Salads & sides
Shaved asparagus and pea salad with lemon ricotta, mint, and toasted pine nuts for spring delights.
Fresh spring vegetables meet creamy lemon ricotta in a bright, herb-scented salad that balances crisp greens with delicate dairy, toasted nuts adding crunch, and a citrusy finish to awaken the palate.
August 08, 2025 - 3 min Read
The moment spring arrives, a plate like this salad becomes a seasonal invitation. It centers on slender asparagus ribbons shaved razor-thin, their pale green hue catching the light and their texture yielding to a gentle bite. Snap-fresh peas burst with sweetness, providing a pop of color that signals new growth. The lemon ricotta acts as a pale, creamy anchor, brightening every forkful without overpowering the vegetables’ natural flavors. Mint leaves drift through the dish like a cool breeze, adding aromatic lift. A handful of toasted pine nuts introduces warmth and a subtle resinous aroma that ties the ingredients together.
To assemble, start with the greens as a bed for the other elements. Scatter the shaved asparagus over the plate, then nestle the peas in small clusters so each bite can access both textures. Dollop small spoonfuls of lemon ricotta around the salad, allowing the lemon notes to peek through with each bite. Finely grate a touch of lemon zest over the top for a fresh citrus perfume. Tear mint leaves by hand to release their oils, distributing them evenly to avoid clumps. Finish with pine nuts toasted until golden, flashing against the pale palette.
Seasonal, bright flavors with texture and balance.
The beauty of this salad lies in its restraint. Each component is bright on its own, yet none dominates. The shaved asparagus provides crisp, almost sweet fibers, while the peas offer a tender, verdant sweetness that mirrors the season’s awakening. The lemon ricotta delivers a creamy, tangy gloss that binds everything with a gentle acidity. Mint contributes a cooling breath that sidesteps heaviness, so the dish remains lively from first bite to last. A final shower of pine nuts adds a nutty, toasty note with a satisfying bite. This composition invites variation while preserving its core identity.
For a more substantial lunch version, add a handful of quinoa or farro, which creates a satisfying base for the vegetables and dairy. If you prefer vegan options, use almond ricotta or cashew cream instead of lemon ricotta, and replace pine nuts with toasted sesame seeds or crushed pistachios for a similar crunch. Consider a light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a pinch of flaky salt to heighten the flavors. A squeeze of fresh lemon over the dish before serving can offer a succinct citrus finish that echoes the lemon zest.
Elegant simplicity that elevates everyday ingredients.
The seasonal argument is simple: spring asks for lightness, and this salad delivers without apology. The asparagus, when shaved thin, resembles delicate ribbons that mingle with green peas as if they’ve always traveled together. The lemon ricotta’s dairy-softened brightness cuts through the vegetables’ natural sugars without dulling them. Mint introduces a whisper of coolness that makes the dish feel refreshing rather than heavy. Pine nuts contribute a toasty contrast that lingers after the bite, encouraging you to savor the last forkful. If plated correctly, the salad becomes more than the sum of its parts; it becomes a statement of seasonality.
Texture is essential here. The contrast between crisp asparagus ribbons, crisp-topped peas, and the soft, creamy ricotta creates a rhythm on the palate. It’s the kind of dish that’s equally persuasive as a light lunch and a striking side to a larger meal. When you bite into a cluster with a nutty crunch, you’ll notice how the lemon’s brightness amplifies the vegetables’ freshness. The mint’s aroma should be detectable, not overpowering, so it feels like a breath of spring rather than a mask. Serving on cool plates helps preserve the salad’s crispness and the ricotta’s smoothness.
Quick, accessible, and flexible in technique and flavor.
The idea behind this recipe is to honor each ingredient’s character while weaving them into a harmonious whole. Shaved asparagus provides immediate aroma and a delicate bite that stays pleasant even as temperatures rise. Green peas contribute a natural sweetness and a slight pop of freshness that speaks to their spring harvest. Lemon ricotta introduces a creamy, citrus-touched silkiness that coats without weighing down. Mint leaves contribute a floral, herbaceous lift, which is essential for that signature spring fragrance. Toasted pine nuts offer a deep, toasty note with a hint of resin that resonates with the olive oil used for finishing.
Technique matters as much as ingredients. Use a sharp knife or a mandoline to achieve uniform, thin shavings of asparagus. Blanch the peas quickly, then shock them in ice water so their color stays vibrant. Drain thoroughly to avoid watering down the ricotta’s creaminess. Whisk lemon zest into the ricotta to intensify the citrus notes, then swirl it sparingly through the salad. A light drizzle of olive oil right before serving adds fragrance and shine. Finally, tear mint leaves with your hands to liberate oils and avoid bruising, which can produce bitter notes.
Flavorful, bright, and adaptable for gatherings or solo meals.
This salad shines when prepared with care but remains forgiving for imperfect produce. If asparagus is scarce, substitute thinly sliced zucchini or cucumber ribbons to maintain the pale, delicate aesthetic. For peas, fresh when in season, use frozen peas that have been thawed and patted dry to preserve texture. The lemon ricotta can be swapped with a lively yogurt-cheese blend if you want a lighter version, or kept rich with a bolder lemon-imparting zest. Salt is crucial; a pinch at the end helps unify the flavors. The final mint drizzle should be subtle, echoing the garden’s aroma.
Presentation matters as well. Arrange the shaved asparagus as a brushing of green, then cluster the peas in small, scattered pockets to create visual interest. Spoon dollops of ricotta at intervals around the plate, letting the pale cheese contrast with the vegetables. Garnish with pine nuts and a few mint leaves, ensuring that each slice of the salad has access to these notes. Lean toward a minimalist garnish that enhances rather than competes with the core ingredients. The goal is a plate that looks as fresh as it tastes.
Beyond its immediate appeal, this salad is durable in the fridge for a day or two, provided the lemon ricotta remains well covered to avoid drying. The best practice is to assemble the components and dress them just before serving to preserve texture and color. For entertaining, offer the components in a small, arrangeable platter so guests can build their own bites, embracing variation in each forkful. The lemon notes pair well with light proteins such as poached salmon or grilled shrimp, widening the salad’s potential contexts. As a vegetarian centerpiece, it holds its own, especially when paired with crusty bread or a crisp, green salad.
In everyday cooking, this recipe offers a lesson in simplicity with seasonal integrity. It demonstrates how a handful of well-chosen ingredients, treated thoughtfully, can become something greater than their parts. The method is adaptable: shave, blanch, toss, and finish with a bright accent. The balance between creamy and crisp, aromatic and mild, ensures that no single element overpowers another. It invites experimentation while remaining faithful to its springtime soul. If you’re sharing at a table, consider a light vinaigrette on the side for guests who appreciate extra acidity. With care, this dish turns any ordinary day into a small celebration of flavor.
