Smashed Pea and Mint Salad with Lemon Myrtle Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing Australian-inspired salad combining smashed green peas and fresh mint, tossed in a fragrant lemon myrtle vinaigrette. This australian-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes blends shelled fresh green peas, chopped fresh mint leaves, baby spinach leaves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups shelled fresh green peas and cook for 2 minutes until tender but bright green. Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking.
  2. Step 2: Drain peas from ice bath and gently smash them with the back of a fork, leaving some whole for texture.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon myrtle powder, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  4. Step 4: In a large salad bowl, combine the smashed peas, 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves, and 4 cups baby spinach leaves.
  5. Step 5: Pour the lemon myrtle dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the leaves evenly.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1/4 cup toasted macadamia nuts on top for crunch and serve immediately as a light side dish or starter.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smashed Pea and Mint Salad with Lemon Myrtle Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Smashed Pea and Mint Salad with Lemon Myrtle Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smashed Pea and Mint Salad with Lemon Myrtle Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Smashed Pea and Mint Salad with Lemon Myrtle Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Smashed Pea and Mint Salad with Lemon Myrtle Dressing vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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