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Fresh Classic Spring Pea Salad with Mint and Feta

fresh classic spring pea salad - featured image

A light and refreshing salad combining sweet peas, fresh mint, and creamy feta cheese, perfect for summer and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (300g) fresh or frozen shelled peas
  • A small handful fresh mint leaves, finely chopped (about 1/4 cup loosely packed)
  • 1/2 cup (about 75g) crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of half a lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for crunch
  • Optional: splash of white balsamic vinegar

Instructions

  1. If using fresh peas, bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups (300g) shelled peas and blanch for 1-2 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. If using frozen peas, pour boiling water over them in a bowl to thaw quickly for about 1 minute.
  2. Immediately drain the peas using a colander and rinse under cold running water or submerge in an ice bath to stop cooking and preserve color. Drain well and set aside.
  3. Finely chop the fresh mint leaves, avoiding chopping too finely to keep texture.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled peas with chopped mint and crumbled feta cheese.
  6. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat evenly.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
  8. If using, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds on top just before serving.
  9. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

Blanch peas quickly to keep them tender-crisp and bright green. Shock peas in ice water to stop cooking and preserve color. Use fresh mint for best flavor. Crumble feta by hand to maintain texture. Adjust lemon juice and seasoning to balance flavors. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Salad can be made vegan by omitting feta or using plant-based cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: spring pea salad, mint and feta salad, summer salad, easy salad recipe, fresh pea salad, healthy salad, gluten-free salad, vegetarian salad