibrant and refreshing salad that captures the essence of spring? This quick spring pea salad recipe is exactly what you need! Bursting with the natural sweetness of fresh peas, complemented by bright herbs and creamy feta, this salad is a delightful addition to any meal. Whether you’re planning a light lunch, a picnic, or a side dish for a spring gathering, this easy pea salad is incredibly simple to make and packed with flavor. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy seasonal produce and impress your guests with minimal effort. This fresh pea salad is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a perfect centerpiece for your table.
This quick pea salad is a celebration of spring flavors. The crispness of the peas, combined with the saltiness of feta and the herbaceous notes of mint and dill, creates a harmonious blend that will tantalize your taste buds. Imagine the sweet pop of the peas mingling with the creamy, tangy feta – it’s a symphony of textures and tastes! Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – feel free to add other spring vegetables like asparagus or radishes to customize it to your liking. You could even whip up a batch of soup to go along with this during a cool spring evening. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of sunshine with this simple yet elegant spring pea salad recipe!
If you are looking for more recipes for your lunch, feel free to check out this pea salad recipe. It’s always fun to broaden your culinary horizons!
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. If you’re short on time but still want a delicious and healthy meal, this salad is your answer.
Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of fresh peas, herbs, and feta creates a vibrant and refreshing taste. Each bite is a burst of spring, making it a delightful experience for your palate.
Versatile: Easily customizable with other spring vegetables or different types of cheese. Feel free to get creative! Maybe some crumbled goat cheese instead of feta? How about adding some crunch with toasted pine nuts?
Healthy: Packed with vitamins and nutrients from fresh, seasonal ingredients. Peas are an excellent source of vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, making this salad a nutritional powerhouse. Thinking of a complete healthy breakfast?
Impressive: Despite its simplicity, this salad looks and tastes incredibly elegant. It’s perfect for serving to guests at brunches, lunches, or even as a side at dinner parties.
3. Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, make sure you have all your ingredients ready. Here’s what you’ll need:
2 cups fresh or frozen peas
4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Consider using high-quality olive oil for an extra layer of flavor. Fresh herbs will always provide a better taste than dried ones, so aim for the freshest you can find!
4. Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your perfect quick spring pea salad:
1. Prepare the Peas
If using fresh peas, shell them. This can be a bit time-consuming, but the taste of freshly shelled peas is worth the effort! Whether using fresh or frozen peas, blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. This enhances their sweetness and brings out their vibrant color. Don’t overcook them! You want them to retain a slight crispness.
2. Cool the Peas
Immediately drain the blanched peas and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This ensures they retain their crispness and vibrant color. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Excess water can make the salad soggy, so this step is important. This might be a great addition to our chicken recipes!
3. Combine Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the cooled peas, crumbled feta cheese, chopped mint, and chopped dill. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed for a balanced flavor profile. Gently toss them together to avoid crushing the peas or the feta. Thinking about what to make after these incredible recipes?
4. Dress and Season
Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the salad. Gently toss to coat all the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed to enhance the flavors to your preference. Taste as you go! You might want a little more lemon juice for extra zing, or a pinch more salt to bring out the flavors. What about desserts?
5. Tips for the Perfect Salad
Here are some additional tips to ensure your salad is a success:
Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the salad. Opt for organic peas if possible, and choose a good quality feta cheese.
Don’t Overcook the Peas: Blanching them briefly ensures they stay crisp and sweet. Overcooked peas will be mushy and less appealing.
Taste and Adjust: Season the salad to your liking, adjusting the salt, pepper, and lemon juice as needed. Everyone’s taste buds are different, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Serve Chilled: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Add Texture: Consider adding toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch. Toasted almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds would be delicious additions.
6. Variations and Add-Ins
Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations to try:
Cheese: Substitute feta with goat cheese, ricotta salata, or shaved Parmesan. Each cheese will add a unique flavor profile to the salad.
Vegetables: Add sliced radishes, asparagus tips, cucumber, or sugar snap peas. These additions will enhance the freshness and crunch of the salad.
Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like chives, parsley, or tarragon. Each herb will add a different aromatic note to the salad. This would pair awesomely with your Korean ground beef bowl.
Dressing: Try a honey-lemon vinaigrette, a creamy yogurt dressing, or a simple balsamic glaze. Each dressing will offer a different level of sweetness and tanginess. What are your plans for Easter?
Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier salad. This will transform the salad into a complete meal. How about alongside your favorite glazed ham?
7. Serving Suggestions
This spring pea salad recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Serve it as a side dish with grilled salmon, roasted chicken, or a vegetarian quiche. It’s also a great addition to a picnic or potluck. For a light lunch, serve it on its own or with a slice of crusty bread. The easy pea salad also makes a refreshing topping for crostini or bruschetta. Consider adding a dollop of creamy ricotta cheese for an extra touch of indulgence. Or make some hot cross buns to go along with this yummy meal!
8. Storage Tips
Store any leftover fresh pea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the herbs may wilt slightly over time, but the salad will still taste great. It’s best to add the dressing just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. If you’re making the salad ahead of time, consider keeping the dressing separate and adding it just before serving.
9. Conclusion
This quick spring pea salad recipe is a delightful and effortless way to celebrate the flavors of the season. With its simple ingredients and vibrant taste, it’s a perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re enjoying a light lunch or impressing guests at a spring gathering, this easy pea salad is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy a bowl of fresh, flavorful goodness! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and let them enjoy the taste of spring too!
This Quick Spring Pea Salad is a burst of fresh flavors, combining sweet peas, salty feta, and bright herbs in a simple, refreshing dish. Perfect as a side or light lunch, it’s ready in minutes!
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups fresh or frozen peas
4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
If using fresh peas, shell them. Blanch fresh or frozen peas in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
Immediately drain the peas and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Pat dry with a paper towel.
In a medium bowl, combine the cooled peas, crumbled feta cheese, chopped mint, and chopped dill.
Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the salad. Gently toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
Don’t overcook the peas; blanching them briefly keeps them crisp and sweet.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your liking.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Add toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:2 minutes
Category:Salad
Method:Mixing
Cuisine:Mediterranean
Nutrition
Serving Size:1 cup
Calories:180 Kcal
Sugar:4g
Sodium:250mg
Fat:12g
Saturated Fat:6g
Unsaturated Fat:5g
Trans Fat:0g
Carbohydrates:10g
Fiber:3g
Protein:7g
Cholesterol:30mg
Keywords: spring pea salad, pea salad, feta salad, mint dill salad, quick salad recipe, easy salad, spring recipe, vegetarian salad
Hi There!
Welcome to RecipesAlways.com! I’m Chef Megan, and I’m so excited to have you here as we embark on this flavorful journey together.