Pea Salad

$For a great pea salad, use fresh or frozen peas. I like to use two cups of peas. If you choose frozen, just thaw them first. Then, add one cup of diced cucumber. It adds crunch. Next, include half a cup of diced red bell pepper for sweetness and color. A quarter cup of finely chopped red onion gives a nice bite. Finally, toss in a quarter cup of fresh mint leaves, chopped finely. Mint adds a bright flavor that makes the salad pop. You will need some pantry items for the dressing. Grab three tablespoons of olive oil for richness. Two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice add a zesty touch. Salt and pepper will enhance all the flavors. These simple ingredients work well together to create a delicious dressing. When picking peas, look for bright green colors. Fresh peas should feel firm and smooth. If you choose cucumbers, select ones that are firm with no soft spots. For bell peppers, look for shiny skin. The red onion should feel heavy for its size. Fresh mint should smell fragrant and have vibrant green leaves. Quality ingredients make your salad taste even better. Enjoy the fresh flavors of your pea salad delight! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Start with fresh or frozen peas. If you use frozen peas, thaw them first. Drain any water. For fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes. Then, cool them in ice water to stop cooking. This keeps them bright green and crisp. In a large mixing bowl, add the prepared peas. Then, chop one cup of cucumber and dice half a cup of red bell pepper. Next, finely chop one-fourth of a cup of red onion. Add all these vegetables to the bowl along with one-fourth of a cup of chopped fresh mint leaves. Mix everything gently to combine. In a small bowl, whisk together three tablespoons of olive oil and two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until the dressing is smooth. Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture. Toss gently so that all the veggies are coated. Finally, sprinkle one-fourth of a cup of crumbled feta cheese on top. Give it one last gentle toss. If needed, taste and adjust the seasoning. Let the salad sit for about ten minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend perfectly. For a complete guide, check out the Full Recipe. To boost flavor, use fresh herbs. Mint is a great choice, but you can also add parsley or dill. A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder adds depth too. For a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. When mixing your dressing, taste it before adding to the salad. Adjust with salt and pepper as needed for balance. Serve your pea salad in a clear bowl. This shows off the vibrant colors. You can layer the salad in a mason jar for a fun look. Top it with extra mint leaves or a sprinkle of feta for flair. For a picnic, use small cups for easy serving. Use a large mixing bowl to combine the ingredients. A whisk helps blend the dressing well. A sharp knife and cutting board make chopping easy. For serving, try a salad spoon or tongs. These tools make it simple to toss or serve your delicious pea salad. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. {{image_2}} Add a savory twist to your pea salad with crispy bacon. Start by frying 4 strips of bacon until crisp. Chop the bacon into pieces and mix it into your salad. The salty, smoky flavor pairs well with the fresh peas. This option adds great crunch and taste. For a creamy version, use mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. Mix 1 cup of mayonnaise or yogurt with the dressing ingredients. This adds a rich texture and enhances the flavors. You can also mix in some sour cream for an extra tang. A creamy salad is great for gatherings and barbecues. If you have dietary needs, there are plenty of swaps. For a vegan salad, skip the feta and use avocado for creaminess. If you need gluten-free options, this salad is already safe. You can swap the olive oil with a nut oil for a unique flavor. Explore these variations to suit your needs. For the full recipe, check the details above. To keep your pea salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent air from spoiling the salad. Place the container in the fridge right after serving. Always let the salad cool to room temperature before sealing it. This step keeps extra moisture out and helps maintain texture. Pea salad lasts about three days in the fridge. After that, the taste can change, and the veggies may get mushy. It’s best to eat it within this time for the best flavor. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating leftovers. Freezing pea salad is not ideal. The fresh ingredients can lose their crunch and flavor. If you must freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. However, I suggest freezing only the peas, not the whole salad. You can add fresh ingredients later after thawing. This keeps the salad tasty and fresh when you serve it later. For a full recipe, check out the Refreshing Minty Pea Salad. Yes, you can use frozen peas. They are quick and easy. Just thaw them before use. Frozen peas taste sweet and fresh too. They save time and reduce waste. You can skip the blanching step for frozen peas. This makes your prep faster. Peas are small but mighty! They are low in calories yet packed with nutrients. Peas provide protein, fiber, and vitamins. They support digestion and help keep you full. They also have antioxidants, which are great for your health. Eating peas can boost your heart health too. Making a vegetarian version is simple! Start with the base recipe. Use fresh or frozen peas, cucumbers, and peppers. Skip the feta cheese if you want it dairy-free. You can add nuts or seeds for crunch. Try using a vegan cheese for added flavor. You can find the full recipe above. You learned about fresh ingredients and pantry staples for making pea salad. I shared tips for choosing quality items and step-by-step instructions for each part of the dish. We explored ways to enhance flavors and make your salad look great. You can also try fun variations, like adding bacon or creamy dressings. Finally, we covered how to store leftovers and answered common questions. Pea salad is easy, tasty, and versatile. Enjoy creating your own version!$

Discover the ultimate pea salad delight with our simple and fresh recipe guide! This vibrant dish is perfect for any occasion, showcasing fresh peas, crunchy cucumbers, and zesty dressing. Impress your family and friends with easy preparation steps and tips for choosing quality ingredients. Elevate your meals with our delicious variations and serving ideas. Click through to explore the full recipe and start creating your own tasty pea salad today!

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Ingredients

2 cups fresh or frozen peas (thawed)

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

If using frozen peas, ensure they are thawed and drained. Fresh peas should be blanched in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then cooled in ice water.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the peas, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and chopped mint leaves.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top and give it a final gentle toss.

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Let the salad sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4