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Spring Pea Salad with Lemon Dressing

This vibrant salad highlights the sweet, tender flavor of freshly shelled peas, tossed with a bright lemon and olive oil dressing. The final dish features crisp, bright green peas with a lightly coated, glistening appearance, perfect for a quick, fresh spring meal or side. Simple yet elegant, it showcases the season’s fleeting beauty with minimal fuss.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Seasonal
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large lemon for about 2-3 tbsp of juice
  • 3 tablespoons good extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 pinch flaky sea salt
  • freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup fresh peas, shelled or frozen peas, thawed and drained
  • 2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (mint or basil) optional
  • to taste feta cheese optional, crumbled for topping

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Bowl of ice water
  • Whisk
  • Serving bowl or plate
  • Measuring spoons
  • Lemon squeezer

Method
 

  1. Bring a small saucepan filled with water to a rolling boil, seasoned with a pinch of salt.
  2. Add the fresh peas to the boiling water and cook for 1-2 minutes until they turn a vibrant green and are just tender with a slight pop when pressed.
  3. While the peas cook, squeeze the juice of a large lemon into a small bowl, aiming for about 2-3 tablespoons of fresh juice.
  4. Whisk in the olive oil, a pinch of flaky sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper until the dressing is well combined and slightly emulsified.
  5. Once the peas are bright green and tender, drain them immediately and plunge into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking and preserve their color.
  6. Drain the peas thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel or paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  7. In a mixing bowl, gently toss the cooled peas with chopped herbs if using, then pour the lemon dressing over and carefully toss again to coat evenly.
  8. Transfer the dressed peas to a serving bowl or plate, and crumble feta cheese over the top if desired.
  9. Finish with a light drizzle of olive oil, a final crack of black pepper, and serve immediately for the freshest flavor and texture.

Notes

For the best flavor, use freshly shelled peas and freshly squeezed lemon juice. The salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be assembled a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated; bring to room temperature before serving.