Thursday, May 19, 2011

Pea Shoot Spring Salad


There are certain ingredients whose appearance in Spring is so fleeting, and whose flavor is so delicate, that they beg to be prepared in ways that allow them to show their charms before they are gone for another year. I love it when I can find pea shoots, either at the market or in my farm box, and I devised this simple salad to showcase their flavor.

n.o.e.'s notes:

- First I wash and dry the pea shoots, then divide them among my salad plates. Over the top I arrange sliced spring onions, toasted walnuts, sliced tiny radishes, chopped cucumbers, and crumbled soft goat cheese.

- I dress the salad with a simple vinaigrette:
Whisk together 3 Tablespoons of walnut oil, 1 Tablespoon of white wine vinegar, a dab of prepared mustard, salt, pepper.

the verdict:

To me, this salad is the essence of Spring! I happily return to it again and again as long as pea shoots are available.

3 comments:

Audrey said...

I've been fascinated by pea shoots for a while now, but I've never been able to find them! I'm going to save your recipe. though, because it seems like the perfect way to showcase them.

Unknown said...

I've never had pea shoots, and I'm not sure if that's because they're not available by me or because I've never paid enough attention to see them. Your salad does look perfectly springy!

Kayte said...

I can never find pea shoots and I would love to try this salad, Salad Queen that I am always...am on the look out. Might have to expand my farmer's market radius.