There is something absolutely magical about a dish that feels as vibrant and alive as the season it celebrates, and this Refreshing Spring Pea and Mint Salad Recipe does just that. Imagine sweet, tender peas kissed by a touch of fresh mint, bright lemon, and creamy feta, all elevated by the subtle crunch of toasted pine nuts. It’s a perfect springtime symphony of flavors and textures that’s light enough to enjoy as a snack but elegant enough to complement your favorite meals. Whether you need a quick, healthy lunch or a stunning side dish for a dinner party, this salad has you covered with its effortless charm and sunny freshness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential; each plays a crucial role in bringing out the salad’s unique harmony of sweet, tangy, creamy, and crispy notes. Using fresh ingredients where possible will make all the difference in achieving that perfect spring vibe.
- Fresh sweet peas (1 cup): The star ingredient, their natural sweetness and vibrant green color create the salad’s beautiful base.
- Fresh mint leaves, chopped (¼ cup): Adds a refreshing herbal brightness that lifts the entire dish.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 tbsp): Delivers a zesty tang that balances the sweetness and cheese.
- Extra virgin olive oil (2 tbsp): Brings a smooth, fruity richness and helps meld the flavors together.
- Crumbled feta cheese (¼ cup): Adds creamy saltiness that contrasts perfectly with the peas and mint.
- Toasted pine nuts (2 tbsp): Offers a toasty crunch for texture and depth—feel free to swap for walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that elevate all the other ingredients without overpowering them.
How to Make Refreshing Spring Pea and Mint Salad Recipe
Step 1: Blanch the Peas
Begin by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch your peas for about 3 minutes. This technique gently cooks them to tender perfection while preserving their bright green hue, which makes your salad look as fresh as it tastes. Immediately drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and lock in that vibrant color and snap.
Step 2: Combine Peas with Mint, Lemon, and Olive Oil
Next, toss the cooled peas in a large bowl with your freshly chopped mint leaves, lemon juice, and the golden extra virgin olive oil. The lemon juice adds that sunny, refreshing spark, while the olive oil delicately coats the peas, making each bite silky and flavorful. Gently mix everything so the peas stay intact and plump.
Step 3: Add Feta and Pine Nuts
Now comes the creamy and crunchy contrast. Sprinkle in the crumbled feta and toasted pine nuts, folding them through the salad carefully so you don’t mash the peas. The creamy feta brings a lovely saltiness, while the pine nuts introduce a warm nuttiness and satisfying texture that elevates the whole dish.
Step 4: Chill or Serve Immediately
You can serve this salad right away for a fresh, lively experience, or if you prefer, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to mingle and intensify beautifully, making the salad even more refreshing and delicious.
How to Serve Refreshing Spring Pea and Mint Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To make your salad shine even brighter, consider garnishing with a few extra mint leaves or a light drizzle of olive oil just before serving. A touch of lemon zest can also add an aromatic punch that complements the existing citrus notes perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Refreshing Spring Pea and Mint Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, offering a cool and crisp contrast to warm, smoky flavors. It also makes a delightful accompaniment to crusty bread or roasted vegetables for a vibrant vegetarian meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve this salad in individual glass jars or shallow bowls to showcase the salad’s appealing colors. You might also add edible flowers for an extra springtime touch, turning this simple salad into an eye-catching centerpiece at your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad keeps best for up to 2 days, but be aware that the peas may soften slightly over time, so it’s ideal to enjoy the salad fresh for that perfect texture.
Freezing
The delicate nature of this salad’s fresh peas, herbs, and cheese means it’s not suitable for freezing as the texture and flavors will suffer. It’s best enjoyed freshly made or within a couple of days if stored properly in the fridge.
Reheating
Since this salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended. If you prefer a warmer dish, consider lightly sautéing the peas separately and then mixing with fresh mint and lemon juice just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peas for this salad?
Absolutely! Frozen peas work wonderfully and are often just as sweet as fresh ones. Just be sure to blanch them briefly and cool them quickly to maintain that lovely spring-green color and firmness.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta or need a dairy-free option, creamy goat cheese or even a tangy vegan cheese alternative will keep the salad’s character intact without losing the lovely contrast of creaminess.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. However, to keep everything crisp and fresh, add pine nuts and feta just before serving if you can.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
The base salad is vegan-friendly, but traditional feta cheese is not. Swap the feta with a plant-based cheese or simply omit it and add more nuts or seeds for richness and texture.
How can I make this salad more filling?
Adding cooked quinoa, farro, or couscous can turn this light salad into a hearty meal while keeping the fresh, vibrant flavors front and center.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about making and sharing this Refreshing Spring Pea and Mint Salad Recipe. It’s effortless, bursting with seasonality, and endlessly adaptable to your preferences. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, it brings a splash of fresh flavor that feels like a celebration of spring in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and let it brighten your table and your day!
Print
Refreshing Spring Pea and Mint Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Refreshing Spring Pea and Mint Salad is a light, vibrant dish perfect for warm weather. Combining tender sweet peas with fresh mint, zesty lemon juice, and creamy feta, it’s topped with toasted pine nuts for added crunch. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an easy, elegant salad that highlights fresh flavors and makes a great side or light meal.
Ingredients
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
- Blanch Peas: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the peas and cook for 3 minutes until they are tender but still bright green. Drain the peas and immediately rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve their color.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled peas with chopped fresh mint, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. Toss the ingredients gently to combine without mashing the peas.
- Add Cheese and Nuts: Fold in the crumbled feta cheese and toasted pine nuts carefully, ensuring the peas remain whole and the salad maintains its fresh texture.
- Chill and Serve: Serve the salad immediately for a refreshing taste or chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.
Notes
- Frozen peas can be used if fresh peas are unavailable; just make sure to thaw them first.
- Substitute pine nuts with toasted walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- For a vegan version, replace feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it entirely.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on the saltiness of the feta used.
- This salad is best eaten fresh to enjoy the crispness of the peas and the bright herbs.
