Spring Pea Salad

Spring Pea Salad: A Refreshing Burst of Seasonal Goodness 🌱🥗✨

1. Introduction

As the weather warms up and nature comes back to life, there’s nothing quite like enjoying fresh, seasonal produce in vibrant dishes. This Spring Pea Salad recipe captures the essence of the season with its perfect balance of sweet peas, peppery radishes, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a bright lemon dressing. Not only is it a feast for the eyes with its gorgeous green hues, but it’s also packed with nutrients that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied.

Whether you’re planning a spring brunch, need a quick side dish for your weeknight dinner, or want to bring something fresh to a potluck, this salad is incredibly versatile. The best part? It comes together in just 15 minutes with minimal prep work. Inspired by seasonal favorites like this classic pea salad, we’ve created a version that’s both simple to make and bursting with flavor.

2. Ingredients

One of the best things about this spring pea salad is how simple the ingredient list is. You’ll need:

• 2 cups fresh green peas – The star of the show! Look for bright green, plump peas. Frozen peas work great too – just thaw them first.
• 1 cup thinly sliced radishes – These add a wonderful crunch and peppery bite that balances the sweetness of the peas.
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese – The salty tang of feta pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. For a different twist, try our Mexican cheese blend instead.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint – This herb brings a refreshing brightness that screams springtime.
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil – Use the good stuff for the best flavor.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice – Freshly squeezed makes all the difference.
• 1 teaspoon honey – Just a touch to balance the acidity.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t skip seasoning your salad!

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Peas

If you’re using fresh peas (lucky you!), blanch them in boiling water for just 2 minutes to bring out their vibrant color and sweet flavor. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process – this keeps them crisp-tender. Frozen peas are actually a great option too – just let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. No cooking needed!

Step 2: Slice the Radishes

Radishes add such a wonderful crunch and visual appeal to this salad. Use a mandoline if you have one for paper-thin slices, or simply slice them as thinly as possible with a sharp knife. Pro tip: soak the sliced radishes in ice water for 10 minutes before adding to the salad for extra crispness!

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the prepared peas, sliced radishes, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped mint. Be careful not to overmix – you want to keep those beautiful feta crumbles intact. The combination of colors at this stage is absolutely gorgeous – bright green peas, pink radishes, white feta, and flecks of green mint. It’s like spring in a bowl!

Step 4: Dress the Salad

The dressing couldn’t be simpler – just whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. The honey helps balance the acidity of the lemon while complementing the natural sweetness of the peas. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently – you want every component to get lightly coated without crushing the delicate ingredients. The dressing will slightly soften the feta, creating little pockets of creamy goodness throughout the salad.

4. Serving Suggestions

This spring pea salad is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:

• As a light lunch with some crusty bread
• Alongside grilled meats like our Copycat Chicken Bryan
• As part of a spring brunch spread with quiche and mimosas
• Topped with grilled shrimp or salmon for a protein boost
• As a fresh side with Limoncello Spritz for a perfect spring pairing

5. Storage Tips

While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will actually meld together nicely, though the radishes may lose some of their crispness. If you know you’ll have leftovers, consider storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving. The peas may darken slightly over time, but the flavor will still be delicious.

6. Variations

One of the great things about this spring pea salad recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes or use what you have on hand:

• Add Protein: Turn it into a main dish by adding grilled shrimp, diced chicken, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
• Swap the Cheese: While feta is classic, goat cheese would be lovely, or try ricotta salata for a milder flavor. For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or use vegan feta.
• Extra Crunch: Toasted almonds, pine nuts, or even crushed potato chips would add wonderful texture.
• Different Herbs: While mint is traditional, basil, dill, or parsley would work beautifully too.
• Additional Veggies: Thinly sliced cucumber, sugar snap peas, or even avocado would be delicious additions.

7. Health Benefits

This spring pea salad isn’t just delicious – it’s packed with nutrients that will make you feel great:

• Peas are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, helping you stay full longer. They’re also rich in vitamins A, C, K, and several B vitamins.
• Radishes provide vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants that support immune function.
• Feta cheese offers calcium and protein, while the olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
• Mint aids digestion and adds a burst of freshness without any calories.

Compared to heavier dessert options, this salad is a light yet satisfying way to enjoy seasonal produce.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen peas?

Absolutely! Frozen peas work perfectly in this recipe. In fact, they’re often more convenient and just as nutritious as fresh since they’re frozen at peak ripeness. Just be sure to thaw them completely before using – you can run them under cool water in a colander to speed up the process.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare all the components ahead of time, but for the best texture, I recommend assembling and dressing the salad no more than an hour before serving. If you need to make it further in advance, store the dressing separately and toss everything together right before serving.

What can I substitute for mint?

If you’re not a fan of mint or don’t have any on hand, fresh dill, parsley, or even basil would make excellent substitutes. Each will give the salad a slightly different flavor profile, so choose based on your preferences.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients in this spring pea salad are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check your feta cheese if you’re highly sensitive, as some brands may contain anti-caking agents with gluten.

Can I make this vegan?

Definitely! Simply omit the feta cheese or use a vegan alternative. The salad will still be delicious with just the peas, radishes, and dressing. You might want to add some toasted nuts for extra protein and texture.

9. Conclusion

This Spring Pea Salad is truly a celebration of the season – fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday side dish, something impressive to bring to a potluck, or a light lunch option, this recipe delivers. The combination of sweet peas, peppery radishes, creamy feta, and bright mint creates a harmony of flavors that perfectly captures the essence of spring.

We hope you love this recipe as much as we do! For more seasonal inspiration, check out our About page to learn about our cooking philosophy, or review our disclaimer and terms for using our recipes. Happy cooking, and enjoy the flavors of spring! 🌿

Spring Pea Salad

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• Total Time: 17 minutes

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Description

Spring Pea Salad: A Refreshing Burst of Seasonal Goodness 🌱🥗✨ This vibrant salad combines sweet peas, crisp radishes, and creamy feta cheese with a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for spring gatherings or as a light, nutritious meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups fresh green peas (or frozen peas, thawed)
• 1 cup thinly sliced radishes
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. If using fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for 2 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath. If using frozen peas, thaw them before use.
2. Thinly slice the radishes for a crisp, peppery bite.
3. In a large bowl, gently toss together peas, radishes, feta cheese, and chopped mint.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the salad and toss gently to coat.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• For added protein, toss in grilled shrimp or diced chicken.
• Swap feta for goat cheese or ricotta salata for a different flavor.
• Add toasted almonds or pine nuts for extra crunch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 180 Kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: spring pea salad, fresh pea salad, easy spring salad, healthy salad recipe, vegetarian salad, feta pea salad