If you’re craving something light, vibrant, and bursting with fresh flavors, the Refreshing Spring Pea and Mint Salad Recipe is your new best friend. This salad perfectly captures the essence of spring with sweet peas, cooling mint, zesty lemon, and creamy feta, all brought together with a simple olive oil dressing and crunchy toasted nuts. It’s not just a salad; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients that come alive in every bite — and the best part is, it’s ready in under 20 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad’s magic lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is chosen to contribute a unique taste or texture, creating a well-balanced, colorful dish that looks as good as it tastes.
- 1 cup fresh sweet peas (or frozen): Naturally sweet and vibrant, they form the base of the salad.
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped: Adds a refreshing herbal note that lifts the entire dish.
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brings bright acidity to balance the sweetness of the peas.
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Provides a rich, smooth mouthfeel and helps meld the flavors together.
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese): Introduces a creamy, salty contrast to the fresh ingredients.
- 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts (or chopped walnuts/almonds): Adds a delightful crunch and a nutty depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance and unify all the flavors.
How to Make Refreshing Spring Pea and Mint Salad Recipe
Step 1: Blanch the peas
Start by boiling salted water and blanching the fresh sweet peas for about 3 minutes. This process softens the peas just enough while keeping them bright green and crisp. Immediately drain them and transfer to ice-cold water to stop the cooking — this helps lock in that gorgeous color and fresh snap.
Step 2: Combine peas with mint and dressing
Once the peas are cooled, toss them in a large bowl with the chopped mint leaves, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. The mint’s cool flavor blends with the citrus tang and silky oil, creating a light, lively dressing that clings to each pea beautifully.
Step 3: Add cheese and nuts
Gently mix in the crumbled feta cheese and toasted pine nuts. This step is critical — fold carefully to avoid smashing those tender peas. The salty sharpness from the cheese paired with the crunch from the nuts really elevates the salad to something special.
Step 4: Serve or chill
The salad tastes fantastic served immediately for a fresh crunch, but letting it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and deepen. Either way, it’s a refreshing dish that’s sure to brighten up your table.
How to Serve Refreshing Spring Pea and Mint Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a fun, fresh touch, sprinkle extra mint leaves or some lemon zest on top just before serving. You could also add a light drizzle of honey or a few edible flowers for an elegant flair that wows your guests.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light lunch or dinner. It also complements rich mains like lamb chops or roasted vegetables, providing a bright, acidic contrast that balances the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in individual glass cups for a charming starter or layer it over a bed of mixed greens for added color and variety. It’s also fun to pile it atop toasted baguette slices for an open-faced spring-inspired bruschetta.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Because of the delicate pea texture and fresh mint, it’s best enjoyed fresh and not kept too long to maintain its vibrant flavor and crunch.
Freezing
This salad doesn’t freeze well. The peas will lose their crisp texture, and the fresh herbs won’t stand up to freezing. For peak freshness, stick to making it fresh or storing refrigerated for a short time.
Reheating
Since the salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended. Serve chilled or simply bring it to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peas for the Refreshing Spring Pea and Mint Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen peas are a convenient option and work well if fresh peas aren’t available. Just blanch them as you would fresh peas to maintain that crisp, bright texture.
What can I substitute for pine nuts in this salad?
Toasted walnuts or almonds are great alternatives. They bring a slightly different nutty flavor but still add the much-needed crunch to complement the peas and cheese.
Is there a vegan version of Refreshing Spring Pea and Mint Salad Recipe?
Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese or avocado for creaminess. The salad still shines with its fresh mint and lemon dressing.
Can this salad be made ahead for a picnic?
Yes, prepare it a few hours ahead and keep it chilled in a cooler. Toss everything just before serving if you want to refresh the texture a bit, especially if it has sat for a while.
How important is the lemon juice in this salad?
Very important! The lemon juice adds acidity that balances the natural sweetness of the peas and richness of the olive oil and cheese. It really brightens up the whole dish and keeps it feeling fresh.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the burst of freshness you get from the Refreshing Spring Pea and Mint Salad Recipe. It’s simple, quick, and delightfully vibrant — a perfect way to welcome the season to your plate. Give it a try soon, and I promise it’ll become one of your favorite go-to salads for spring and beyond.
Print
Refreshing Spring Pea and Mint Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light and refreshing Spring Pea and Mint Salad bursting with fresh flavors, featuring tender sweet peas, bright mint, tangy lemon, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy toasted pine nuts. Perfect as a healthy side dish or a light lunch.
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: Blanch the peas in salted boiling water for 3 minutes until they are tender yet still bright green. Drain them and immediately cool under cold running water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled peas with the chopped fresh mint leaves, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. Toss these ingredients gently to evenly coat the peas without breaking them.
- Add Cheese and Nuts: Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and toasted pine nuts, being careful not to mash the peas. This adds creaminess and crunch to the salad.
- Chill and Serve: Serve the salad immediately for best freshness, or chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
Notes
- Using fresh peas gives the best flavor and texture, but frozen peas work well if fresh are unavailable.
- Swap pine nuts for toasted walnuts or almonds for a different crunch and flavor.
- For a vegan version, omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
- This salad is best eaten fresh or within a day to maintain pea texture and flavor.
