Pesto Pea Salad
Bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, this Pesto Pea Salad is the perfect quick and easy side dish for any occasion. Featuring tender, blanched peas tossed in a vibrant basil pesto dressing with a hint of zesty lemon, this salad is elevated with the nutty crunch of toasted pine nuts, the savory richness of grated Parmesan, and the aromatic freshness of chopped mint. Diced red onion adds a subtle bite, while a quick chill in the fridge allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Ready in just 10 minutes of prep time, this crowd-pleasing dish is a great choice for potlucks, picnics, or as a fresh complement to grilled meats or light pasta dishes. Serve it chilled and watch it disappear!
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Ingredients
- 3 cups frozen peas
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 0.25 cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
Step 1
Bring a medium pot of water to boil. Add the frozen peas and blanch for 1-2 minutes, just until they are bright green and tender. Drain and immediately transfer the peas to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
Step 2
Once the peas are cooled, drain the peas thoroughly and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
Step 3
In a small bowl, whisk together the basil pesto, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth and well combined.
Step 4
Pour the pesto mixture over the peas and gently toss to coat evenly.
Step 5
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, diced red onion, and chopped mint leaves to the pea mixture. Stir gently to combine.
Step 6
Season the salad with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 7
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Step 8
Before serving, give the salad a quick toss and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (890.9g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2019.4 |
| Total Fat 152.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 31.3g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g | |
| Cholesterol 97.7mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3436.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 100.2g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 27.1g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 43.0g | |
| Protein 74.0g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1463.9mg | 0% |
| Iron 13.3mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2644.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories