Imagine a vibrant, crisp salad that bursts with freshness, color, and flavor in every single bite. Our Three Pea Salad with Feta and Mint is not just a side dish—it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece. Whether you're looking to impress guests at a summer barbecue or craving a quick, nutritious lunch, this recipe promises to elevate your dining experience with its incredible blend of textures and zesty flavors.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Green peas, 1 cup
- Snow peas, 1 cup
- Snap peas, 1 cup
- Feta cheese, 1/2 cup
- Fresh mint, 1/4 cup
- Olive oil, 2 tablespoons
- Lemon juice, 1 tablespoon
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the peas by washing them thoroughly under cold running water. For green peas, if using fresh, blanch them briefly in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. If using frozen, thaw completely.
- Trim the ends of snow peas and snap peas, removing any tough strings. Cut snow peas and snap peas diagonally into thin, elegant slices to create visual interest and improve texture.
- Fill a medium bowl with ice water. After blanching green peas (if applicable), immediately transfer them to the ice water bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their bright green color and crisp texture.
- Drain the peas completely and pat them dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine green peas, snow peas, and snap peas. Gently toss to create an even mixture.
- Crumble the feta cheese into small, irregular pieces. Wash and finely chop fresh mint leaves, releasing their aromatic oils.
- Create the dressing by whisking together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the peas, then add crumbled feta and chopped mint. Toss gently to ensure even coating and distribution of ingredients.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed to balance flavors.
- Cover and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light salad.
Tips
- For maximum flavor and texture, use fresh peas when possible. If using frozen, ensure they're completely thawed and well-drained.
- Blanching green peas briefly helps maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture. The ice bath is crucial to stop the cooking process.
- Cut snow peas and snap peas diagonally to create an elegant presentation and ensure even dressing distribution.
- Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Use high-quality, fresh mint and extra virgin olive oil to enhance the overall taste profile.
- Don't overdress the salad—the goal is to complement, not overwhelm, the natural sweetness of the peas.
- For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas to transform this side dish into a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
