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Fresh Spring Pea and Mint Salad Recipe with Easy Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette

fresh spring pea and mint salad - featured image

A light, fresh, and vibrant salad combining sweet spring peas, cooling mint, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Perfect as a quick side dish for spring and summer meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (300g) fresh shelled spring peas (or thawed frozen peas)
  • 1/4 cup (about 10g) fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
  • Optional add-ins:
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds
  • Baby arugula or spinach leaves

Instructions

  1. Shell fresh peas from pods, rinse under cold water, and drain well. If using frozen peas, thaw completely at room temperature and pat dry.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, lemon zest, honey or maple syrup (if using), salt, and black pepper until emulsified and slightly thickened.
  3. Rinse and pat dry mint leaves, then roughly chop them to release aroma without shredding.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine peas and chopped mint. Pour lemon vinaigrette over and gently toss with salad tongs or large spoon and fork until evenly coated.
  5. Fold in optional ingredients like crumbled feta, toasted nuts, or baby greens if desired.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Serve immediately or chill for 15-20 minutes to meld flavors.

Notes

Use fresh peas for best sweetness and snap; thaw and dry frozen peas thoroughly to avoid watery salad. Chop mint just before adding to preserve flavor. Whisk vinaigrette until slightly thickened to help it cling to peas. Toss gently to avoid bruising peas. Serve fresh or chilled; avoid reheating. Adjust sweetness and acidity of dressing to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: spring pea salad, mint salad, lemon vinaigrette, fresh pea salad, easy salad recipe, healthy side dish, vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan option