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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Finely chop the red onion and fresh mint. Make sure the pieces are small and uniform for even distribution of flavor.
- 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.
- 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