Easter Pea Salad: A Celebration of Fresh Flavors

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Easter is just around the corner, and along with the blooming flowers and family gatherings, it offers a perfect excuse to whip up something fresh and vibrant. Today, I’m sharing one of my absolute favorite springtime recipes: Easter Pea Salad! 🎉 This delightful dish is not only packed with vibrant flavors and textures but also brings a joyful nod to the warmer days ahead.

As the season shifts, it’s the perfect time for a salad that shouts “celebration” without begging for hours of kitchen time. I’m all about making life easier and tastier, and this salad does just that. Featuring sweet green peas, crunchy veggies, and a creamy dressing, each bite transports you to a sunny picnic or festive family feast.

Oh, and did I mention how colorful it is? If you’re looking for a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is tasty, this Easter Pea Salad will undoubtedly steal the show at your next gathering. It’s a crowd-pleaser that even your pickiest eaters will love—trust me! So grab your apron, and let’s dive into the deliciousness.

Personal Story

Growing up, Easter was synonymous with family gatherings and tablefuls of mouthwatering dishes. One of my favorite childhood memories is of my grandma, who would always put her twist on classic recipes. She cherished her garden and would often incorporate fresh, seasonal ingredients into everything she made. I can still picture her excitedly announcing, “Emily, let’s pick some peas!” as she took me out to her little patch of green glory.

We’d carefully harvest the tiny gems from their pods and munch on some as we walked back to the kitchen, already dreaming up what we could create together. Her version of pea salad used to be a staple at our Easter table, boasting a beautiful blend of flavors and textures. That simple dish, with its vibrant green colors and creamy dressing, truly captured the spirit of the season.

Fast forward to today, and I’ve added my own spin on this cherished family recipe. This Easter Pea Salad brings back all those beautiful memories while offering a modern twist that celebrates freshness and flavor. So, let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to gather for your Easter Pea Salad:

• Fresh Green Peas (2 cups)

  • The star of the show! Fresh or frozen peas work great here. If using frozen, just let them thaw before adding. Look for bright green, firm peas for the best flavor.

• Red Onion (1/4 cup, finely chopped)

  • This adds a nice bite! If red onion is too strong for your liking, you can soak the chopped pieces in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow the flavor.

• Celery (1 cup, diced)

  • For that essential crunch! Celery adds moisture and a peppery taste. You can swap in diced cucumber for a lighter twist.

• Bell Pepper (1/2 cup, diced)

  • I love using colorful bell peppers, but feel free to use any variety you prefer. Each offers unique sweetness and crunch.

• Baby Spinach (2 cups, chopped)

  • Adding a boost of nutrition and vibrant color, spinach works beautifully in this salad. Can’t find fresh? Mixed greens or arugula can step in.

• Mayonnaise (1/2 cup)

  • The base of our creamy dressing! Use a light version to cut calories or try Greek yogurt for a healthier option.

• Dijon Mustard (2 tbsp)

  • Adds a zesty kick. You can adjust based on how bold you want the flavor to be; honey mustard could work if you’re craving some sweetness.

• Lemon Juice (2 tbsp)

  • Brightens up the dish! Fresh lemon juice is best, but bottled will work in a pinch if that’s what you have.

• Salt and Pepper (to taste)

  • Essential for rounding out flavors! Always taste as you go, adjusting to your liking.

• Fresh Herbs (optional, for garnish)

  • Try adding chopped dill or parsley for an herbaceous touch. It’ll elevate the flavor profile and presentation!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies

Start by giving all your vegetables a good rinse. Fresh produce deserves some love! Finely chop the red onion, dice the celery and bell peppers, and give your spinach a rough chop. The goal is to create bite-sized pieces that play well together.

Step 2: Cook Your Peas

If you’re using fresh peas, bring a small pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the peas and let them blanch for 2 minutes. This brings out their beautiful color and sweetness. If you’re using frozen peas, skip this step!

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. This dressing is what brings all the flavors together—so don’t skip this part! Taste test and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the peas (either cooked or thawed), chopped celery, red onion, bell pepper, and spinach. Gently fold everything together with a spatula, ensuring all the veggies are coated with the creamy dressing.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Let your Easter Pea Salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a cohesive taste experience. When ready to serve, give it one last gentle stir, and garnish with fresh herbs for that extra pop!

Serving Suggestions

Now that your Easter Pea Salad is ready, it’s all about presentation! Serve this beauty in a large, shallow bowl to really show off those vibrant colors. For an added touch, place thin lemon wedges around the salad or sprinkle some toasted nuts on top for a bit of extra crunch.

This salad pairs wonderfully with classic Easter dishes like glazed ham, roasted vegetables, or even grilled chicken. A glass of chilled white wine on the side wouldn’t hurt either! If leftovers happen (and they will!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days—just be mindful that the peas may lose their crispness as they sit.

Recipe Variations

1. Herbed Version: Mix in fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, or mint to enhance the fresh flavors, giving a garden-fresh twist to your dish!

2. Add Protein: Consider adding shredded chicken or crumbled feta cheese to turn this salad into a fulfilling meal.

3. Creamy Avocado Base: Swap the dressing with a creamy avocado dressing for an indulgent, health-forward take.

4. Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce for those who crave a spicier version.

5. Nuts & Seeds: Toss in some sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chopped walnuts for an added crunch and healthy fats.

Chef’s Notes

As I tinkered with this recipe, I realized how versatile it could be. This Easter Pea Salad wasn’t always my go-to dish, but after enjoying it at so many family gatherings, it quickly became a staple in my kitchen. One Easter, I even attempted a "mystery ingredient" challenge, where I added a handful of chopped prosciutto for a savory twist! It was a hit, and now I love exploring new ways to remix this classic dish.

FAQs and Troubleshooting

1. Can I make this salad in advance?

   • Absolutely! It’s one of those salads that benefits from resting, as flavors meld beautifully. Just ensure you keep it refrigerated until serving.

2. What if I don’t like peas?

   • No problem at all! Feel free to substitute with green beans or even chickpeas for a different texture.

3. How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?

   • To avoid sogginess, add the dressing just before serving, and skip the salt until ready to eat—salt can draw out moisture from the vegetables over time.

4. Can I use frozen peas?

   • Yes! Frozen peas are a quick, convenient option. Just remember to thaw them first, and they’ll taste just as fresh.

Nutritional Info

This Easter Pea Salad is not only delightful for the taste buds but is also pretty kind to your waistline. Here’s a quick nutritional breakdown per serving:

• Calories: Approximately 200
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Fat: 10g
• Sugar: 3g

Packed with vitamins A and C from the bell peppers and spinach, this salad also provides a good fiber boost to keep you satisfied without excessive calories. Plus, it’s bursting with fresh, seasonal ingredients that’ll have you feeling great!

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—my festive Easter Pea Salad that’s bursting with springtime flavors and nostalgia! This recipe is a wonderful way to bring the family together, celebrating the joy of good food and shared moments. As you enjoy this salad at your Easter table or anytime you crave something fresh and vibrant, remember to make it your own.

Food is meant to be playful, exciting, and cherished, just like those moments spent in the kitchen with loved ones. So, I invite you to take this base recipe and add your personal touch! Enjoy the laughter, the chatter, and of course, the yummy bites. Happy cooking! 🥗💚

Easter Pea Salad

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• Author: jackson-walker
• Total Time: 47 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A vibrant and fresh pea salad perfect for Easter celebrations, packed with seasonal ingredients and flavors.

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Ingredients

• Fresh Green Peas (2 cups)
• Red Onion (1/4 cup, finely chopped)
• Celery (1 cup, diced)
• Bell Pepper (1/2 cup, diced)
• Baby Spinach (2 cups, chopped)
• Mayonnaise (1/2 cup)
• Dijon Mustard (2 tbsp)
• Lemon Juice (2 tbsp)
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)
• Fresh Herbs (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prep your veggies: Rinse and chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook your peas: Blanch fresh peas in boiling water for 2 minutes, or thaw frozen peas.
3. Mix the dressing: Combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice in a bowl; whisk until smooth.
4. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix peas, chopped celery, red onion, bell pepper, and spinach, folding in the dressing.
5. Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, garnish with fresh herbs, and enjoy!

Notes

Serve in a large bowl and consider adding lemon wedges or toasted nuts for garnish. This salad pairs well with classic Easter dishes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Easter, salad, fresh, spring, celebration, vegetarian