Best Homemade Spring Pea Salad

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Best Homemade Spring Pea Salad
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Best Homemade Spring Pea Salad

Best Homemade Spring Pea Salad

April 16, 2025

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Best Homemade Spring Pea Salad: A Refreshing Taste of Spring ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿฅ—๐Ÿ˜‹

1. Introduction

As the days grow longer and the weather gets warmer, it’s time to embrace the fresh flavors of spring. What better way to do that than with a vibrant and delicious homemade spring pea salad? This delightful salad combines sweet spring peas with a creamy dressing and savory mix-ins, creating a perfect side dish for any occasion from Easter dinner to summer potlucks. Whether you’re planning a picnic, a barbecue, or simply looking for a light and refreshing lunch, this fresh pea salad is sure to impress. It is also the perfect addition to any easter brunch, next to these amazing Deviled Eggs. This spring salad recipe is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. If you’re looking for other easy recipes, you might like to check out our collection of Salad Recipes. Get ready to enjoy a burst of springtime flavors with this simple yet satisfying recipe!

Finished homemade spring pea salad with mint garnish, perfect for a spring meal.

2. Why This Recipe Works

This homemade spring pea salad recipe is a winner for several reasons. Firstly, itโ€™s incredibly quick and easy to prepare, requiring just a handful of simple steps and readily available ingredients. You can even find similar recipes online, such as this one on The Pioneer Woman, if you’re seeking inspiration. The combination of sweet peas, salty bacon, tangy feta, and sharp red onion creates a balanced flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of palates. Think about pairing this salad with our Family Favorite Glazed Ham for a truly stunning Easter meal. Additionally, the creamy dressing, made with mayonnaise and lemon juice, adds a lusciousness that ties all the ingredients together perfectly. The recipe is also highly customizable; you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Whether youโ€™re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this easy pea salad is guaranteed to be a success. Itโ€™s a delightful way to bring the flavors of spring to your table, and is far easier than making an amazing Carrot Cake!

3. Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen spring peas
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

4. Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl for dressing
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Skillet or microwave for cooking bacon

5. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Peas

If using fresh peas, shell them and blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp. If using frozen peas, thaw them under cold water. Drain the peas well and set aside in a large mixing bowl. This ensures the fresh pea salad has the perfect texture. And remember to avoid overcooking them, it will change the overall taste. If you’re looking for another delicious side dish that uses potatoes, you can try this recipe Scalloped Potatoes With A Twist.

Fresh spring peas being shelled for a homemade pea salad recipe.

Step 2: Add the Mix-Ins

Add the crumbled bacon, finely chopped red onion, and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl with the peas. These ingredients add a wonderful depth of flavor and texture to the homemade spring pea salad. For an extra something special, try adding a pinch of parmesan cheese to the top!

Adding red onion, feta cheese, and bacon to spring peas for homemade pea salad.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and lemon juice until smooth. This simple dressing enhances the natural flavors of the salad, making it a delightful spring salad recipe. If you want to add a little zing taste, use a little of our Easy Lemon Poppy Seed

Creamy dressing with mayonnaise and lemon juice for spring pea salad recipe.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and gently toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired. Serve immediately or chill for later. This easy pea salad is perfect for any occasion. Consider serving this next to our Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble for a brunch everyone will love!

Tossing spring pea salad with creamy dressing.

6. Tips for the Best Pea Salad

  • Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the salad. Opt for fresh spring peas when available for the best flavor.
  • Don’t Overcook the Peas: Whether youโ€™re using fresh or frozen peas, be careful not to overcook them. They should be tender-crisp to maintain their texture and sweetness.
  • Customize Your Mix-Ins: Feel free to add other ingredients such as chopped cucumber, radish, or fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
  • Make Ahead: This salad can be made a few hours in advance. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator and give it a good toss before serving.
  • Balance the Flavors: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra lemon juice can brighten the flavors, while a pinch of salt can enhance the sweetness of the peas.

7. Variations and Substitutions

  • Vegan Pea Salad: Substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan version and omit the bacon and feta cheese. Add avocado for creaminess and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
  • Greek Yogurt Dressing: Replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing.
  • Different Cheese: Try using goat cheese, Parmesan, or cheddar cheese instead of feta.
  • Add Nuts: Toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts can add a nice crunch.
  • Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick.

8. Serving Suggestions

This homemade spring pea salad is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak for a light and refreshing meal. Itโ€™s also a great addition to sandwiches and wraps. For a vegetarian option, pair it with a hearty grain bowl or a slice of quiche. Looking for something sweet to go with your salad? This fresh pea salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues, and itโ€™s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try a batch of our Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies for tasty desert.

9. Conclusion

There you have it! A simple, delicious, and refreshing homemade spring pea salad thatโ€™s perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant flavors and easy preparation, this spring salad recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Make this along with our Easter Dirt Cake Casserole for the best easter dinner! So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a taste of spring with every bite. For another simple, light dessert, try our Creamy Mango Pudding. Whether youโ€™re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a light lunch, this easy pea salad is a delightful way to celebrate the season.

Print
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Finished homemade spring pea salad with mint garnish, perfect for a spring meal.

Best Homemade Spring Pea Salad


  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian (adaptable)

Description

This Best Homemade Spring Pea Salad recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy the fresh flavors of spring. Combining sweet peas, salty bacon, tangy feta, and a creamy lemon dressing, it’s perfect as a side dish, light lunch, or for potlucks and barbecues. Customize it to your liking with variations and substitutions.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen spring peas
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. If using fresh peas, shell them and blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp. If using frozen peas, thaw them under cold water. Drain the peas well and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Add the crumbled bacon, finely chopped red onion, and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl with the peas.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and lemon juice until smooth.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and gently toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Notes

  • Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the salad. Opt for fresh spring peas when available for the best flavor.
  • Don’t Overcook the Peas: Whether youโ€™re using fresh or frozen peas, be careful not to overcook them. They should be tender-crisp to maintain their texture and sweetness.
  • Customize Your Mix-Ins: Feel free to add other ingredients such as chopped cucumber, radish, or fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
  • Make Ahead: This salad can be made a few hours in advance. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator and give it a good toss before serving.
  • Balance the Flavors: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra lemon juice can brighten the flavors, while a pinch of salt can enhance the sweetness of the peas.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 220 Kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: spring pea salad, pea salad, spring salad recipe, easy pea salad, side dish, spring recipes, homemade salad, feta pea salad, bacon pea salad

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