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vegetarian english pea salad

Crisp Vegetarian English Pea Salad

Delicious Crisp Vegetarian English Pea Salad recipe with step-by-step instructions.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 510 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the salad::

  • 4 cups english peas
  • 8 oz radishes (thinly sliced into 1/8-inch rounds)
  • 1/2 red onion (finely diced into 1/4-inch pieces)
  • 4 hard boiled eggs

For the dressing::

  • 1/4 cup creme fraiche (I prefer Vermont Creamery for its thick consistency)
  • 1.5 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard (I always use Maille for a sharper bite)
  • 1/2 tsp lemon zest
  • 1.5 tbsp fresh dill
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/8 tsp garlic powder

Instructions
 

  • While you'll cook the peas in just a moment, get your other components ready first. Thinly slice the radishes into 1/8-inch rounds and finely dice the red onion into 1/4-inch pieces, setting them aside in separate bowls. Peel the hard boiled eggs and chop them into bite-sized pieces. This mise en place approach means everything will be ready to combine once the peas are cooked and cooled, keeping the salad assembly quick and seamless.
  • Shell and rinse the peas thoroughly. Bring 1/4 cup water to a boil in a pot, add the peas, and cook for just 2 minutes—this keeps them tender with a slight bite rather than mushy. Immediately drain the peas and rinse them under cold running water until completely cooled. Spread them on paper towels or in a clean kitchen towel to dry slightly; this prevents excess moisture from diluting your dressing later.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the crème fraîche, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, fresh dill, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined. I always use a sharp mustard like Maille here—it cuts through the richness of the crème fraîche beautifully. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed before combining with the salad.
  • Place the cooled peas from Step 2 in a large mixing bowl. Add the sliced radishes and diced red onion from Step 1, gently tossing to combine. Pour in the dressing from Step 3 and fold everything together carefully, then gently fold in the chopped eggs. I prefer to add the eggs last and fold them in gently to keep them from breaking apart. Serve immediately, garnishing with a small sprinkle of fresh dill if desired.