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Southern Pea Salad

crunchy veg garnish
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Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh garden peas (or frozen sweet peas, thawed)
  • ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ cup toasted sunflower seeds
  • Optional for creamy version:
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. If using fresh garden peas, shell them and place in a pot of lightly salted boiling water. Cook for just 2-3 minutes until bright green and barely tender. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. For frozen peas, thaw completely and blanch for just 1 minute.
  2. Drain peas thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped red onion, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced bell pepper.
  4. For a classic tangy lemon vinaigrette, whisk together fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, honey, dill, and paprika in a small bowl until emulsified.
  5. For a creamy variation, add Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard to the dressing and whisk until smooth.
  6. Gently fold the cooled, drained peas and chopped fresh parsley into the vegetable mixture.
  7. Pour the prepared dressing over the pea and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to ensure even coating without crushing the delicate peas.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice until the flavors are well-balanced.
  9. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
  10. Just before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and sprinkle with toasted sunflower seeds for added crunch.

Notes

  • For best results, make this salad at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
  • The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though the vegetables will gradually soften over time.
  • To make ahead, prepare all components separately and combine just before serving.
  • Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

Nutrition

Keywords: southern pea salad recipe, creamy pea dressing, crunchy veg garnish, tangy lemon vinaigrette, fresh garden peas

Find it online: https://www.joyliciousrecipes.com/southern-pea-salad-recipe-easy-zesty/