Pea Shoot Salad with Mint Vinaigrette Recipe — Fresh Spring Greens
This vibrant salad screamed fresh spring flavors! The tender pea shoots have a sweet vegetal crunch while the mint vinaigrette adds cooling brightness that makes every bite feel like spring awakening.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- pea shoots 4 cups
- fresh radishes 4 pieces
- English cucumber 0.5 pieces
- spring onion 2 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
- fresh mint leaves 0.25 cups
- extra virgin olive oil 3 tbsp
- fresh lemon juice 2 tbsp
- honey 1 tsp
- salt 0.5 tsp
- black pepper 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates
10 g
36%
Protein
4 g
15%
Fat
7 g
49%
Cooking steps
-
1
Rinse the pea shoots gently under cool water, then pat dry thoroughly to preserve their delicate crunch.
-
2
Slice the radishes thinly and cut the cucumber into half-moon shapes; finely chop the spring onions for added flavor.
-
3
In a small bowl, whisk together fresh mint leaves (finely chopped), olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper until emulsified and aromatic.
-
4
Toss the pea shoots, radishes, cucumber, and spring onions in a large salad bowl; drizzle the mint vinaigrette evenly over the salad.
-
5
Gently mix with clean hands or salad tongs until all ingredients are coated and glossy. Serve immediately for the freshest spring flavor. Tradition tip: Enjoying fresh greens like pea shoots marks the arrival of spring in many cultures, symbolizing renewal.
Personalized Q&A
Q. Why is this Pea Shoot Salad with Mint Vinaigrette perfect for spring?
The tender pea shoots and mint are peak spring produce, symbolizing renewal and growth. Their vibrant flavors and crunchy texture connect to spring traditions across cultures, making this salad ideal for seasonal gatherings.
Q. What are common mistakes when making this salad?
A frequent error is overdressing, which can wilt the delicate pea shoots. Also, not drying greens properly will dilute the vinaigrette. Slice radishes and cucumber thinly for uniform texture and toss gently as step 5 describes.
Q. Can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can prep the vegetables and mint vinaigrette a few hours ahead and store separately. Combine and dress just before serving to preserve freshness and crunch. This ensures the salad tastes and looks its springtime best.
Q. How many calories and macronutrients are in one serving?
Each 100g serving has about 110 kcal, 10g carbs (36%), 4g protein (15%), and 7g fat (49%). These values offer a light, nutrient-rich option suitable for seasonal meals.
Q. Are there ingredient swaps for vegan or allergy-friendly versions?
The salad is vegetarian and vegan-friendly as is, with honey as the only exception—if needed, replace honey with maple syrup or agave. All ingredients in the list are plant-based and free of common allergens.
