This asparagus and green pea salad perfectly balances yummy roasted flavors with a refreshing, crispy crunch. Pairing roasted baby potatoes and caramelized onions with fresh asparagus, green peas, and radishes makes this a dish even your kids will like.
Whether you're looking for a light, satisfying lunch or a side salad for your next dinner spread, the Dijon vinaigrette and a hint of fresh mint bring all the elements together for a truly seasonal feast.
HOW TO MAKE ASPARAGUS & PEAS SALAD/SIDE :
Ingredients:
Peas: 1 cup (160 g) — fresh or frozen
Asparagus: 1 bunch (around 340 g)
Radishes: 4–5 radishes
Baby Potatoes: 8–10 small potatoes (200 g)
Onion: 1 small onion
Fresh Mint Leaves: ¼ cup (15 g)
Liquid Sweetener: ¼ cup (60 ml) — agave syrup, honey, or maple syrup
Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon (15 g)
Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons (45 ml)
Salt & Pepper: to taste
Tools:
Pot or saucepan
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board
Colander
Serving bowl
Casserole dish or baking tray
Skillet or frying pan
Ingredients Notes:
Peas: You can use fresh or frozen peas for this recipe. If using fresh peas, blanch them for a couple of minutes before adding them to the salad. If using frozen peas, thaw them before use.
Asparagus: Trim the woody ends of the asparagus before cutting into bite-sized pieces. Blanch or cook until crisp-tender for the best texture.
Radishes: Thinly slice the radishes for a refreshing crunch. You can adjust the quantity based on your preference.
Baby Potatoes: Use small round potatoes such as new potatoes or baby potatoes. Roast until golden and tender, then use as-is or cube them for the salad.
Onion: Slice the onion thinly to add a hint of sharpness to the salad. Red onion or shallots work well for this recipe.
Fresh Mint Leaves: Chop the mint leaves just before adding them to retain their fresh flavour. Adjust the quantity based on your preference for mintiness.
Liquid Sweetener: Agave syrup, honey, or maple syrup all work beautifully here, adding a gentle touch of sweetness to the dressing. Choose whichever you prefer or have on hand.
Dijon Mustard: Adds tanginess and depth of flavour to the dressing. Feel free to adjust the amount to your taste.
Instructions:
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Roast the Baby Potatoes
Start with the baby potatoes — the heart of this dish. Give them a gentle wash and cut into bite-sized pieces. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a casserole dish, toss the potato pieces with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and a dash of pepper until evenly coated. Transfer to the oven and roast for 20–30 minutes, or until gloriously golden and crispy.
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Cook the Peas
While the potatoes are roasting, prepare the peas. If using fresh peas, bring a pot of water to a gentle boil and cook for 10–15 minutes, or until perfectly tender. If using frozen peas, adjust the cooking time to 7–10 minutes. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
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Prepare the Radishes
Slice the radishes into thin, delicate rounds and set aside, ready to add their refreshing crunch to the salad.
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Sauté the Onion
Slice the onion into thin, even slices. In a skillet over medium heat, add a touch of olive oil and sauté the onion until beautifully golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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Make the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, a pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, Dijon mustard, and your choice of liquid sweetener — agave syrup, honey, or maple syrup all work wonderfully. Whisk until the dressing comes together into a smooth, well-balanced vinaigrette.
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Cook the Asparagus
Trim the woody ends and cut the asparagus into bite-sized pieces. In the same skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil, cook the asparagus until crunchy and lightly golden. The aroma alone will whet your appetite.
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Assemble and Serve
In a large bowl, combine the cooked peas, roasted baby potatoes, sliced radishes, golden onion, and asparagus. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently, ensuring every ingredient is coated with the dressing. Finish with a scattering of fresh mint leaves. Serve as a vibrant side dish or a light and satisfying lunch.
STORAGE
After preparing the salad, transfer it to an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. Store in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for the best taste and texture. When ready to serve again, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and revive the flavours. For best results, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to keep the ingredients crisp.
TIPS
Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality vegetables for the best flavour and texture. Look for vibrant peas, crisp asparagus, and firm radishes when selecting your ingredients.
Boost the Dressing: For an extra layer of brightness, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of white wine vinegar to the vinaigrette. It lifts all the flavours and adds a lovely acidity that complements the sweetness of the peas and roasted potatoes beautifully.
Adjust Cooking Times: Cooking times may vary depending on the size and freshness of the vegetables. Keep a close eye on the peas, asparagus, and potatoes to ensure they reach the desired tenderness without overcooking.
Customize the Salad: Feel free to add other ingredients you enjoy — cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, crumbled feta cheese, or toasted nuts all work wonderfully here.
Make-Ahead: The salad can be prepared in advance and refrigerated. Add the mint leaves and dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
Dressing Adjustments: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad and adjust as needed. Add a touch more sweetener for balance or a little more mustard for extra tang.
Serving Options: This salad works beautifully as a refreshing side dish or a light lunch on its own.
FAQ’s
Can I use canned peas instead of fresh or frozen?
While fresh or frozen peas are recommended for optimal flavour and texture, canned peas can be used as a substitute if needed. Keep in mind that canned peas may have a softer texture and slightly different flavour.
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare all the components in advance and store them separately. Keep the dressing in a separate container and toss everything together just before serving for maximum freshness.
Can I substitute the sweetener in the dressing?
Absolutely. Agave syrup, honey, and maple syrup all work well. You can also use any other liquid sweetener of your choice — just adjust the quantity to your desired level of sweetness.
Can I add other vegetables or ingredients?
Of course! This salad is very versatile. Cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, crumbled feta, or toasted nuts all make great additions.
Can I serve this salad warm?
This salad is typically served at room temperature or chilled, but it can also be enjoyed warm. Keep in mind that the flavours and textures may vary slightly.
How long will leftovers last?
The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Can I make a larger batch?
Absolutely! Simply scale the ingredient quantities up as needed. Remember to adjust the dressing proportions accordingly to maintain the right flavour balance.
Can I use a different type of mustard?
Yes — while Dijon mustard is recommended for its smooth tanginess, whole grain or spicy mustard also works well and add their own character to the dressing.
