This refreshing pea and asparagus salad is a colorful mix of sweet peas, bright green asparagus, and light dressing. It’s perfect for springtime or any sunny day!
I love how crunchy and vibrant this salad is. It’s like eating a garden on your plate! Perfect as a side or even as a light lunch. Plus, it’s quick and easy to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Snap Peas: These sweet and crunchy peas are essential for this salad. If you can’t find them, snow peas are a great substitute, though they have a flatter shape.
Asparagus: Look for firm, bright green spears. If asparagus is out of season, consider using green beans or zucchini for a different texture.
Fresh Herbs: I love using dill for its distinct flavor, but parsley or chives work nicely too. Feel free to mix things up with whatever herbs you have on hand!
Goat Cheese: It adds creaminess, but feta cheese could be an easy swap if goat cheese isn’t available. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a similar flavor.
Salad Greens: I recommend a mix of red and green leaf lettuces, but any fresh greens, like baby spinach or arugula, will do just fine.
How Do I Blanch Vegetables Perfectly to Keep Their Bright Color?
Blanching is a technique that helps maintain the vibrant color and crisp texture of vegetables. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a pot of boiling salted water.
- Add vegetables like snap peas and asparagus for 2 minutes until they’re bright green and tender-crisp.
- Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking and locks in color.
- Drain well before adding to your salad.
Remember, keeping the boiling water salted enhances flavor and helps the veggies look vibrant!
How to Make Pea and Asparagus Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 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 (e.g., red leaf and green leaf)
- 1/2 cup radishes, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (e.g., dill, parsley, or chives), chopped
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
For the Dressing:
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare, including cooking and assembling the ingredients. A quick, easy, and delicious dish to enjoy any time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanch the Vegetables:
Start by bringing a small pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the snap peas and asparagus. Blanch them for about 2 minutes, or until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the pot and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This helps stop the cooking process. After they cool down, drain and set aside.
2. Blanch the Green Peas (if using frozen):
If you’re using frozen peas, you can give them a quick blanch as well. Place them in the boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then drain and let them cool. Now you’re ready to combine everything!
3. Combine the Salad:
In a large salad bowl or on a platter, mix together the salad greens, sliced radishes, blanched snap peas, asparagus, and the green peas. Gently toss these ingredients together until mixed evenly.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This will create a simple and zesty dressing for your salad.
5. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently to coat all the vegetables with the dressing evenly.
6. Add the Finishing Touches:
Finally, sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese and your choice of fresh herbs over the top. This adds a lovely finish to your salad!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste. However, if you prefer, you can refrigerate it for a short time before serving to enhance the flavors. Enjoy your healthy and colorful pea and asparagus salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Peas in This Salad?
Absolutely! You can use any type of peas you prefer, such as sugar snap peas, snow peas, or even split peas if you’re looking for a different texture. Just ensure that they are cooked properly—blanching is a great method to keep them bright and fresh!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the goat cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese or avocado for added creaminess. You can also enhance the flavors with nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Salad?
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; however, it’s best enjoyed fresh. To keep the greens from wilting, consider storing the dressing separately and adding it right before serving.
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
You can prepare the components ahead of time! Blanch the vegetables and chop the toppings a day in advance. Just store everything separately in the refrigerator and combine them when you’re ready to serve for the freshest taste.
