Lemon Pea Salad Recipes

SUNNY'S 5-INGREDIENT LEMON AND CHEESE PEAS

Steps:

• In a pan on medium-low heat, add the olive oil (or butter), garlic and lemon zest. Cook, stirring, so the garlic and zest can steep without browning, about 5 minutes. Add the lemon juice, thyme, a pinch of salt and a few more grinds of black pepper than you normally would. Move the contents of the pan around a bit more while cooking, until the thyme is darker in color and the pan is fragrant, about 5 more minutes.
• Add the peas and toss to warm and coat, about 4 minutes. Pour into a serving dish and top with the cheese.

CHICKPEA SALAD WITH LEMON, PARMESAN, AND FRESH HERBS

Steps:

• Combine rinsed and drained chickpeas, chopped fresh basil, chopped Italian parsley, fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, and pressed garlic clove in medium bowl. Add grated Parmesan cheese and toss gently to blend all ingredients thoroughly. Season chickpea salad to taste with coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. DO AHEAD: Chickpea salad can be made 4 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Serve salad chilled or at room temperature.

HERBY RICE SALAD WITH PEAS AND PROSCIUTTO

Steps:

• Prepare the rice: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and salt it. Stir in the rice. When the water returns to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and cook the rice at a gentle simmer for about 15 minutes, or until tender but still a bit firm and not at all mushy. Drain the rice in a colander set in the sink, then transfer it to a large bowl. You can refrigerate it after this step or use it once it has cooled completely.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the peas, olive oil, sliced onion, lemon zest and juice, red-pepper flakes and ½ teaspoon salt. Allow to marinate, refrigerated, for 20 minutes or up to 3 days.
• Remove the sliced onion from the pea mixture and discard. Add 5 cups of the cooled or refrigerated rice to the pea mixture, along with the basil, mint, parsley and chives; toss gently to combine. Taste for salt and lemon juice. This is important - get it the way you want it. If the ratio needs a bit more rice, add it from whatever is left. (You should have another cup or so.) You may also wish to add more herbs.
• Serve in shallow bowls, draping a couple of slices of prosciutto alongside for each person. Alternatively, a spoonful of really good ricotta on top is also delicious. Or, serve with both prosciutto and ricotta - although vegetarians and vegans will enjoy this dish without the meat or dairy. Set out lemon wedges to squeeze to taste.

LEMONY BLACK-EYED PEA AND CILANTRO SALAD

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a bowl; let sit in refrigerator for a couple of hours to blend flavors.
• Salad tastes best at room temperature.

CRUNCHY LEMON-PESTO GARDEN SALAD

Steps:

• In a bowl, whisk together the first 6 ingredients until blended. In another bowl, combine squash, cucumbers, peas, Parmesan and green onions. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat. Top with bacon to serve.