Fresh Spring Pea and Asparagus Salad Recipe for Any Occasion

Fresh spring harvests shine brightly in this vibrant pea and asparagus salad that promises crisp textures and delightful flavors.

Tender green gems burst with natural sweetness against delicate asparagus spears.

Crisp ingredients dance together, creating a light and refreshing dish perfect for warm afternoons.

Seasonal produce becomes a delectable canvas for simple yet elegant combinations.

Bright herbs and zesty dressing complement the natural earthiness of vegetables.

Celebrating local ingredients means crafting something memorable and nourishing.

You’ll savor every delightful bite of this colorful, nutritious creation that transforms ordinary vegetables into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Why People Enjoy Fresh Pea And Asparagus Salad Recipe

• Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse: Packed with vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables, this salad delivers a healthy punch that nourishes your body while delighting your taste buds.
• Quick and Simple Creation: Prepare this colorful dish in minutes with minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for busy individuals seeking a fast and nutritious meal option.
• Seasonal Sensational Delight: Showcase spring's best produce by combining crisp asparagus, sweet peas, and crunchy radishes into a beautiful, refreshing salad that captures seasonal freshness.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for multiple occasions like picnics, potlucks, or light lunch gatherings, this salad impresses with its elegant presentation and crowd-friendly ingredients.

What Goes Into Fresh Pea And Asparagus Salad Recipe

• Snap Peas: Fresh and crisp green pods that add a sweet crunch to the salad.
• Asparagus: Tender green spears that provide a delicate and earthy flavor.
• Green Peas: Sweet and tender legumes that bring a vibrant green color to the dish.
• Salad Greens: A fresh base that adds texture and nutritional value to the salad.
• Radishes: Crisp and peppery vegetables that offer a sharp, refreshing bite.

• Lemon Juice: A bright and tangy liquid that adds zesty freshness to the salad.
• Olive Oil: A smooth and rich oil that helps bind the dressing and coat the vegetables.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the salad.

• Goat Cheese, Fresh Herbs: Creamy and aromatic toppings that add richness and depth to the salad.

How To Make Fresh Pea And Asparagus Salad Recipe

Step 1: Blanch Crisp Vegetables

Boil a pot of water with salt. Drop snap peas and asparagus into boiling water. Cook for 2 minutes until vegetables turn vibrant green and remain slightly crunchy. Scoop vegetables out using a slotted spoon and plunge immediately into ice water bath. This technique halts cooking and preserves bright color. Drain vegetables completely after cooling.

Step 2: Prepare Green Peas

If using frozen peas, quickly blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. Drain and cool peas completely.

Step 3: Assemble Colorful Base

• Mixed salad greens
• Sliced radishes
• Blanched snap peas
• Asparagus
• Green peas

Gently mix ingredients to distribute evenly.

Step 4: Create Zesty Dressing

• Fresh lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until ingredients are well combined.

Step 5: Coat Vegetables

Pour dressing over salad mixture. Toss gently to ensure even coverage of vegetables.

Step 6: Add Elegant Garnish

• Crumbled goat cheese
• Chopped fresh herbs

Step 7: Serve Delightful Dish

Present salad immediately for peak freshness. Can be chilled briefly before serving to enhance flavors.

Helpful Notes For Fresh Pea And Asparagus Salad Recipe

• Preserve Vegetable Crunch: Blanch vegetables quickly to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture, ensuring a fresh, appetizing salad.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow dressing to meld with vegetables, enhancing overall taste profile.
• Swap Cheese Options: Replace goat cheese with feta or vegan cheese alternatives for dietary preferences without compromising the salad's delicious character.
• Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose seasonal, firm asparagus and bright green peas to guarantee maximum nutritional value and optimal flavor intensity.
• Dress Wisely: Apply dressing just before serving to prevent soggy vegetables and maintain the salad's delightful crispness.

Fun Ways To Switch Up Fresh Pea And Asparagus Salad Recipe

• Vegan Green Goddess Salad: Replace goat cheese with creamy cashew cheese or nutritional yeast for a plant-based protein boost. Add avocado slices for extra richness and healthy fats.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Swap lemon juice with red wine vinegar. Include kalamata olives, diced cucumber, and sprinkle with za'atar seasoning for a Mediterranean flair.
• Protein Power Salad: Add grilled chicken strips or quinoa for extra protein. Include toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for crunch and additional nutrients.
• Asian-Inspired Fusion: Replace olive oil dressing with sesame oil and rice vinegar. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, mandarin orange segments, and add edamame for an Asian-inspired variation.

What To Serve With Fresh Pea And Asparagus Salad Recipe

• Pair Fresh Citrus White Wine: Select a crisp, zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the salad's bright vegetable flavors and enhances its lemony dressing.
• Complement with Creamy Goat Cheese Crostini: Create simple toasted bread rounds spread with extra goat cheese to echo the salad's tangy cheese element and provide a delightful textural contrast.
• Match with Light Protein Side: Add grilled chicken breast or poached salmon to transform this salad into a complete meal while maintaining its fresh, spring-inspired profile.
• Elevate with Herbal Garnish Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds over the salad to introduce a nutty complexity and provide satisfying crunch against the tender vegetables.

How To Store Fresh Pea And Asparagus Salad Recipe

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the salad chilled to maintain freshness and prevent wilting of delicate greens.
• Store the dressing separately in a sealed jar to prevent soggy vegetables. Add fresh dressing when ready to eat for crisp, vibrant flavors.
• Warm the salad slightly at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, which can make vegetables mushy and destroy their delicate texture.
• Before serving, quickly toss with fresh herbs and a splash of lemon juice to refresh the salad's taste and restore its original brightness.

Common Questions About Fresh Pea And Asparagus Salad Recipe

• Are these vegetables nutritious?

This salad is packed with nutrients. Asparagus and peas are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, provide fiber, and offer antioxidants that support overall health. They’re low in calories and high in essential minerals.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While goat cheese adds a tangy flavor, you can substitute with feta, ricotta, or parmesan. Each cheese will bring a unique taste to the salad while maintaining its fresh profile.

• How do I select the best fresh vegetables?

Choose bright green, firm asparagus with tight tips. For peas, look for vibrant green color without blemishes. Radishes should be smooth, firm, and have a crisp appearance. Fresh vegetables ensure the best flavor and texture.

Pea and Asparagus Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Springtime melodies dance through this refreshing Pea and Asparagus Salad, celebrating green vegetables’ crisp harmony. Delicate ingredients blend effortlessly, inviting you to savor fresh seasonal flavors with each delightful forkful.

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Ingredients

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Main Vegetables:

• 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
• 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup mixed salad greens
• 1/2 cup radishes, thinly sliced

Cheese and Herbs:

• 1/4 cup fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or chives), chopped
• 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled

Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a small pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil at high heat (212°F/100°C).
2. Submerge snap peas and asparagus into boiling water, cooking for 2 minutes until vibrant green and crisp-tender.
3. Quickly transfer vegetables using a slotted spoon into an ice water bath to halt cooking process and preserve bright color and texture.
4. Drain blanched vegetables thoroughly and set aside on a clean kitchen towel.
5. If using frozen green peas, briefly blanch them in the same boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then cool in ice water.
6. Select a large serving platter or salad bowl and arrange mixed salad greens as the base.
7. Layer blanched snap peas, asparagus, and green peas across the greens.
8. Scatter thinly sliced radishes over the vegetable mixture.
9. Whisk together fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper in a small mixing bowl.
10. Gently drizzle prepared dressing over the salad, carefully tossing to ensure even coating.
11. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese and chopped fresh herbs like mint or chives across the top.
12. Serve immediately at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Blanch vegetables quickly to preserve their vibrant color, crisp texture, and maximize nutritional value.
• Use ice bath technique immediately after boiling to stop cooking process and lock in fresh, bright green hues.
• Customize salad by swapping goat cheese with feta, vegan cheese, or nutritional yeast for different dietary preferences.
• Enhance flavor profile by adding toasted pine nuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for extra crunch and protein boost.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blanching
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg