Savory Pea and Almond Salad is the kind of dish that surprises you with its simplicity and flavor. It's a refreshing side that combines sweet peas, crunchy almonds, and creamy feta with a lemony zing. Perfect for a spring picnic or a light lunch.
The star of the show is definitely the peas. These little green gems bring a natural sweetness and vibrant color. Slivered almonds add a satisfying crunch and a subtle nuttiness, especially when toasted. The red onion gives a mild sharpness that balances the sweetness of the peas. Feta cheese provides a creamy, tangy counterpoint. Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh, herbal note. The dressing, made with sour cream and mayonnaise, is rich yet lightened by lemon juice and lemon zest, which brighten the entire dish.
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a perfect companion for a summer BBQ. It can also be served alongside a hearty sandwich or as part of a buffet spread. For a vegetarian meal, consider adding some grilled halloumi on the side.
Start by thawing your peas. You can do this by leaving them in the fridge overnight or running them under cold water if you’re in a hurry. While the peas are thawing, toast the slivered almonds in a dry pan over medium heat. Keep an eye on them and stir frequently; they can go from golden to burnt pretty quickly. Set them aside to cool.
Now, take a large mixing bowl and combine the thawed peas, cooled almonds, chopped red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley. Give it a gentle toss to distribute everything evenly.
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Pour this creamy dressing over the pea mixture. Using a spatula or a large spoon, gently fold the dressing into the salad until every ingredient is nicely coated.
Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, feta can be quite salty, so start with a little and add more if needed. Once it’s seasoned to your liking, cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Share