Buttermilk Spring Pea Salad: A Fresh & Creamy Seasonal Delight

There’s something magical about spring produce—it’s bright, crisp, and full of promise. And when tender peas start appearing at the farmers’ market, I know it’s time to whip up my favorite Buttermilk Spring Pea Salad. This dish is like a love letter to the season: sweet peas, fresh herbs, and a tangy buttermilk dressing that ties everything together in the most refreshing way.

I first made this salad for a backyard potluck last year, and let’s just say it disappeared faster than the deviled eggs (and that’s saying something!). The best part? It’s incredibly easy to throw together, whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or need a last-minute side dish that looks like you spent hours on it. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in extra veggies—even the picky eaters at my table couldn’t resist!

Why You’ll Love This Buttermilk Spring Pea Salad

This salad checks all the boxes for a perfect spring dish:

• Quick & easy—ready in under 20 minutes.
• Packed with freshness—peas, mint, and chives bring vibrant flavor.
• Creamy but light—thanks to the buttermilk dressing.
• Versatile—serve as a side, on toast, or even as a dip.

How to Make Buttermilk Spring Pea Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups fresh or frozen peas (thawed)
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint
• 1 tbsp chopped chives
• Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice until smooth.
2. Add peas, mint, and chives, gently tossing to coat.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Chill for 10 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

Want to take this salad to the next level? Here are my favorite tweaks:

• Add crunch: Toss in some toasted almonds or sunflower seeds.
• Make it heartier: Stir in crumbled feta or diced avocado.
• No buttermilk? Mix 1/4 cup milk with 1 tsp vinegar as a substitute.

If you love fresh, seasonal salads, you’ll adore my Spring Vegetable Medley—it’s another quick favorite!

FAQs About Buttermilk Spring Pea Salad

Spring is all about celebrating simplicity, and this Buttermilk Spring Pea Salad does just that. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, pairing it with grilled favorites, or just enjoying it straight from the bowl (no judgment here!), it’s a dish that feels as joyful as the season itself. For more fresh ideas, check out Bon Appétit’s spring recipes or my Easy Herb-Forward Dishes for extra inspiration. Happy cooking!

Buttermilk Spring Pea Salad

• Author: Chef Green Thumb

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Description

A refreshing and vibrant salad featuring sweet spring peas tossed in a creamy buttermilk dressing, perfect for picnics or light lunches.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Crust:

• For the salad:
• 2 cups fresh spring peas (or frozen, thawed)
• 1 cup sugar snap peas, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup radishes, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped
• For the dressing:
• 1/3 cup buttermilk
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp honey
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

1. 1. In a large bowl, combine spring peas, sugar snap peas, radishes, red onion, and mint.
2. 2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together buttermilk, mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. 3. Pour dressing over the pea mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
4. 4. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
5. 5. Garnish with additional mint leaves if desired and serve cold.

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Notes

For extra crunch, add 1/4 cup toasted almonds. Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise if preferred. Dressing thickens when chilled – stir in a teaspoon of water if needed before serving.