Description
A vibrant and refreshing Sugar Snap Pea and Asparagus Salad served with creamy whipped feta, featuring a delightful mix of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and bright lemon zest. This salad offers a perfect balance of crunchy texture and tangy flavor, ideal as a light main dish or an elegant side.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 bunch asparagus, woody ends removed and chopped into thirds
- 3 cups sugar snap peas, cut into thirds
- 1 cup arugula
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1 lemon, juice and zest
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Fresh Herbs
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs: mint, fennel fronds, tarragon, dill, parsley, chives (use one or a combination)
Whipped Feta
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 tbsp feta cheese
- 1 tsp feta brine
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Chop the asparagus and sugar snap peas into thirds. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add olive oil and the chopped vegetables. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are just beginning to cook but still retain their crunch and freshness. Season with sea salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. Remove from heat and stir in about 1/4 teaspoon of lemon zest.
- Make Whipped Feta: While the vegetables cook, combine cottage cheese, feta cheese, and feta brine in a food processor. Whip until the mixture becomes creamy and cloud-like. Add a pinch of crushed black pepper and set aside.
- Assemble Salad: Spread the whipped feta mixture onto a serving plate as a creamy base. Top with the sautéed vegetables, fresh arugula, and fresh herbs. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle additional lemon zest. Finish by sprinkling flaky sea salt to taste and serve immediately.
Notes
- How to Destring Sugar Snap Peas: Most sugar snap peas have tough strings along the top seam. To destring, place the pea pod so it looks like a smile, with the strings at the top concave portion. Use a small paring knife to make a slit on the underside of the pod without fully removing the tail. Pull the tail piece like a zipper to remove the string. Using stringless varieties can simplify prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
