Minted Pea Salad

It’s hard to beat frozen peas as a convenient, delicious and not to mention, inexpensive vegetable. I just love how they sit waiting patiently in the freezer until there’s a need for some greens in a hurry.

enough for: 2
takes: 10 minutes
250g (1/2 lb) frozen peas
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 sprigs mint, leaves picked
large handful grated parmesan cheese
large handful roasted almonds, chopped (optional)

1. Place peas in a strainer and run hot water from the tap over them for a minute or so, to just defrost them.

2. Pat peas dry with paper towel.

3. Combine lemon juice and 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large bowl. Season.

4. Toss in peas, mint and parmesan and almonds (if using) and serve.

Prepare Ahead?

The peas will sit happily in the dressing for a few hours. But best to add the mint at the last minute so it doesn’t wilt. If you’re making it for a lunch box just pack the salad and sprinkle the mint leaves on top and they’ll be fine.

Leftover Potential

Will keep for a week or so in the fridge.

Variations

carnivore – replace the almonds with finely sliced salami.

dairy-free / vegan – replace the parmesan with a tablespoon of mustard in the dressing and double the mint.

more substantial – toss in a drained can of lentils and increase the salad dressing.

parsley – replace the mint with 1/2 bunch chopped flat leaf parsley or add it in along with the mint.

warm salad – heat the peas up in a small saucepan on a high heat for a few minutes then proceed as per the recipe.

Waste Avoidance Strategy

frozen peas – will keep for months on the freezer.

lemon – whole lemon will keep wrapped in a plastic bag in the fridge for months.

mint – best to use for another meal. leaves can be frozen but will wilt when defrosted so not ideal. Alternatively make a mint oil by packing washed and dried leaves in a clean dry glass jar and covering with extra virgin olive oil use mint oil to serve with lamb, chicken or fish.

parmesan – wrap in waxed paper or baking paper and store in the fridge in a sealed paper bag or airtight container. Will keep for months. Can be frozen if you’re going away.

almonds – keep them in the pantry.

Problem Solving Guide

watery – it’s important to dry the peas after rinsing them. M

peas crunchy – sounds like they’re still a little frozen. Let them sit for a few minutes to warm up.