Spring is when peas finally get their moment to shine, bringing a burst of sweetness and color to the table. Light, fresh, and endlessly versatile, these little green gems can do so much more than play a supporting role.
These 10 recipes capture everything there is to love about peas in the springtime — crisp textures, bright flavors, and simple goodness. Plus, five of them are so irresistible, you’ll find yourself making them long after the season has passed.
1. Minted Pea Soup With Crispy Prosciutto
Nothing beats the vibrant green of a freshly blended pea soup on a dreary day! This velvety concoction combines sweet peas with zingy mint for a flavor explosion that’ll wake up your taste buds.
A dash of cream adds silky richness, while crispy prosciutto brings a salty crunch that perfectly contrasts the soup’s smoothness. Make it in under 20 minutes for unexpected guests or meal prep it for workweek lunches.
2. Smashed Pea & Avocado Toast
Forget basic avocado toast! This green goddess upgrade combines buttery avocado with sweet smashed peas for the breakfast revolution you never knew you needed. The textural contrast is absolutely mind-blowing.
Slather this emerald mixture onto toasted sourdough, then sprinkle with chili flakes, lemon zest, and flaky sea salt. Feeling fancy? Crown your creation with a perfectly poached egg and watch that golden yolk create edible art when broken.
3. Classic Pea & Ham Risotto
Comfort food alert! This creamy, dreamy risotto transforms humble peas into dinner party material. The sweet pops of green against creamy arborio rice create textural magic that’ll have you scraping the bottom of your bowl.
Chunks of savory ham add meaty depth while Parmesan brings that umami punch that makes risotto irresistible. Don’t rush the cooking process – that slow addition of stock is what creates the signature velvety texture without cream.
4. Pea Falafel Wraps With Tahini Sauce
Holy flavor explosion! These bright green falafel balls shatter the boring beige stereotype with a pea-packed twist on the Middle Eastern classic. Crispy on the outside, tender and herb-flecked within – they’re completely addictive.
Wrap these emerald gems in warm flatbread with crunchy veggies and a generous drizzle of lemony tahini sauce. The peas add sweetness and keep the mixture incredibly moist compared to traditional chickpea-only versions.
5. Sweet Pea & Lemon Pasta
Summer in a bowl! This lightning-fast pasta dish celebrates peas in their purest form – barely cooked so they burst with sweetness against the tang of lemon and salty pecorino. Ready in the time it takes to boil pasta, it’s your new weeknight hero.
The sauce is created simply from the starchy pasta water, butter, and cheese – no heavy cream needed! A handful of mint leaves adds freshness that makes this dish sing with seasonal joy.
6. Spicy Pea & Potato Samosas
Crispy triangles of pure joy! These handheld pockets of spiced pea and potato filling are dangerously addictive – you’ve been warned. The contrast between the flaky pastry exterior and fragrant, masala-spiced interior creates snack perfection.
Cumin, coriander, and garam masala transform humble peas into an exotic flavor adventure. The potatoes provide heartiness while green chilies add that perfect kick of heat that keeps you coming back for more.
7. Pea & Mint Fritters With Feta
Crispy-edged perfection! These verdant fritters showcase peas in their most irresistible form – bound with just enough batter to hold together, then pan-fried until golden. The interior stays tender and almost creamy, creating magical texture contrast.
Crumbled feta adds salty pops while mint brings that classic flavor pairing that makes peas sing. Serve these as a show-stopping appetizer or build a meal with a side salad and garlicky yogurt sauce.
8. Pea & Parmesan Arancini Balls
Crunchy on the outside, gooey cheese heaven inside – these Italian rice balls elevate leftover risotto into something truly magnificent! The sweet pops of peas provide fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy interior that stretches into perfect Instagram-worthy cheese pulls.
A double coating of breadcrumbs ensures maximum crunch factor when fried to golden perfection. The molten mozzarella center creates that jaw-dropping moment when you break one open – instant party legend status.
9. Spring Pea & Prawn Paella
Sunshine on a plate! This vibrant twist on traditional paella celebrates sweet spring peas alongside plump prawns and saffron-infused rice. The peas add pops of freshness that cut through the richness perfectly.
Unlike risotto, paella develops a prized crispy bottom layer called ‘socarrat’ – it’s like discovering treasure at the bottom of your pan! The secret is not stirring after the first few minutes, letting that crust develop naturally.
10. Creamy Pea & Bacon Mac And Cheese
Mac and cheese just got a glow-up! This grown-up version of the childhood classic sneaks in sweet peas that burst against the creamy cheese sauce, adding pops of color and nutrition to comfort food perfection.
Crispy bacon bits provide smoky crunch while a hint of garlic adds depth without overwhelming. The cheese sauce – made with sharp cheddar and smooth Gruyère – coats every ridged pasta piece with velvety goodness.
11. Pea & Mint Ice Cream
Mind-blowing dessert alert! This unexpected ice cream flavor will make you question everything you thought you knew about sweet treats. The natural sweetness of peas creates an incredibly smooth base with a subtle vegetal note that’s surprisingly addictive.
Fresh mint adds cooling contrast while a touch of honey amplifies the peas’ natural sweetness. The vibrant green color is 100% natural – no food coloring needed for this showstopper!
12. Mushy Pea & Mint Crostini
British pub food gets a sophisticated Italian makeover! These elegant little toasts transform humble mushy peas into cocktail party material that’ll have guests raving. The vibrant green spread pops against golden toasted baguette slices for instant visual appeal.
A hint of garlic and lemon brightens the naturally sweet peas, while mint adds that classic flavor pairing. A final drizzle of good olive oil and sprinkle of flaky sea salt elevates the whole experience to restaurant-worthy heights.
13. Split Pea & Smoky Ham Hock Soup
Grandma-level comfort in a bowl! This stick-to-your-ribs soup transforms humble split peas into liquid gold through slow simmering with a smoked ham hock. The meat falls apart into tender shreds while infusing the broth with unbeatable smoky depth.
Chunks of carrot and potato add hearty texture, making this a complete meal in a bowl. The split peas break down to create a naturally creamy consistency without adding a drop of dairy.
14. Pea & Asparagus Spring Tart
Spring on a plate! This showstopping tart combines tender peas and asparagus on a bed of ricotta and puff pastry for a dish that’s equally at home at brunch or dinner. The vegetables retain a slight bite that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese layer.
Lemon zest and chives brighten everything up, while a scattering of pea shoots on top adds visual drama. The best part? Store-bought puff pastry does all the heavy lifting, making this look way more complicated than it actually is.
15. Thai-Inspired Pea & Coconut Curry
Flavor explosion in a bowl! This vibrant curry transforms frozen peas into an exotic weeknight adventure that comes together faster than delivery. The creamy coconut milk base perfectly balances the aromatic Thai curry paste for a dish that’s bold without overwhelming heat.
Sweet peas pop against the rich sauce while red bell peppers add color and textural contrast. Serve over fluffy jasmine rice to soak up every drop of the addictive sauce.