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Fresh Spring Pea and Bacon Salad Recipe with Easy Mint Vinaigrette

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A quick and easy salad combining sweet spring peas, crispy bacon, and a refreshing mint vinaigrette. Perfect for light lunches or warm-weather meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh spring peas (about 300g), shelled
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon (prefer nitrate-free)
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, loosely packed, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional but recommended)
  • 1 small shallot, finely minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts, 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

  1. Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fresh spring peas and blanch for exactly 2 minutes. Immediately drain and plunge peas into a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain again and set aside.
  2. While peas cool, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon slices in a single layer and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat and cool slightly. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, combine chopped fresh mint, minced shallot, lemon juice, honey, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is emulsified and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine blanched peas and chopped bacon. Pour the mint vinaigrette over and gently toss to coat evenly. If using, fold in toasted pine nuts or crumbled feta now.
  5. Transfer to a serving plate or bowl. Garnish with a few whole mint leaves or a lemon wedge if desired. Serve immediately while bacon is still warm.

Notes

Do not overcook peas; blanch for exactly 2 minutes and plunge into ice water to keep them tender-crisp and bright green. Cook bacon over medium heat patiently for even crispiness. Add oil slowly when whisking vinaigrette to emulsify properly. Toss salad just before serving to keep bacon crispy and peas fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: spring pea salad, bacon salad, mint vinaigrette, quick salad, easy lunch, fresh peas, healthy salad

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