Name: Spring Pea and Mint Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: Green Peas: 2 cups fresh or frozen green peas, blanched Sugar Snap Peas: 1/2 cup, thinly sliced Fresh Mint Leaves: 1/4 cup, chopped Feta Cheese: 1/4 cup, crumbled Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon Honey: 1/2 teaspoon Salt: 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper: 1/8 teaspoon Lemon Zest: for garnish (optional)

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If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s as vibrant and refreshing as spring itself, look no further than this Spring Pea and Mint Salad. Every bite is a joyful celebration of seasonal peas, cool mint, zesty lemon, and creamy feta, coming together in a crunchy, flavor-packed medley made for sunny days and easy entertaining. Whether you’re craving a light lunch, a picnic side, or something cheerful to bring to brunch, this salad promises to bring brightness to your table and smiles all round.

Spring Pea and Mint Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This salad is the perfect example of how a handful of fresh, simple ingredients can shine when they come together. Each element brings its own personality: creamy, crisp, tangy, and aromatic—creating colors and textures that turn an ordinary bowl into a lively spring spectacle.

Green peas (2 cups, fresh or frozen): The hero of the salad, delivering a subtle sweetness and that irresistible pop with every mouthful.
Sugar snap peas (1/2 cup, thinly sliced): These add a brilliant green crunch and a slightly grassy flavor that screams spring.
Fresh mint leaves (1/4 cup, chopped): Mint’s cooling aroma makes every bite refreshing and perfectly balances the natural pea sweetness.
Feta cheese (1/4 cup, crumbled): A creamy, salty counterpoint that makes the peas and mint absolutely sing.
Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Brings zing and brightness, tying all the flavors together.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a silky texture and enhances every other flavor in the bowl.
Honey (1/2 teaspoon): Just a hint softens the tangy lemon and brings extra depth.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out the sweetness of the peas.
Black pepper (1/8 teaspoon): Delivers a gentle, enlivening warmth.
Lemon zest (optional, for garnish): An extra burst of citrus, this is your chance to make the salad look and taste extra lively.

How to Make Spring Pea and Mint Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Peas

If you’re using frozen peas, begin by blanching them briefly—just one to two minutes in boiling water will do the trick. You want them to turn a vivid green and stay slightly crisp. Once they’re ready, drain and rinse under cold water to lock in that color and freshness. This tiny step really wakes up the peas and keeps the salad lovely and bright.

Step 2: Combine Vegetables and Mint

Grab your favorite salad bowl and add the blanched green peas along with the thinly sliced sugar snap peas. It’s already looking gorgeous! Sprinkle the chopped fresh mint over the top—it’s going to infuse the salad with that unmistakable aroma and take you straight to a flower-filled garden.

Step 3: Make the Lemon-Honey Dressing

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper. You’re creating a lively, slightly sweet vinaigrette that will marry all the vibrant ingredients. It doesn’t take much, but this dressing is the backbone of the salad’s flavor.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

Pour the dressing over your pea-and-mint mixture. Gently toss everything with a large spoon or your hands (no shame!). Aim for even coverage without bruising the peas. Add the crumbled feta right at the end—one last gentle toss so it gets distributed without disappearing into the mix.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

If you love extra bursts of citrus, sprinkle a little lemon zest over the top to finish. The salad is delicious served cool or at room temperature, making it perfect for relaxing on the patio or packing for a picnic.

How to Serve Spring Pea and Mint Salad

Garnishes

A final flourish can really elevate this Spring Pea and Mint Salad. Besides that pretty lemon zest, try scattering a few extra mint leaves, or even some toasted nuts like slivered almonds or pine nuts for a touch of crunch. These simple additions make the salad pop visually and add those little moments of surprise in every forkful.

Side Dishes

Spring Pea and Mint Salad pairs beautifully with anything light and fresh from the grill—think lemony chicken, flaky fish, or even a classic herbed omelet. For vegetarian spreads, it sits nicely beside a warm grain salad or a crisp tart. It’s also right at home as part of a mezze platter, providing a sweet, tangy counterpoint to dips and flatbreads.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving this salad in individual glasses or small bowls makes for an enchanting appetizer at gatherings. For a more rustic feel, pile it high on a big platter and let everyone dig in. If you want to get playful, try spooning it onto crostini or stuffing it into romaine hearts for bite-sized Spring Pea and Mint Salad boats—guaranteed to spark conversation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Spring Pea and Mint Salad left, it stores beautifully in the fridge for up to two days. Just cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. The flavors mingle and deepen as it sits, so you might find it’s even tastier the next day.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad. The crisp peas and tender mint won’t appreciate the deep chill—freezing can sap their delicate textures and turn things a bit watery once thawed. Best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated within a couple of days.

Reheating

There’s actually no need to reheat Spring Pea and Mint Salad—it’s meant to be served chilled or at room temperature. If it’s been in the fridge, just let it warm for a few minutes on the counter before serving, so all those flavors and aromas can shine at their best.

FAQs

Can I use dried mint instead of fresh?

For this salad, fresh mint really is irreplaceable; its cool, bright aroma lifts the whole dish. If you absolutely have to substitute, use a pinch of dried mint, but it won’t have the same lively flavor or color.

What can I use instead of feta cheese?

Goat cheese works wonderfully here—its creamy tang pairs just as nicely with peas and mint. You could also try ricotta salata or even a sprinkle of parmesan for a different personality.

Can I make Spring Pea and Mint Salad vegan?

Absolutely! Just swap out the feta for your favorite vegan cheese, or simply leave it out. For the tiniest drizzle of honey in the dressing, maple syrup is a great plant-based alternative.

Are there other herbs that work in this salad?

Yes! While mint is the star, a bit of fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley can add a subtle twist without overpowering the peas. Try a blend if you’re feeling inspired by what’s in your garden or fridge.

What should I do if I only have canned peas?

Canned peas are softer and less sweet than fresh or frozen, but you can still use them in a pinch. Just drain and rinse well, and assemble the salad as usual. The flavors will still come together, though the texture will be softer.

Final Thoughts

To me, nothing says “welcome, sunshine!” like a bowl of Spring Pea and Mint Salad. It’s as happy on a picnic blanket as it is at a holiday table, and it’s one of those dishes you’ll reach for whenever you need something bright, fresh, and uplifting. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own.

Spring Pea and Mint Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 12 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing and vibrant Spring Pea and Mint Salad that combines the sweetness of green peas with the crunch of sugar snap peas, the freshness of mint, and the tanginess of feta cheese, all tossed in a light lemon dressing. This salad is perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish.

Ingredients

Green Peas:

2 cups fresh or frozen green peas, blanched

Sugar Snap Peas:

1/2 cup, thinly sliced

Fresh Mint Leaves:

1/4 cup, chopped

Feta Cheese:

1/4 cup, crumbled

Lemon Juice:

2 tablespoons

Olive Oil:

1 tablespoon

Honey:

1/2 teaspoon

Salt:

1/4 teaspoon

Black Pepper:

1/8 teaspoon

Lemon Zest:

for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Blanch the Peas: If using frozen peas, blanch them in boiling water for 1–2 minutes until bright green, then drain and rinse under cold water.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the green peas, sugar snap peas, and chopped mint.
Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
Toss and Garnish: Pour the dressing over the pea mixture, toss gently to coat. Add crumbled feta and toss lightly. Garnish with lemon zest if desired.
Serve: Serve chilled or at room temperature.