Pea Salad

Savor the vibrant flavors of our pea salad, a refreshing dish that showcases the sweet crunch of fresh peas, crisp cucumbers, and juicy tomatoes. Perfect for warm days or as a side dish at gatherings, this salad is easy to prepare and packed with nutrients. With a zesty dressing and a sprinkle of feta, it’s a palate-pleasing delight that will impress your guests and family alike. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this colorful salad!

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with no cooking time required.

Nutritional Value

Based on a serving size of 1 cup, each serving contains approximately 150 calories, 8g of protein, 10g of carbohydrates, and 8g of fat. This is a nutritious option for one person, providing essential vitamins and minerals.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. Start by rinsing the fresh peas under cold water if using fresh.
2. If using frozen peas, boil them briefly until tender, then cool in ice water.
3. Chop the cucumber into bite-sized pieces.
4. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
5. In a large bowl, combine the peas, cucumber, and tomatoes.
6. Add the crumbled feta cheese to the bowl.
7. Chop the mint leaves and sprinkle them over the salad mixture.
8. In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
9. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
10. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for enhanced flavors.

Alternative Ingredients

You can easily substitute fresh peas with canned peas or edamame for a different twist. Replace feta cheese with goat cheese or omit it for a vegan version. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also be used instead of mint for varied flavors.

Serving and Pairings

This pea salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, making it an excellent side for barbecues. It also complements sandwiches and wraps, adding a refreshing crunch to any meal.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed cold and doesn’t require reheating. This salad is not suitable for freezing, as the texture of the peas will change.

Cooking Mistakes

• Overcooking the peas can make them mushy; only blanch briefly if using frozen.
• Forgetting to cool the peas can lead to wilting in the salad.
• Not using enough seasoning can result in a bland taste.
• Using old ingredients can affect the salad’s freshness.
• Skipping the dressing can lead to dry salad; always drizzle before serving.

Helpful Tips

• Use fresh, in-season ingredients for the best flavor.
• Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes for enhanced taste.
• Add nuts like almonds for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Experiment with different dressings to suit your taste.

FAQs

How can I make this salad vegan?

You can make this pea salad vegan by omitting the feta cheese and using a vegan dressing or simply a mix of olive oil and vinegar.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, radishes, or even avocado for extra flavor and nutrients.

What dressing works best with pea salad?

A simple lemon vinaigrette or a yogurt-based dressing complements the fresh ingredients beautifully.

How long does pea salad last in the fridge?

Pea salad typically lasts for about 2 days in the fridge. However, it’s best eaten fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this pea salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this pea salad is not only easy to prepare but also a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Perfect for summer gatherings, it brings a refreshing touch to any table. Whether as a light lunch or a side dish, you’ll find it both satisfying and nutritious. Enjoy making and sharing this vibrant salad with friends and family!

Pea Salad

A vibrant and refreshing pea salad with fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing, perfect for summer gatherings.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Keyword: pea salad, fresh salad, healthy recipes, summer dishes

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 150kcal

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1 cucumber diced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Rinse the fresh peas under cold water if using fresh.
• If using frozen peas, boil them briefly until tender, then cool in ice water.
• Chop the cucumber into bite-sized pieces.
• Halve the cherry tomatoes.
• In a large bowl, combine the peas, cucumber, and tomatoes.
• Add the crumbled feta cheese to the bowl.
• Chop the mint leaves and sprinkle them over the salad mixture.
• In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
• Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
• Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for enhanced flavors.

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 4g