Delicious Pea Salad with Pancetta & Gorgonzola

This recipe truly maximises efficiency by cooking the pancetta whilst the peas blanch, making it a brilliant choice for those busy evenings. Designed for minimal active time, it allows you to bring a fresh, flavourful dish to the table in around half an hour. It offers a light and tasty alternative to more traditional side dishes, perfect for adding vibrant colour and delightful flavour to your meal without any fuss or complexity.

Quick Overview

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 14.1 oz (400g) fresh or frozen peas
• 5.3 oz (150g) smoked diced pancetta
• 3.5 oz (100g) mild Gorgonzola, crumbled
• 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons light mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Greek yoghurt (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (or parsley)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method

1. Bring a pot of lightly salted water to the boil. Add the peas and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until tender but still crisp. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking; set aside.
2. Meanwhile, heat a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook for 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy. Remove the pancetta from the pan with a slotted spoon and place it on absorbent paper to drain excess fat.
3. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yoghurt (if using), lemon juice, chopped mint, salt, and pepper. Whisk well until you have a smooth sauce.
4. Add the cooled peas, crispy pancetta, crumbled Gorgonzola, and finely chopped red onion to the bowl with the dressing.
5. Gently mix all the ingredients until they are well combined and the peas are evenly coated in the sauce. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper if necessary.

Serving & Leftovers

Serve the pea salad immediately to enjoy the crispiness of the pancetta, or refrigerate for at least 15 minutes for a cooler, fresher taste. It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If preparing ahead, it’s best to add the pancetta just before serving to maintain its delightful crunch.

Nutrition

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portions.

One Last Thing

This pea salad exemplifies how simple ingredients can transform into a memorable dish with minimal effort. Its versatility makes it perfect for a light lunch or a vibrant side. Integrating such dishes into your routine simplifies meal planning, offering tasty, stress-free options.