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Spring Pea and Carrot Salad

Spring Pea and Carrot Salad

This vibrant Spring Pea and Carrot Salad combines the crunch of fresh peas and sweet carrots with a zingy carrot top pesto. It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a colorful side dish for any spring gathering. Make it tonight to celebrate the fresh flavors of the season!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups carrot top greens can sub 2 cups fresh arugula or baby kale
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts pistachios, almonds or pumpkin/sunflower seeds will also work
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan omit if vegan
  • pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
  • salt to taste
  • 1 loaf ciabatta or sourdough French bread torn into bite-size pieces (use gluten-free bread if needed)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic minced or grated
  • salt + pepper to taste
  • 3 carrots cut into ribbons or sliced thin
  • 2 cups fresh snap peas
  • 2 cups fresh watercress or baby spinach
  • handful of fresh parsley or mint I used a combo of both
  • 8 ounces feta cheese omit if vegan

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Food Processor
  • Grater
  • Oven
  • Chef's Knife
  • Baking Sheet

Method
 

  1. In the bowl of a food processor or high-powered blender, combine the carrot top greens, basil, and pine nuts. Pulse until finely chopped. With the machine still running, drizzle in the olive oil. Add the parmesan, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, and season with salt. Taste and add more salt if needed. Pour into a glass jar and keep in the fridge until ready to serve.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
  3. On a large baking sheet, toss the torn bread with the olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper until all the bread is evenly and well coated. Place in the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, tossing halfway through until the bread is golden and toasted.
  4. Meanwhile in a large salad bowl, toss together the carrot ribbons, snap peas, watercress or spinach, and fresh herbs. Add a couple tablespoons of the pesto sauce and toss once more, making sure to evenly coat the veggies.
  5. Add the toasted bread and sprinkle on the feta cheese. Serve with the remaining carrot top pesto.

Notes

  • Tip 1: This salad can be assembled up to 1 day in advance. Just add the watercress, herbs, and toasted bread just before serving so they do not wilt/get soggy.
  • Tip 2: You can choose to toss the salad with the pesto and let it sit in the fridge and marinate (which I think is delish) OR you can add the pesto just before serving.