Discover 15 easy and delicious pea recipes for dinner. From cozy soups to vibrant salads, find quick, pea-infused meals perfect for any night of the week.
Are you stuck in a dinner rut? Well, peas be ready to add a pop of flavor and color to your meals! Packed with nutrients and a sweet, fresh flavor, peas can transform any mundane dish into a vibrant, delicious feast.
Here, we explore 15 pea recipes with peas that will not only satisfy your hunger but also brighten your dining table. Whether you’re planning a quiet meal at home or something to impress guests, these recipes are perfect for any occasion.
1. Creamy Pea Soup with Mint – Pea Recipes
Dive into the freshness of spring with this light yet luscious creamy pea soup. Mint enhances the sweet taste of peas, making this dish a refreshing starter or a light main course.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until soft.
- Pour in the peas and vegetable broth, bringing to a boil before simmering for 10 minutes.
- Add mint leaves, then blend the mixture until smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and heat through.
- Serve warm with a mint leaf garnish.
2. Pea and Ham Pasta Salad – Pea Recipes
This pea and ham pasta salad is a hearty, fulfilling dish that’s as suitable for a packed lunch as it is for the dinner table. It’s colorful, packed with flavor, and can be served hot or cold.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 cup cooked ham, cubed
- 1 cup fresh peas
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or dill), chopped
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, ham, and peas.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, and vinegar for the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture, tossing to coat evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with fresh herbs.
- Chill for an hour before serving, or enjoy warm.
3. Risotto with Peas and Parmesan
A classic Italian dish, this risotto with peas is creamy, comforting, and utterly delicious. Parmesan cheese adds a perfect umami flavor that complements the sweetness of the peas beautifully.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth, warmed
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, cooking until translucent.
- Add the rice, stirring to coat with oil. Once the rice becomes pearly and slightly translucent, start adding the warm broth, one ladle at a time, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid gradually.
- Halfway through, add the peas along with more broth. Continue cooking and adding broth until the rice is tender and creamy.
- Remove from heat, stir in butter and Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot with extra Parmesan on top.
4. Pea, Mint, and Feta Cheese Fritters – Pea Recipes
Crispy on the outside, soft and bursting with flavor on the inside, these pea, mint, and feta fritters are a fantastic light dinner or appetizer. Paired with a yogurt dip, they offer a tantalizing blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- Oil for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- If using frozen peas, blanch them in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain.
- In a bowl, mash the peas coarsely. Mix in feta cheese, mint, flour, and beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Spoon dollops of the pea mixture into the pan, pressing gently to form patties.
- Fry until golden and crispy, about 3 minutes per side.
- Serve hot with a side of yogurt or sour cream.
5. Lemon Pea Chicken – Pea Recipes
This lemon pea chicken is a refreshing twist on a classic dinner staple. Lemon zest and juice infuse the chicken with a zesty flavor that complements the sweet peas perfectly.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (such as thyme or parsley)
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and sear until golden, about 5 minutes on each side.
- Add garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest, bringing to a simmer. Add the peas around the chicken.
- Cover and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and additional lemon zest before serving.
6. Thai Pea Curry with Basil and Coconut
This Thai pea curry is an aromatic, coconut-rich dish that brings the essence of Thailand to your dinner table. With a perfect blend of spice, sweetness, and vibrant flavors, it’s a delicious way to enjoy peas.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon Thai green curry paste
- 1/2 cup basil leaves, torn
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until onion is translucent.
- Stir in curry paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in coconut milk, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Add peas and bell pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in basil leaves. Season with salt.
- Serve hot with rice and lime wedges on the side.
7. Peas and Carrots Stew with Rosemary
A hearty and rustic dish, this peas and carrots stew with rosemary offers a comforting and flavorful meal, perfect for a chilly evening. It’s a simple, one-pot meal that packs a lot of flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until they start to soften.
- Add carrots and potatoes, cooking for a few minutes until they begin to brown slightly.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir in peas and rosemary. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.
8. Smoky Peas with Bacon and Onions – Pea Recipes
Smoky peas with bacon and onions is a flavorful side that can easily be turned into a main dish by serving it over rice or pasta. The smokiness of the bacon pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the peas.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside on a paper towel to drain.
- In the bacon fat, sauté onions and garlic until the onions are translucent.
- Add peas, cooking and stirring for about 5 minutes or until heated through and tender.
- Return bacon to the skillet, stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm as a side or over grains for a complete meal.
9. Creamy Tarragon Chicken with Peas
This creamy tarragon chicken with peas is a luxurious dish that combines the unique anise-like flavor of tarragon with the creamy texture of the sauce, ideal for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts, pounded thin
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and sear on both sides until golden, about 3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chicken broth, heavy cream, and tarragon. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer.
- Add peas and return chicken to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
10. Peas, Beet, and Goat Cheese Salad – Pea Recipes
Refreshing and colorful, this salad combines sweet beets, crisp peas, and creamy goat cheese with a tangy vinaigrette. It’s perfect for a light dinner or a side dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas, blanched
- 2 medium beets, roasted and sliced
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- For the vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine blanched peas, sliced beets, and crumbled goat cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Sprinkle toasted walnuts on top just before serving.
11. Shrimp and Pea Risotto – Pea Recipes
Shrimp and pea risotto is a luxurious dish that’s creamy and packed with the flavors of the ocean. The peas add a fresh pop of color and sweetness to the dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cups fish or vegetable broth, warmed
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook until onion is translucent.
- Add Arborio rice, stirring to coat with oil. Toast the rice until edges become slightly translucent.
- Pour in one cup of warm broth. Stir continuously until the broth is mostly absorbed.
- Add shrimp and peas, continue adding broth one cup at a time, allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding the next.
- Once rice is creamy and shrimp are cooked through, stir in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs.
12. Vegetarian Pea and Chickpea Burger
Packed with protein and flavor, this vegetarian pea and chickpea burger is a hearty and healthy alternative to traditional burgers. Served with a vibrant herb yogurt sauce, it’s a refreshing meal perfect for any day.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
- For the herb yogurt sauce:
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup mixed herbs (cilantro, dill, parsley), chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a food processor, combine peas, chickpeas, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Pulse until combined but still chunky.
- Transfer to a bowl, add breadcrumbs, parsley, and beaten egg. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into patties.
- Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Fry patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy.
- For the sauce, combine yogurt, herbs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Serve the burgers with the herb yogurt sauce on the side or drizzled on top.
13. Pea Pesto Pasta – Pea Recipes
Pea pesto pasta is a quick, nutritious dish that transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant, flavorful meal. This dish is especially great for a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/3 cup pine nuts or almonds
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 400g pasta (such as spaghetti or fettuccine)
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain, reserving some of the pasta water.
- Meanwhile, blend peas, Parmesan, nuts, garlic, and basil in a food processor until smooth.
- With the processor running, gradually add olive oil until incorporated; season with salt and pepper.
- Toss the pesto with the hot pasta, adding pasta water a bit at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and a few whole peas.
14. Savory Pea Pancakes with Smoked Salmon
These savory pea pancakes topped with smoked salmon make a fabulous starter or a light dinner. Paired with a dollop of crème fraîche, they offer a delightful blend of textures and flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas, blanched
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Smoked salmon slices for topping
- Crème fraîche for serving
- Fresh dill for garnish
Instructions:
- Puree blanched peas, flour, milk, egg, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a blender until smooth.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly oil it.
- Pour small amounts of batter to form pancakes; cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook the other side.
- Serve pancakes topped with smoked salmon, a dollop of crème fraîche, and a sprig of dill.
15. Indian Pea and Potato Curry – Pea Recipes
This Indian pea and potato curry is a hearty, comforting dish that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a simple vegetarian meal that will satisfy everyone at the dinner table.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 green chili, slit
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once they start to splutter, add onions and sauté until golden.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and green chili, cooking for a minute until fragrant.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, turmeric, coriander, and garam masala. Cook until oil starts to separate from the masala.
- Add diced potatoes, peas, and enough water to cover. Season with salt.
- Cover and simmer until the potatoes are cooked through and the curry is thickened.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.
From heartwarming stews and soups to refreshing salads and innovative burgers, these 15 pea recipes are sure to cater to a variety of tastes and preferences.
Peas not only add a sweet burst of flavor but also enhance the nutritional profile of each dish. Experiment with these pea recipes and discover the versatility of peas in your everyday cooking.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday meal or something special for the weekend, these dishes will not disappoint. Dive into the delightful world of peas and enjoy a healthy, flavorful dinner tonight!
For more healthy recipes CLICK HERE!
Or check my Pinterest board with healthy recipes collection