Welcome to a delightful culinary adventure with our Pea Salad with Lemon Parmesan Dressing! This vibrant dish combines fresh flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a picnic, hosting a dinner party, or simply looking for a quick and healthy meal, this salad is sure to impress.
What sets this pea salad apart is its zesty Lemon Parmesan Dressing, which elevates the natural sweetness of the peas. Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare, but it’s also packed with nutrients and flavor. Let’s dive into why this recipe will become your new favorite salad!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Pea Salad with Lemon Parmesan Dressing is a refreshing dish that brings together simple ingredients in an extraordinary way. First, the combination of sweet peas and tangy lemon creates a delightful contrast that awakens your taste buds. The addition of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds richness and depth, transforming the salad into a gourmet experience.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it as a side dish or make it the star of your meal by adding proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp. Lastly, this salad is not only delicious but also visually appealing, thanks to its vibrant green color and contrasting textures, making it perfect for entertaining guests.
Key Ingredients
The beauty of this Pea Salad lies in its simple yet high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors.
- Fresh Peas: Sweet and tender, fresh peas are the star ingredient that provides natural sweetness and crispness.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and acidity that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan brings a nutty richness that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- Olive Oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil adds depth and helps emulsify the dressing.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, these simple pantry staples elevate the taste of every ingredient.
- Dried Herbs (optional): Adding herbs like dill or basil can introduce another layer of flavor to the salad.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Begin by preparing your fresh peas. If using frozen peas, thaw them under warm water; if using fresh peas, shell them carefully.
- Next, in a small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice and olive oil until well combined.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture along with salt and pepper. Whisk until you have a smooth dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared peas with any additional vegetables you desire, such as diced cucumbers or bell peppers.
- Pour the Lemon Parmesan Dressing over the pea mixture and gently toss until everything is well coated.
- Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature!
Expert Tips
Selecting high-quality ingredients is key. Opt for organic peas if possible; they are sweeter and more flavorful than conventional ones. Additionally, always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-packaged versions for optimal taste. Another tip is to add your dressing just before serving; this keeps your salad from becoming soggy. Experimenting with different herbs can also enhance flavor; consider adding mint for a refreshing twist! Finally, if you’re preparing this ahead of time, store components separately until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
Presentation Ideas
This Pea Salad can be beautifully presented in various ways. Consider serving it in individual glass jars for an elegant touch at gatherings; layer pea salad with dressing for visual appeal. Alternatively, serve it on a large platter garnished with extra lemon slices and shaved Parmesan on top for an inviting display. Adding some colorful edible flowers can also enhance its charm while providing an extra pop of color!
FAQs
Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen peas work perfectly fine in this recipe. They are usually blanched right after harvest, which preserves their sweetness and nutrients. Just ensure they are thawed before mixing them into your salad for best texture.
How long can I store leftover pea salad?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, keep in mind that the texture may change slightly as it sits due to moisture from dressing absorption. To maintain freshness, consider storing dressing separately until ready to serve again.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Certainly! To create a vegan version of this Pea Salad with Lemon Parmesan Dressing, simply replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or omit it altogether for a lighter option without compromising flavor. Use agave syrup instead of honey if you choose to add sweetness!
Can I add other vegetables to this pea salad?
You can absolutely customize your pea salad by adding other vegetables like shredded carrots, diced bell peppers, or even cherry tomatoes! These additions not only enhance flavor but also provide additional colors and textures that make your dish even more appetizing!
Pea Salad with Lemon Parmesan Dressing
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the freshness of our Pea Salad with Lemon Parmesan Dressing, a vibrant dish that marries sweet peas with zesty lemon and nutty Parmesan. Perfect for any occasion, this salad can be served as a delightful side or a standalone meal when paired with your favorite protein. With its crisp textures and bright flavors, it’s sure to impress your guests or elevate your everyday dining experience.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh peas (shelled)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (optional, e.g., dill or basil)
Instructions
- Prepare fresh peas by shelling them; if using frozen peas, thaw under warm water.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and olive oil until combined.
- Stir in grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine prepared peas with any desired additional vegetables like diced cucumbers or bell peppers.
- Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving to enhance flavor. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg