Easy Pea Mint and Feta Salad is the kind of recipe that proves simple ingredients can create truly memorable flavor. In just minutes, sweet green peas, cooling fresh mint, and tangy feta cheese come together with olive oil and lemon juice for a salad that feels light, vibrant, and effortlessly elegant. Whether you’re planning a spring dinner, a summer cookout, or a quick weekday meal, this salad fits right in without demanding much time or effort.
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Why You’ll Love This Easy Pea Mint and Feta Salad
This Easy Pea Mint and Feta Salad is refreshing without being boring, and flavorful without being heavy. The peas provide natural sweetness, the mint adds a burst of freshness, and the feta brings just enough salty richness to balance everything out. It’s a perfect example of how contrast makes food exciting.
You’ll also love how quick this recipe is. From start to finish, it takes about 15 minutes, including cooking the peas. That makes it ideal for busy days, last-minute guests, or when you want something homemade but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.
Another reason this salad shines is its versatility. It works as a side dish for grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables, but it can also be turned into a light lunch with a few simple additions. It’s naturally vegetarian, gluten-free, and easy to adapt for different diets, which makes it a reliable crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Easy Pea Mint and Feta Salad
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups green peas, fresh or frozen
- 1/3 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Green peas are the star of this salad. Fresh peas are wonderful when they’re in season, but frozen peas work just as well and are often sweeter since they’re frozen right after harvesting. If using frozen peas, there’s no need to thaw them ahead of time.
Fresh mint is essential for that cool, refreshing flavor. Spearmint is most commonly used in cooking, but any mild mint variety will work. Be sure to chop it finely so it distributes evenly throughout the salad rather than clumping together.
Feta cheese adds saltiness and creaminess. Traditional cow’s milk feta is mild and tangy, while sheep’s milk feta is richer and more complex. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount slightly or substitute crumbled goat cheese. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based feta alternative.
Lemon juice brightens the entire dish. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best here, as bottled juice can taste flat. If you don’t have lemon, a small splash of white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work in a pinch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Peas
Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and add a generous pinch of salt. Add the peas and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until they are tender and bright green. Overcooking will dull their color and soften them too much, so keep a close eye on them.
Drain the peas immediately and rinse them under cold water or transfer them to an ice bath. This stops the cooking process and helps preserve their vibrant green color. Drain well and pat dry if needed.
Step 2 – Prepare the Mint and Feta
While the peas cool, finely chop the fresh mint leaves. Avoid chopping too far in advance, as mint can darken over time. Crumble the feta cheese into small, bite-sized pieces if it isn’t already crumbled.
Step 3 – Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The dressing should be light and bright, not overpowering.
Step 4 – Assemble the Salad
Add the cooled peas to a medium mixing bowl. Sprinkle the chopped mint and crumbled feta over the top. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad.
Gently toss everything together until well combined, being careful not to mash the peas or break down the feta too much. Taste once more and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Step 5 – Serve
Serve the salad immediately for the freshest flavor, or refrigerate it for up to 1 hour before serving. This salad can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
Pro Tips for Success
Use just-cooked peas. The texture of the peas makes a big difference, so aim for tender but still slightly firm.
Chop mint finely. Large mint pieces can overpower bites, while finely chopped mint blends beautifully.
Add feta last if storing. If making ahead, mix in the feta just before serving to keep it from becoming too soft.
Taste before serving. Feta varies in saltiness, so always taste before adding extra salt.
Use high-quality olive oil. Since the dressing is simple, good olive oil really shines.
Flavor Variations
For a crunchy twist, add 1/4 cup finely diced cucumber or thinly sliced radishes.
For extra brightness, mix in a teaspoon of lemon zest along with the dressing.
For a heartier salad, add cooked quinoa or farro and increase the dressing slightly.
For a Mediterranean feel, include a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley or dill along with the mint.
For a subtle sweetness, toss in a handful of cherry tomatoes cut in half.
Serving Suggestions
Easy Pea Mint and Feta Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp. It’s also excellent alongside roasted vegetables or as part of a spring brunch spread.
You can serve it as a light lunch by adding a slice of crusty bread or pita on the side. It also works well as a picnic salad because it doesn’t rely on mayonnaise and holds up well for short periods at room temperature.
For entertaining, this salad looks lovely served in a wide, shallow bowl and garnished with a few whole mint leaves on top.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The mint may soften slightly, but the flavors will still be pleasant.
This salad is not freezer-friendly. Freezing will change the texture of the peas and cause the feta to crumble and become watery when thawed.
If you’re preparing it ahead of time, you can cook the peas and mix the dressing up to a day in advance, then assemble everything shortly before serving.
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Easy Pea Mint and Feta Salad – Fresh & Simple
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Pea Mint and Feta Salad is a fresh and simple dish made with sweet green peas, cooling mint, and tangy feta tossed in olive oil and lemon juice for a light, vibrant side or quick meal.
Ingredients
- 3 cups green peas, fresh or frozen
- 1/3 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the peas and cook for 2–3 minutes until tender and bright green.
- Drain the peas and rinse under cold water or transfer to an ice bath, then drain well.
- Finely chop the fresh mint leaves.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the cooled peas to a mixing bowl.
- Sprinkle the chopped mint and crumbled feta over the peas.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
- Gently toss until everything is evenly combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve.
Notes
Do not overcook the peas to keep their color and texture. Add feta just before serving if making ahead, and always taste before adding extra salt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~180 |
| Protein | ~7 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~14 g |
| Fat | ~11 g |
| Fiber | ~4 g |
| Sodium | ~320 mg |
Values are estimates and will vary based on exact ingredients used.
FAQ About Easy Pea Mint and Feta Salad
Can I use canned peas instead of frozen or fresh?
Canned peas are much softer and less sweet than fresh or frozen peas, so they’re not ideal for this salad. If you must use them, rinse and drain very well, and expect a softer texture and milder flavor.
Is this salad best served cold or at room temperature?
Both work well. Serving it slightly chilled makes it extra refreshing, while room temperature allows the flavors to stand out more clearly. Avoid serving it warm, as the feta may soften too much.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but for best results, assemble it no more than a few hours in advance. If making it ahead, consider adding the mint and feta just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
What can I use instead of mint?
If you’re not a fan of mint, fresh parsley or basil are good alternatives. The flavor will be different, but still fresh and pleasant.
Is this salad kid-friendly?
Yes. The flavors are mild and fresh, and many kids enjoy the sweetness of peas. If needed, you can reduce the mint slightly for a more subtle taste.
Final Thoughts
Easy Pea Mint and Feta Salad is proof that fresh ingredients and simple preparation can create something truly special. It’s quick, flexible, and packed with bright flavors that make it perfect for everyday meals and special occasions alike. Once you try it, you’ll likely find yourself coming back to it again and again whenever you need a reliable, refreshing side dish.