| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 375 | 27g | 6g | 27g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 16g | 6g | 8g | 0.47g |
I’ve always had a deep-seated fondness for family-inspired dishes and the recipes that remind us of home. One of my all-time favorite homemade salads is the vibrantly fresh and flavorful Blue Pea Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette. This dish, while diverging from my traditional Italian-American staples, invokes memories of sunny summers spent outdoors with my family, picking fresh blueberries and peas from my grandparent’s thriving garden in New Jersey. This to me, is the beautiful essence of homemade, feel-good food.
Reinventing Tradition
The card-carrying magic of a family recipe is that we can lovingly reshape and adapt them with each new generation and to suit our own palates and preferences. This distinctive salad does just that – bringing together the tasty heartiness of peas and snap peas with the crisp sweetness of fresh apples, blueberries, and a hint of zesty red onions. We then sprinkle on some crumbled feta cheese for an elegant combination of tangy and creamy, and top it all off with nutritious, flavor-filled walnuts. A homemade lemon vinaigrette is the proverbial cherry on top, bringing all these elements together with a citrus-infused punch.
Navigating Nutrition
And apart from just being a gustatory delight, this salad is a powerhouse of nutritional benefits. Blueberries and peas are full of antioxidants and vitamins , and are a tasty way to boost your immune system. Apples provide dietary fiber, while walnuts are revered for their heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids . The crumbled feta is an excellent source of calcium and the handmade lemon vinaigrette not only adds flavor, but aids in digestion and is loaded with vitamin C.
Might I suggest pairing this salad with a classic Italian dish that my family adores, Spaghetti Bolognese? The cool, fruity flavors of the Blue Pea Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette can wonderfully offset the warm, hearty intensity of a homemade Bolognese.
No matter how you choose to serve it, I promise you that this salad holds its own, packed full of fresh flavors and radiant colors, while providing a healthful feast that your body will thank you for. Go ahead, give the Blue Pea Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette a shot and bring a little green to your kitchen!
What You’ll Need
- 1 and 1/2 cups of fresh blueberries
- 1 cup of green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup of snap peas, halved
- 1/4 cup of chopped red onions
- 2 medium-sized apples, diced
- 1 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup of walnuts, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Lemon Vinaigrette:
- 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing the salad ingredients. Wash the fresh blueberries, snap peas, and apples carefully. Halve the snap peas, dice the apples, and chop the red onions finely. If you’re using fresh green peas, ensure they have been podded. If frozen, thaw them before use.
Step Two
Prepare the lemon vinaigrette by whisking together the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, salt, and ground black pepper in a small bowl. Set aside for later use.
Step Three
Combine the prepared blueberries, green peas, snap peas, red onions, and diced apples in a large salad bowl.
Step Four
Add the crumbled feta cheese and chopped walnuts to the salad mix. Gently toss everything together, ensuring all the ingredients are mixed well.
Step Five
Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad. Toss again to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step Six
Let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving, this will allow the flavors to meld together. You can now enjoy your Blue Pea Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette!
