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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Recipe Information
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
Instructions
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.
Once the peas are cooled, drain the peas thoroughly and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the basil pesto, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth and well combined.
Pour the pesto mixture over the peas and gently toss to coat evenly.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, diced red onion, and chopped mint leaves to the pea mixture. Stir gently to combine.
Season the salad with salt and black pepper to taste.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Before serving, give the salad a quick toss and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2019 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 152.0 g | 195% | |
| Saturated Fat | 31.3 g | 156% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 98 mg | 33% | |
| Sodium | 3437 mg | 149% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 100.2 g | 36% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.1 g | 97% | |
| Total Sugars | 43.0 g | ||
| Protein | 74.0 g | 148% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1464 mg | 113% | |
| Iron | 13.3 mg | 74% | |
| Potassium | 2644 mg | 56% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
