Print

Fresh Spring Pea Salad with Feta and Mint

fresh spring pea salad - featured image

A quick, refreshing salad combining sweet peas, tangy feta, and aromatic mint, perfect for spring and summer meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen peas (about 300g / 10.5 oz)
  • 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 115g)
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped (about 10g)
  • 1 small red onion, finely sliced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds (about 30g)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the peas: shell and rinse fresh peas or rinse frozen peas under cold water until thawed. Drain thoroughly. (5 minutes)
  2. Blanch the peas: bring a pot of salted water to boil, add peas and cook for 1-2 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Transfer immediately to ice water to stop cooking and preserve color. Drain well. (5 minutes)
  3. Slice the red onion thinly and soak in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow the sharpness. Drain. (7 minutes including soaking)
  4. Chop the mint leaves finely. (2 minutes)
  5. Make the dressing by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Adjust seasoning to taste. (3 minutes)
  6. Combine peas, red onion, chopped mint, and crumbled feta in a large mixing bowl. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly. (2 minutes)
  7. If using, fold in toasted pine nuts or almonds gently. (1 minute)
  8. Cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature. (15+ minutes)

Notes

Do not overcook peas to maintain crispness and bright color. Soak red onion slices to reduce sharpness. Whisk dressing thoroughly to emulsify. Toss gently to keep feta in chunks and mint fresh. Assemble shortly before serving or keep dressing separate if preparing ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: spring pea salad, feta, mint, healthy salad, quick salad, easy recipe, vegetarian, gluten-free