Elevate Your Lunch with This Gorgeous Middle Eastern Vibe Pea and Feta Salad

Perhaps you will permit me a petite pause on your post perusals ... Presently I am prone to ponder pourquoi the unpretentious pea is perpetually passed over rather than promoted as the prevailing performer in our principal meal, when perhaps precociously on my part, I perceive the plain pea can pack the perfect palate punch ... Particularly in this Pea & Feta Salad!

But in all seriousness, there's something captivating about discovering a dish that delights both your eyes and taste buds. For me, that moment happened when I first tried a Middle Eastern vibe, Pea and Feta Salad at a lovely deli. The vibrant colours and fresh ingredients caught my attention as I strolled past the window, and I knew I had to try it for myself.

As I took my first bite, I was hooked. The refreshing combination of flavours made it an ideal lunch choice. With my daughter heading off to university this month, I've been motivated to create simple, budget-friendly vegetarian dishes that can elevate everyday meals. Just because you're on a budget doesn’t mean your food has to be boring. In this post, I’ll share my take on that delightful salad, along with tips to make it shine in your kitchen.

Why This Pea & Feta Salad Works

What makes this Middle Eastern Vibe Pea & Feta Salad so special? It's the balance of flavours and textures. The natural sweetness of the peas contrasts with the tangy sumac and creamy, salty feta. Each fresh herb layer adds depth, making each bite delightful.

Moreover, this dish is incredibly versatile. You can have it as a light lunch, a side for dinner, or even as a picnic option. It's a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing taste. I love to serve this alongside my Giant Couscous Salad and Persian Style Carrot & Fresh Herb Chutney Salad.

Budget-Friendly and Elegant

The best part about this recipe is its elegance without breaking the bank. The ingredients are simple and accessible, yet they come together to create a dish that feels like a special gourmet-looking salad. With fresh herbs and a sprinkle of feta, you can elevate basic greens into something impressive. This makes it perfect for anyone looking to enhance their meals.

• 350g frozen petite pois: These sweet green peas are the star ingredient, offering freshness and flavour. Did you know that peas are 5% protein by weight? They are a great source of nutrients.

• Pinch of sea salt: Just a sprinkle enhances the natural flavours.

  
  

• 1 tsp sumac: This tangy spice gives a unique flavour that enhances the dish.

  
  

• 1 tbsp olive oil: A drizzle of quality olive oil adds richness.

  
  

• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar: The acidity beautifully balances flavours.

  
  

• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped: It adds crunch and a mild bite.

  
  

• Bunch of fresh dill, finely chopped: Dill provides a fresh, aromatic touch.

  
  

• Bunch of fresh coriander: This bright herb adds a burst of flavour.

  
  

• Bunch of fresh mint: Mint complements the peas with a refreshing note.

  
  

• 1/4 pack crumbled feta: Creamy feta ties everything together and adds a luxurious finish.

  
  

• A scattering of pomegranate seeds

  
  

Preparing the Salad

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s move to preparation.

1. Cook the Peas: Boil the frozen petite pois in salted water for about 2-3 minutes until tender but vibrant green. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

   
   

2. Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, and sumac together. This dressing serves as the flavour foundation of your salad.

   
   

3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked peas, chopped red onion, dill, coriander, and mint. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to mix.

   
   

4. Add Feta & Pomegranate Seeds: Sprinkle the crumbled feta and pomegranate seeds on top and give it a gentle toss.

   
   

5. Serve: Enjoy immediately, or let it sit for a bit to allow flavours to meld together.