Spring Garden Pea Salad with Mint and Pecorino
Celebrate the arrival of spring with this vibrant Spring Garden Pea Salad. Inspired by a beloved appetizer from The Kitchen restaurant in Boulder, CO, this dish showcases the natural sweetness of fresh English peas, complemented by the refreshing flavors of mint and arugula. Tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette and topped with shaved pecorino cheese, this salad is a delightful shareable appetizer that brings a burst of flavor and color to your table. As the seasons transition into summer and peas become sweeter, feel free to substitute the pecorino with feta for a creamier twist. Enjoy this light and nutritious salad on its own or paired with balsamic glazed chicken for a satisfying dinner.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh English Peas
1 lb (Shelled from pods)
Fresh Mint
1 bunch (Washed and dried)
Arugula
1/2 bunch (Washed and dried)
Lemon Juice
1/4 cup (Freshly squeezed)
Olive Oil
4 tablespoons (Extra virgin)
Salt
to taste
Black Pepper
to taste (Freshly ground)
Pecorino Cheese
1/4 lb (Shaved and chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by removing the peas from their pods, setting them aside once cleaned.
2
In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil and generously season it with salt. Once at a boil, add the cleaned peas and cook them for approximately 1 minute, or until they turn a bright, vibrant green. This quick blanching process preserves their freshness and texture.
3
Immediately transfer the peas to a bowl of ice water or run them under cold water to halt the cooking. This ensures the peas remain crisp and colorful.
4
While the peas cool, wash and thoroughly dry the fresh mint and arugula leaves. In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled peas with the mint and arugula.
5
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create a fresh vinaigrette.
6
Shave half of the pecorino cheese onto a cutting board and set aside for garnish. Finely chop the remainder of the pecorino, adding it to the salad mixture along with the vinaigrette. Toss everything gently to combine, being careful not to mash the peas.
7
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional lemon juice, olive oil, salt, or pepper as needed.
8
Serve the salad immediately, garnished with the reserved shaved pecorino on top for a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Spring Garden Pea Salad with Mint and Pecorino?
It is a vibrant, fresh salad inspired by an appetizer from The Kitchen restaurant in Boulder, CO, featuring English peas, mint, and arugula in a lemon vinaigrette.
Where did the inspiration for this recipe come from?
The recipe was inspired by a beloved appetizer served at The Kitchen restaurant in Boulder, Colorado.
What are the primary ingredients in this salad?
The main ingredients include fresh English peas, fresh mint, arugula, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and Pecorino cheese.
How should I prepare the fresh English peas?
The peas should be removed from their pods, blanched in boiling salted water for one minute, and then immediately cooled in ice water.
How long do the peas need to boil?
The peas should be boiled for approximately 1 minute until they turn a bright, vibrant green.
Why do I need to put the peas in ice water after boiling?
Transferring the peas to ice water halts the cooking process, ensuring they remain crisp and keep their bright color.
What kind of greens are used in this recipe?
This salad uses a combination of fresh mint leaves and arugula.
How is the salad dressing made?
The dressing is a fresh vinaigrette made by whisking together 1/4 cup of lemon juice, 4 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe calls for 1/4 lb of Pecorino cheese, which is both chopped for the salad and shaved for garnish.
Can I substitute the Pecorino cheese with anything else?
Yes, as the season transitions into summer and peas become sweeter, you can substitute Pecorino with feta for a creamier twist.
Is this salad considered a healthy dish?
Yes, it is described as a light and nutritious salad featuring fresh vegetables and heart-healthy olive oil.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 8 ingredients: peas, mint, arugula, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and Pecorino cheese.
What is the best way to serve this pea salad?
It is best served immediately, garnished with reserved shaved Pecorino cheese on top.
What can I pair this salad with for dinner?
This salad pairs beautifully with balsamic glazed chicken for a complete and satisfying meal.
How do I prepare the mint and arugula?
Both the mint and arugula should be washed and thoroughly dried before being added to the serving bowl.
How do I handle the Pecorino cheese for the recipe?
Shave half of the cheese for garnish and finely chop the remaining half to be tossed directly into the salad.
Should the salad be tossed vigorously?
No, you should toss everything gently to combine the ingredients while being careful not to mash the peas.
Can I adjust the seasoning of the salad?
Yes, after tossing, you should taste the salad and add more lemon juice, olive oil, salt, or pepper as needed.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly salad as it contains no meat products.
What amount of olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
What amount of fresh English peas is needed?
You will need 1 lb of fresh English peas, measured before shelling them from their pods.
How much lemon juice is required for the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What is the flavor profile of this salad?
The salad is zesty, refreshing, and highlights the natural sweetness of peas with a peppery bite from arugula and mint.
Is this salad a main dish or an appetizer?
While it is described as a delightful shareable appetizer, it can also be enjoyed on its own as a light meal.
What type of salt should be used?
The recipe suggests salt to taste for both the boiling water and the vinaigrette.
Should I use fresh or dried mint?
The recipe specifically requires 1 bunch of fresh mint for the best flavor.
What kind of pepper is recommended?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best results.
Can I use frozen peas if fresh ones aren't available?
While fresh English peas are specified, you could use frozen peas in a pinch, though the texture and sweetness may differ.
Why is it called a 'Spring Garden' salad?
It is named for its use of seasonal spring produce like fresh peas and mint that arrive with the turn of the season.
How much arugula is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 bunch of fresh arugula.