Easy Spring Pea Salad: A Refreshing Taste of Spring 🥗🌱😋

1. Introduction

Are you yearning for a light, vibrant, and utterly delicious salad to truly welcome the spring season? Look no further! This easy spring pea salad recipe is the perfect dish to brighten up any meal and awaken your taste buds. Bursting with fresh, seasonal flavors and vibrant colors, this salad combines the natural sweetness of peas, tender pasta, and a creamy, tangy dressing that will undoubtedly leave you craving more. Picture this: You’re planning a delightful picnic, a sunny potluck, or simply desire a healthy and satisfying side dish to complement your dinner. This spring pea salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion! Want to try another amazing side dish? Check out these other salad recipes!

This simple pea salad is not only incredibly tasty, boasting a delightful balance of sweet and savory, but also surprisingly quick and easy to prepare. With just a handful of readily available ingredients and a few simple steps that anyone can master, you can have a refreshing and delightful salad ready in no time. The winning combination of sweet spring peas, perfectly cooked savory pasta, and a tangy, flavorful dressing makes it an incredibly versatile dish. It pairs well with a variety of main courses, from grilled chicken or flaky fish to serving as a satisfying vegetarian main course option. So, let’s dive right into this easy easy spring pea salad recipe and bring a taste of spring to your table today!

2. Why This Recipe Works

This easy spring pea salad recipe truly shines and stands out from the crowd due to its beautiful simplicity and the harmonious blend of complementary flavors and satisfying textures. The delicate sweetness of the fresh or frozen peas is perfectly balanced by the savory notes of the pasta, creating a delightful contrast that tantalizes the taste buds. The tangy brightness of the creamy dressing adds another layer of flavor complexity, enhancing the overall experience. The addition of fresh mint introduces a refreshing, aromatic note, while the subtle bite of the red onion provides a welcome touch of sharpness. Using high-quality, fresh ingredients ensures that each and every bite is packed with vibrant flavor and nutritional value.

Moreover, this spring pea salad is incredibly versatile and adaptable to your individual preferences. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding other fresh, seasonal vegetables such as crisp cucumbers, colorful bell peppers, or even crumbled bacon for a delightful smoky flavor. The creamy dressing, carefully balanced, generously coats all of the ingredients evenly, creating a cohesive and undeniably satisfying salad experience. Whether you’re a seasoned culinary expert or a complete beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is virtually foolproof and guarantees a delicious result every single time. For another great recipe for a family event, try our glazed ham.

3. Ingredients for Easy Spring Pea Salad

• 1 pound fresh or frozen peas
• 8 ounces pasta (such as ditalini or small shells)
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

4. Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Colander
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife

5. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Peas

If you’re using fresh peas, begin by shelling them. If you opt for frozen peas, thaw them thoroughly under cold running water. In a pot of generously salted boiling water, blanch the peas for approximately 2-3 minutes until they turn a vibrant shade of green and are tender-crisp – avoid overcooking them! Immediately drain the peas in a colander and rinse them with ice-cold water to halt the cooking process and preserve their bright color and crisp texture. Set aside for later use.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Cook the pasta according to the package directions provided, being careful not to overcook it. You want the pasta to be al dente, meaning it should be firm to the bite. Drain the cooked pasta immediately in a colander and rinse thoroughly with cold water to cool it down rapidly and prevent it from sticking together. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your salad. Set the cooked pasta aside.

Step 3: Chop the Vegetables and Herbs

Using a sharp knife, finely chop the red onion and the fresh mint. Aim for small, uniform pieces to ensure an even distribution of flavor throughout the entire fresh pea salad. Nobody wants a large chunk of onion in one bite! The smaller the pieces, the better the flavors will meld together.

Step 4: Prepare the Dressing

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier tang), freshly squeezed lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice and Dijon mustard according to your personal preference. A little extra lemon juice adds a lovely brightness, while more Dijon mustard provides a bolder, more pronounced flavor. For another creamy recipe, try our mango pudding.

Step 5: Combine and Chill

In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooked peas, cooked pasta, finely chopped red onion, and freshly chopped mint. Pour the prepared creamy dressing generously over the salad and gently toss to ensure that all of the ingredients are evenly coated in the luscious dressing. Once combined, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and refrigerate it for a minimum of 30 minutes, or even longer if you have the time, to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. This easy spring pea salad truly tastes even better after it has had a chance to chill and the flavors have had time to deepen and harmonize. For something to enjoy at Easter, make our dirt cake casserole.

6. Tips for the Perfect Spring Pea Salad

• For the most vibrant and delicious flavor, always opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible.
• Be careful not to overcook the peas; they should retain a slight crispness and “pop” when you bite into them.
• Rinsing the cooked pasta with cold water is essential to prevent it from sticking together and creating a gummy texture.
• Chop the red onion into very small, fine pieces to prevent it from overpowering the other delicate flavors of the salad.
• Don’t be afraid to adjust the dressing to perfectly suit your taste preferences; add more lemon juice for extra tang or more Dijon mustard for a bolder flavor.
• Chilling the finished salad for at least 30 minutes before serving is highly recommended, as it allows the flavors to fully meld and intensify.

7. Variations and Substitutions

• Feel free to add other complementary vegetables such as diced cucumbers, bell peppers (any color!), or crisp celery for added texture and nutrients.
• Consider including a source of protein, such as grilled chicken breast, succulent shrimp, or crispy crumbled bacon, to make the salad a more substantial and satisfying meal.
• Experiment with different types of pasta shapes, such as rotini, farfalle (bow ties), or penne, to add visual appeal and textural interest.
• For a lighter and healthier dressing, substitute the mayonnaise with creamy Greek yogurt.
• Add a sprinkle of cheese, such as tangy feta or salty Parmesan, for a savory and flavorful twist.
• To make a completely vegan version of this salad, simply use vegan mayonnaise and ensure that the pasta you choose is egg-free.

8. Serving Suggestions

This incredibly versatile simple pea salad can be served in countless ways, making it a go-to dish for any occasion. It makes an excellent side dish to accompany grilled chicken, baked fish, or roasted pork. It’s also a fantastic choice for picnics, potlucks, barbecues, and other outdoor gatherings. You can serve it chilled as a light and refreshing lunch or as a satisfying vegetarian main course. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish the salad with a generous sprinkling of fresh mint leaves just before serving. If you are serving ham, try our recipe for scalloped potatoes! For more inspiration, you can also check out this spring salad recipe.

9. Conclusion

This easy spring pea salad recipe provides a truly delightful way to celebrate the fresh and vibrant flavors of the spring season. With its simple yet elegant combination of fresh ingredients, creamy and tangy dressing, and incredibly easy preparation, it’s a dish that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and enjoyed by everyone. Whether you’re searching for a quick and easy side dish to complement a main course or a light and refreshing meal on its own, this versatile spring pea salad is an excellent choice. So, gather all of your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy this refreshing and flavorful salad today! For a quick breakfast try our potato and egg scramble!

Easy Spring Pea Salad

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• Author: Serena Miller
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the fresh flavors of spring with this Easy Spring Pea Salad! A simple and delicious salad featuring sweet peas, tender pasta, and a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect as a side dish or light lunch.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound fresh or frozen peas
• 8 ounces pasta (such as ditalini or small shells)
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. If using fresh peas, shell them. If using frozen peas, thaw them under cold water. In a pot of boiling water, blanch the peas for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to cool it down and prevent it from sticking together. Set aside.
3. Finely chop the red onion and fresh mint. Make sure the pieces are small and uniform for even distribution of flavor.
4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the lemon juice and mustard to your preference.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked peas, pasta, red onion, and fresh mint. Pour the creamy dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This salad tastes even better after chilling!

Notes

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook the peas; they should be tender-crisp.
• Rinse the pasta with cold water to prevent it from sticking.
• Chop the red onion finely to avoid overpowering the salad.
• Adjust the dressing to your liking by adding more lemon juice or mustard.
• Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 320 Kcal
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: spring pea salad, pea salad, easy salad, spring recipe, vegetarian salad, pasta salad, side dish, potluck salad, quick salad, creamy salad