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