Broccolini / Pea Salad with a Hint of Lemon and Pesto

Ok, so there has been a lot of feasting this Christmas/ New Year. I’ll admit it! That’s why a platter of fresh vegetables with refreshing flavours is so welcome at this time of year. This Broccolini / Pea Salad with a Hint of Lemon and Pesto is a versatile side dish. I like it because you can serve the vegetables warm or cold and it is as equally enjoyable.

I choose to layer the dressings rather than create one dressing because it looks so pretty and the tastes are so lively.  For this dish I used walnuts in the pesto but you could use my Roasted Almond, Spinach and Basil Pesto recipe and the result would still be delicious. The lemon dressing has extra zing because it is made with natural Greek yoghurt.

You can feel very virtuous by serving this side dish because it is basically full of super food goodness. The broccolini is rich in beta carotene and anti-oxidants so it has fantastic anti cancer properties.  The peas are rich in minerals such as potassium, magnesium and calcium and are super good for heart health. These beautiful vegetables are enhanced by the health benefits of the pesto which also makes them super delicious.  And the lemon dressing contains vitamin C from the citrus and probiotics from the yoghurt.  I love the way the dressings liven up the greens and make them more enjoyable and memorable.  So instead of just having a side of greens you have a side that is delicious with not one but two amazing dressings.

At the moment I am serving this fresh green salad cold – still par cooked. But if you are experiencing winter temperatures you could serve it warm instead. It is delicious either way.

So if you have been feasting too much or if you want to bring some health benefits to your feast this is the side dish for you. Try Broccolini / Pea Salad with a Hint of Lemon and Pesto– a refreshing choice.

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Broccolini / Pea Salad with a Hint of Lemon and Pesto

A versatile, refreshing salad to acommpany your next feast but easy enough to make mid week.

Course Side Dish

Keyword Broccolini / Pea Salad with a Hint of Lemon and Pesto

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Servings 6

Author Jane Georgiades

Ingredients

• 1 bunch broccolini
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 3 tbsp pesto (see related recipe)
• 3 tbsp natural Greek yoghurt
• 1 lemon for zest and juice
• 1 tsp cracked black peppercorns

Instructions

1. Lightly cook the broccolini and the peas separately. I choose to use my microwave for economy of time. Combine the lemon juice, zest and pepper with the yoghurt. If serving as a cold salad, allow vegetables to cool before spooning first the lemon yoghurt and then the pesto lightly over the top otherwise, serve warm with the dressings. Enjoy this super refreshing salad!