Delicious English Pea Salad Recipe – Easy and Quick
Fresh English Pea Salad Recipe
As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I cannot stress enough the importance of using fresh ingredients to make a delicious salad. And when it comes to using fresh and vibrant ingredients, English peas are my go-to choice. These little green gems are plump and sweet and offer a refreshing crunch that complements any salad.
English pea salad is not only easy to make but also healthy and refreshing, making it the perfect side dish for any main course. This salad recipe is perfect for anyone who loves to eat healthily without sacrificing taste.
But don’t let its simplicity fool you – this salad is packed full of flavor that will leave you wanting more. The sweetness of the peas is perfectly balanced by the tartness of lemon juice, while the fresh mint adds a subtle zing of flavor that completes this salad.
So, whether you are an experienced cook or just starting with your culinary journey, this easy English pea salad recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So why not give it a try and see how you can create magic with just a handful of ingredients?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Folks, let me tell you why you’re gonna love this recipe for an English pea salad. First and foremost, there’s nothing quite like the refreshing crunch of fresh peas. They provide a pleasing texture that’s both tender and crispy at the same time.
But that’s not all, I promise you that this dish will satisfy your taste buds in ways you never thought possible. With just the right combination of sweet peas, salty cheese, and savory bacon – every bite of this salad is a symphony for your senses.
Not to mention, the fragrant, herbaceous notes of fresh mint paired with the tangy taste of lemon juice and apple cider vinegar lend a bright and zesty flavor to the dish. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and can be ready to serve within just 30 minutes.
Whether you’re looking for an easy-to-make side dish or want to jazz up your salad game, this recipe has got you covered. So why not give it a try? Trust me; you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
…Before we start cooking, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients for this Fresh English Pea Salad Recipe:
For the salad:
- 4 cups shelled English peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 cup arugula
- ½ cup chopped fresh mint
For the dressing:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Optional toppings and add-ins:
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Most of these ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store. You can use either fresh or frozen green peas in this recipe. Shelled English peas are preferred, but sweet green peas work fabulously as well!
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prepare the English Peas
First thing’s first – let’s get those English peas ready for this easy English pea salad recipe. Rinse 2 cups of shelled English peas in cold water and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook 4 slices of bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to cool.
Step 3: Sauté the Red Onion
Using the same skillet with the bacon grease (yum!), sauté 1 thinly sliced red onion over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Prep the Dressing
While the onion is cooking, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh mint in a small bowl.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients & Toss with Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked English peas, sautéed onion, crumbled bacon, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the dressing over everything and use tongs to toss everything together until everything is coated with dressing.
Step 6: Chill & Serve
Pop your bowl of fresh English pea salad into the fridge and chill for at least an hour before serving. When you’re ready to dig in, grab some arugula or any other fresh greens you like, toss them with a bit of extra virgin olive oil and salt & pepper, then spoon some pea salad on top. Enjoy!
Note: If you’re looking for some substitutions or variations for this English pea salad recipe, hop on over to section (5) for more ideas.
Substitutions and Variations
If you crave some variety, there are many ways to customize this salad recipe to your taste. You can substitute or add different ingredients to make it fit your preferences. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:
– Instead of using only English peas, you can mix in some fresh or frozen green peas, sweet peas, or snow peas. They will all add a distinct flavor to the salad.
– If you’re not a fan of red onion, try substituting it for green onion or shallots. You can also omit the onion altogether if you prefer a milder taste.
– For a sharper taste, replace the cheddar cheese with feta cheese, blue cheese, or goat cheese.
– Adding diced avocado or chopped hard-boiled egg will give this salad an extra boost of protein.
– To make it Whole30 compliant, use homemade mayonnaise instead of sour cream and leave out the cheese.
– If you want to add some crunch to the salad, add sliced radishes or chopped cabbage.
– The mint leaves in the recipe can be substituted with basil, parsley, or any other desired herb that pairs well with pea flavors.
– For seasoning alternatives, try using balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar instead of cider vinegar. You may also consider adding honey to the dressing for a sweeter taste.
Remember that changing one ingredient may change the overall taste and balance of this easy English pea salad recipe. Be mindful of proportions and experiment with small batches until you find your optimal variation!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve made this delicious fresh English pea salad, it’s time to enjoy it! This salad is versatile and pairs well with many dishes.
As a side dish, the crispness of the peas and the freshness of the mint make for a delightful addition to any meal. It works especially well with grilled meats, such as chicken or steak. The subtle flavor of the salad allows the meat to take center stage while providing a refreshing contrast.
If you want to make it more substantial, serve it with boiled egg or add in some snow peas or cabbage for added crunch. The pea salad can also be used as a filling for wraps or sandwiches, or as an accompaniment to any main course.
For a light lunch or dinner, this English pea salad is perfect on its own, topped with some shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon. It’s a wholesome and satisfying meal that will leave you feeling full without being bogged down.
To enhance the flavors of the salad, consider pairing it with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc. Alternatively, try serving it alongside a fruity cider. The sharpness of apple cider vinegar in the dressing makes this salad particularly suited to pairing with refreshing drinks.
However you choose to enjoy this easy English pea salad recipe, there’s no doubt that it is sure to satisfy. With its fresh ingredients, versatility and simple preparation, this dish is perfect for any occasion.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Ah, the eternal struggle: you want to impress your guests by serving them a fresh and vibrant English pea salad, but you don’t have the time to make it from scratch just before they arrive. Worry not, dear cook! With a little bit of planning and some clever tricks, you can enjoy this salad without sacrificing your sanity. Here’s how to make it ahead, store it properly, and reheat it when needed.
Make-Ahead: This easy English pea salad is ideal for making ahead because its flavors improve as it sits in the fridge. You can prepare the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid, and keep it refrigerated until serving time. The only exception is the arugula – if you add it too early, it will wilt and become unappetizing. Therefore, I recommend adding the arugula just before serving.
Storing: If you have any leftovers of this salad (which I highly doubt), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be aware that the peas may lose some of their crispness and turn slightly softer over time. Before eating, give the salad a quick stir to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
Reheating: Contrary to what you might think, this pea salad is not meant to be served hot or warm. However, if you prefer it that way, you can gently reheat it in a microwave-safe dish on medium-low power for 30-second intervals until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat it as the peas will turn mushy and lose their color.
Bonus Tip: If you want to make this English pea salad even more exciting, try experimenting with different variations! For example, you can add sliced snow peas or corn for a crunchy texture; toss in some boiled egg or shredded cheddar cheese for extra protein; or mix it with a cabbage or radish salad for a colorful and refreshing plate. And don’t forget to sprinkle some chopped fresh mint on top for a burst of flavor!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making an English pea salad, there are plenty of ways to take it up a notch. Here are some tips to help you make the perfect fresh English pea salad.
First and foremost, make sure you use fresh shelled English peas if possible. While thawed frozen peas will do in a pinch, nothing beats the flavor and texture of fresh ones.
Another essential tip for this recipe is to blanch the pea pods before shelling them. Boiling them for about 2-3 minutes will help make the pea pods more pliable and easier to shell. Plus, blanching will retain the vibrant green color of the peas.
To add a burst of freshness and flavor to your salad, try tossing in chopped fresh mint. The herb’s bright and refreshing taste pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the peas, giving your salad an extra layer of complexity.
When it comes to dressing the salad, make sure you use a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil and fresh-squeezed lemon juice for a bright acidic note. You can also swap out some of the vinegar in the recipe for apple cider vinegar or use sour cream instead of mayo for added tanginess.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different mix-ins or toppings such as thinly sliced red onion or cheddar cheese. These additions can take your plain pea salad to a whole new level.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to create a delectable English pea salad that’s not only easy but also packed full of flavor and nutrients.
FAQ
As we come to the end of this recipe article, it’s now time to address some frequently asked questions that may arise while making this scrumptious English pea salad. Read on to find out some handy tips that will help you through the preparation process and ensure that you get perfect results every time.
How do you eat fresh English peas?
English peas have inedible pods, unlike sugar snap peas or snow peas. However, these fibrous pods can still be beneficial, as they can be used to improve the taste of vegetable stock. To prepare English peas for cooking, it is recommended to shell them just before cooking, which involves breaking off the stem and pulling the fibrous string down the length of the pod.
Are green peas and English peas the same?
When referring to garden peas, they may also go by the names of sweet peas or English peas. The pods that encase these peas have a sturdy, curved shape and contain round, edible beads that must be shelled prior to consumption. These peas have a naturally sweet flavor that can be enjoyed either raw or cooked. In most cases, these peas can be found sold in a shelled and frozen form.
What is pea salad made of?
A dish filled with vibrance and flavor, pea salad is a popular American side. This dish mixes together various ingredients like green peas, bacon, cheddar cheese, and red onion. All of these flavors are brought together with a dressing consisting of sour cream, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and a touch of sugar.
What are the benefits of pea salad?
Peas are a nutritional powerhouse containing essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, and antioxidants that promote proper brain and muscle function, strengthen bones, and support the nervous system. Additionally, peas can benefit the immune system, particularly when consumed in their raw form.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Fresh English Pea Salad Recipe is the perfect side dish to any summertime meal. Using fresh ingredients, easy-to-find in your local grocery store, and taking only a few minutes to prepare, this salad will undoubtedly impress your guests.
The combination of English peas, arugula, red onion, cheese, and bacon creates a unique flavor that will make even those who are not fans of salads fall in love with it. The dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, sour cream, and apple cider vinegar adds a refreshing tangy flavor that complements the ingredients perfectly.
I highly recommend serving this salad alongside grilled meats or seafood for a complete and satisfying meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment and add some of your own personal touches to the recipe. Whether you choose to add a sprinkle of chopped mint or substitute cheddar cheese for feta cheese, the possibilities are endless.
Overall, this recipe is an easy-to-make crowd-pleaser that will undoubtedly become a staple at your next summer gathering. So go on and give it a try; after all, there’s nothing better than enjoying a fresh and delicious salad on a warm summer night!
Fresh English Pea Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh English pea (usually still in the pod)
- 1 bunch of fresh mint
- 1/2 bunch arugula
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper
- 1/4 lb pecorino cheese
Instructions
- Remove peas from pods. Bring a pot of very salty water to boil. Add peas and boil for about 1 minute, just until color changes to a consistent bright green. Remove and cool in ice water or under running cold water. (The cold water stops the cooking and keeps the peas bright green.).
- Wash and dry mint and arugula. In a bowl, combine peas with mint and arugula. Add juice of 1 lemon, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Shave half of the pecorino onto a cutting board and reserve. Shave remaining pecorino, chop, and add to salad; toss. Taste and adjust seasoning with more lemon juice or olive oil as desired.
- 3. Serve immediately, topped with reserved shaved pecorino cheese.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.