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
- 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.
- Add the crumbled bacon, finely chopped red onion, and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl with the peas.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and lemon juice until smooth.
- 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 you’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