If you are searching for a vibrant and invigorating dish to brighten your meal, look no further than this Refreshing Spring Pea and Mint Salad Recipe. Bursting with the natural sweetness of tender peas and the cool brightness of fresh mint, this salad provides a delightful contrast of flavors and textures that feels like a gentle spring breeze on your palate. The subtle tang of lemon juice combined with creamy crumbled feta and crunchy toasted pine nuts ensures each bite is a celebration of freshness and balance. Whether as a light lunch or a stunning side, this salad invites you to savor the best of spring’s bounty in a simple and elegant way.

Refreshing Spring Pea and Mint Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Refreshing Spring Pea and Mint Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity; every ingredient brings something crucial to the table, creating a harmonious blend of taste, texture, and color that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

  • Fresh sweet peas: Use fresh for the best crunch and sweetness, or frozen for convenience without sacrificing flavor.
  • Fresh mint leaves: Chopped finely to infuse the salad with a refreshing herbaceous note.
  • Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds a bright, zesty kick that lifts all the other flavors beautifully.
  • Extra virgin olive oil: Provides a fruity richness and helps bind the salad components gently.
  • Crumbled feta cheese: Brings a creamy, salty contrast that enhances the sweetness of the peas.
  • Toasted pine nuts: Add a buttery crunch; walnuts or almonds make great alternatives.
  • Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, unlocking the depth of all ingredients.

How to Make Refreshing Spring Pea and Mint Salad Recipe

Step 1: Blanch the Peas

Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch your peas for about 3 minutes. This brief cooking process preserves their bright green color and sweet flavor while ensuring they’re tender yet still have a satisfying bite. Once done, immediately drain and transfer them into a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking—this keeps them crisp and fresh.

Step 2: Combine the Fresh Ingredients

Take a large bowl and gently toss the cooled peas with your chopped mint, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. This step is key as the lemon juice awakens the flavors and the olive oil lightly coats the peas, giving the salad a luscious, silky texture. Toss carefully so the peas remain intact.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Nuts

Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and the toasted pine nuts over the salad. The soft, creamy texture of the feta paired with the crunchy pine nuts introduces an irresistible contrast, adding layers of flavor and texture that make each forkful exciting and satisfying. Fold gently to keep the peas whole.

Step 4: Chill or Serve Immediately

You can enjoy this salad right away for a warm, fresh bite or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle even more deeply. Either way, it’s refreshing and delicious!

How to Serve Refreshing Spring Pea and Mint Salad Recipe

Refreshing Spring Pea and Mint Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For an added pop of color and texture, try garnishing with a few whole mint leaves or a light drizzle of olive oil just before serving. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a dash of lemon zest can also elevate the visual and flavor impact dramatically.

Side Dishes

This salad shines alongside grilled chicken or fish, making for a light and nutritious meal. It also pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a delicate slice of quiche for a charming brunch or a lively summer picnic spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salad in individual glass bowls or elegant ramekins to showcase its vibrant colors. You can also layer it in mason jars with some fresh herbs on top for a picnic-ready presentation that’s both practical and Instagram-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have some leftovers of this Refreshing Spring Pea and Mint Salad Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, though the salad is best enjoyed fresh to retain the peas’ delightful crunch.

Freezing

Since this salad relies on fresh peas and delicate mint, freezing is not recommended. The texture and vibrancy of the ingredients could be compromised, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a short time.

Reheating

This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature. Reheating is unnecessary and might diminish the refreshing qualities, so simply give it a gentle toss if needed before serving cold or slightly chilled.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh for this Refreshing Spring Pea and Mint Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen peas are a great substitute and still provide sweetness and color. Just be sure to blanch them properly and cool them quickly to retain their texture.

Is it possible to make this Refreshing Spring Pea and Mint Salad Recipe vegan?

Yes, you can replace the feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or simply omit it. The salad will still stay flavorful thanks to the peas, mint, lemon, and nuts.

What nuts work best if I can’t find pine nuts?

Toasted walnuts or almonds both offer excellent crunch and a slightly different nutty flavor that complements the salad perfectly.

Can I prepare the salad in advance?

You can prepare the salad up to a day before serving and keep it chilled. The flavors actually improve after some time in the fridge, though the texture of the peas remains best fresh.

What’s a good drink pairing with this Refreshing Spring Pea and Mint Salad Recipe?

This salad pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling water infused with lemon and mint for a non-alcoholic option.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Refreshing Spring Pea and Mint Salad Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those dishes that effortlessly brings a burst of fresh, bright flavors to any table with minimal fuss. Perfect for welcoming the season or brightening up any meal, this salad is sure to become one of your cherished go-to recipes. Enjoy every vibrant, tasty bite!

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Refreshing Spring Pea and Mint Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 145 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A fresh and vibrant spring salad featuring sweet peas and mint, dressed with lemon and olive oil, topped with creamy feta cheese and crunchy toasted pine nuts. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack.


Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh sweet peas (or frozen)
  • ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese)
  • 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts (or chopped walnuts/almonds)
  • Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

  1. Blanch Peas: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the peas for 3 minutes until tender but still bright green. Drain the peas and immediately cool them under cold running water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the cooled peas with the chopped fresh mint leaves, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. Mix gently to evenly distribute the flavors without mashing the peas.
  3. Add Cheese and Nuts: Fold in the crumbled feta cheese and toasted pine nuts carefully, ensuring the peas retain their shape and texture for visual and flavor balance.
  4. Serve or Chill: The salad can be served immediately for a fresh taste or chilled in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

Notes

  • For a nut-free version, omit pine nuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
  • Frozen peas work well as a convenient alternative to fresh peas.
  • Adjust salt and pepper according to taste, especially considering the saltiness of feta cheese.
  • Mint leaves can be substituted with fresh basil or parsley for a different flavor profile.
  • Serve the salad chilled for a refreshing spring or summer dish.

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