Spring Pea & Asparagus Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is like a tender hug for your taste buds, bursting with freshness and vibrant colors. Imagine the crisp snap of sweet peas and the tender crunch of asparagus dancing together in a bowl, all dressed up in a zesty lemon vinaigrette that sings of sunny days. Grilled asparagus with lemon zest.

This salad isn’t just food; it’s a celebration of spring! Picture yourself at a picnic, surrounded by friends, laughter echoing as you serve this delightful dish. Spring pea and mint salad The aromas waft through the air, making everyone’s mouth water. Trust me, once you try this salad, you’ll want to whip it up for every occasion.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Spring Pea & Asparagus Salad offers effortless preparation that brings out fresh flavors
Its vibrant look makes it a showstopper at any gathering
Perfect as a light lunch or an elegant side dish for dinner
The lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing zing that pairs beautifully with many proteins

I remember the first time I made this salad at a family BBQ. Everyone was raving about it, and my cousin even asked for the recipe to impress her new boyfriend! For more inspiration, check out this Amish country casserole recipe.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Fresh Asparagus: Look for bright green stalks without blemishes; they should be firm but slightly bendable.
Sweet Peas: Use fresh peas if available; frozen ones are also great in a pinch.
Cherry Tomatoes: Pick plump, juicy tomatoes; they add color and sweetness to the salad.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice packs more flavor than bottled versions, trust me on this!
Olive Oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil elevates the taste of your dressing significantly.
Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning is key; adjust according to your taste preference.
Fresh Mint Leaves: They add an aromatic freshness; be sure to use them for that pop of flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by washing all your veggies under cool water. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Halve your cherry tomatoes for maximum juiciness.

Blanch the Asparagus and Peas: Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Once bubbling joyfully, toss in the asparagus pieces and sweet peas for about 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain them and quickly plunge into an ice bath to retain that gorgeous color.

Create Your Lemon Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice and olive oil until fully combined. Season with salt and pepper; taste-test until you’re doing happy dances!

Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine the blanched asparagus, sweet peas, halved cherry tomatoes, and torn mint leaves. Pour over your lemon vinaigrette generously and toss gently until everything is coated beautifully.

Serve It Up!: Transfer your colorful masterpiece to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish with additional mint leaves or some crumbled feta cheese if you’re feeling fancy! For more inspiration, check out this baked apples with feta recipe.

This Spring Pea & Asparagus Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette not only looks inviting but also promises to transport you straight into spring bliss with every bite! Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature, either way, it’s pure joy on a plate! Fluffy lemon ricotta pancakes.

You Must Know

Spring Pea & Asparagus Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a vibrant way to welcome the season
The fresh flavors and crisp textures make this dish a delightful addition to any meal, whether it’s a picnic or a fancy dinner party

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by blanching the asparagus and peas for a minute to enhance their colors and flavors. Then, cool them in an ice bath to lock in that vibrant green hue.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preferences. Swap asparagus for green beans or toss in some cherry tomatoes for added sweetness.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Mediterranean three bean salad Reheat gently on low if you prefer it warm, but it’s best served cold.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To achieve the best flavor balance, use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled
Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed
Remember, lightly cooking veggies preserves their crunch while enhancing their natural sweetness

Sharing this salad recipe brought back memories of my friend’s garden party where we all devoured it before the main course even arrived, talk about a crowd-pleaser!

FAQs

FAQ

What can I substitute for asparagus in this salad?

Green beans or blanched broccoli work great as alternatives to asparagus.

Can I make the vinaigrette ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the vinaigrette one day in advance and store it in the fridge.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This salad stays fresh for several days when stored properly in an airtight container.