Enjoy the best of spring with a fresh, healthy pea salad made with two kinds of peas, crunchy radishes, creamy feta, and lots of fresh herbs. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or everyday lunches!
Spring has finally arrived, and what better way to embrace the season than with a fresh, vibrant salad? This healthy spring pea salad, packed with crunchy radishes, creamy feta, and two kinds of peas, is the perfect side dish for any spring gathering. Whether you're hosting a brunch, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply looking for a light yet flavorful salad to enjoy on a sunny day, this recipe checks all the boxes!
Why This Spring Pea Salad is a Healthier Alternative
Traditional pea salads often feature heavy ingredients like mayonnaise, bacon, and full-fat cheeses. But this spring pea salad takes a healthier approach by swapping out those calorie-laden options for creamy feta, fresh herbs, and a light lemon-olive oil dressing. This combination delivers on flavor without the heaviness.
By using both peas and snap peas, crisp radishes, and fresh herbs, this salad offers a delightful variety of textures and tastes while keeping things light and refreshing. Feta (a lower-fat cheese) adds the perfect amount of creaminess without making things heavy.
Perfect for picnics, potlucks, parties, or even just a weekday lunch, this salad is as versatile as it is delicious.
Best of all? It’s quick and easy to prepare! Whether you're an experienced cook or just starting in the kitchen, this salad is a breeze to whip up, yet flavorful enough to impress your guests. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredient Notes:
(Full ingredient list and directions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.)
- Peas: The stars of the salad! We'll use both frozen petite peas and fresh sugar snap peas for a variety of textures and flavors.
- Radishes: Radishes add a peppery crunch and beautiful color. For an extra pop, try using multi-colored radishes.
- Feta Cheese: Opt for high-quality, preferably sheep's milk feta for the best flavor. Crumble it yourself for a fresher taste. If you're looking for a vegan option, simply substitute with a plant-based feta.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh mint and parsley bring bright, fresh flavors. Be sure to chop them finely for even distribution.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice enhances the brightness of the dressing and adds a zesty finish.
- Olive Oil: Choose a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil to bring out the best in the dressing.
How to Make a Spring Pea Salad:
(For the full directions, check the recipe card at the bottom of the post.)
- Prepare the Vegetables: Quickly blanch both the frozen peas and fresh snap peas in boiling water, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to preserve their vibrant color and crisp texture. Thinly slice the radishes and set them aside.
- Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and chopped herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the peas and radishes to the dressing and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle the crumbled feta over the top and give everything one last toss to combine.
- Chill and Serve: You can chill the salad in the refrigerator for a bit to let the flavors meld together, or serve it immediately. Garnish with extra mint if desired for a finishing touch.
Variations:
- Cucumber: For a refreshing and mild crunch, try thinly sliced cucumber in place of radishes.
- Dill: Try fresh dill instead of parsley.
- Goat Cheese: If you're not a fan of feta, try crumbled goat cheese for a similar tangy, creamy flavor.
- Yogurt Dressing: For a creamier dressing, mix a bit of yogurt with the dressing.
With its fresh ingredients and simple preparation, this spring pea salad is the perfect dish for the season. It’s a light, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing addition to any menu!
Enjoy!
More Spring Salads:
Spring Pea Salad
Ingredients
- 6 ounces/170g frozen petite peas
- 5 ounces/141g sugar snap peas
- 2 Tablespoons/30ml extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons/20ml fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint (plus more for garnish)
- 2 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 5-6 radishes, thinly sliced
- 3 ounces/85g feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
Instructions
- Prepare an ice bath filled with ice cubes and cold water in a large heatproof bowl. Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the snap peas and blanch for 1 minute, or until bright green. Strain and place into the ice bath to stop cooking.
- Add peas and blanch for 1-2 minutes. Strain and place into the ice bath to stop cooking.
- Remove snap peas and peas from the ice bath and spread on a clean kitchen towel to drain thoroughly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, herbs and salt.
- Add the snap peas, peas, radishes and cheese. Toss gently to combine and serve.
Notes
Variations:
- Cucumber: Use thinly sliced cucumber in place of radishes.
- Dill: Try fresh dill instead of parsley.
- Goat Cheese: Substitute crumbled goat cheese for a similar tangy, creamy flavor.
- Yogurt Dressing: Add a bit of yogurt with the dressing.
Storage:
Snap peas and peas can be cooked ahead of time and dressed when ready to serve.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Dietary Info:
Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Vegetarian, For Vegan omit cheese or substitute vegan feta, Egg-Free, Nut-Free
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 177Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 139mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 4gSugar: 4gProtein: 4g
Nutritional information for recipes contained on this website, such as calories, fat, carbs, etc. are only estimates and are not guaranteed to be accurate.
Sylvie Shirazi is the recipe developer and food photographer behind Gourmande in the Kitchen. For the last 10 years she's been making eating more healthfully easy and accessible with gluten-free, grain-free, paleo and vegan recipes that are free from processed ingredients.
Leave a Reply