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Pea, Asparagus, and Fava Bean Salad

This vibrant pea, asparagus, and broad bean salad is a celebration of seasonal green vegetables, offering a fresh and crunchy base that is perfect for spring dining. The combination of sweet garden peas and tender asparagus spears provides a wonderful contrast to the creamy texture of the broad beans. Finished with a zesty lemon and pecorino dressing, this dish brings together bright, citrusy notes with a hint of savoury depth.

As a versatile dairy-free Mediterranean-style dish, it works beautifully as a light lunch or a sophisticated side for grilled fish or chicken. The addition of crispy fried shallots and crumbled bacon adds a delicious salty crunch that elevates the recipe into something truly special. For a time-saving tip, the vegetables can be blanched and refreshed a day in advance, making this an effortless choice for entertaining.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Pea, Asparagus, and Fava Bean Salad

  • 45ml extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon finely grated Pecorino or Parmesan

  • 1 tablespoon (or more) fresh lemon juice

  • Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

  • 475ml fresh fava beans (from about 900g pods) or frozen fava beans, thawed

  • 2 bunches asparagus, trimmed, stalks peeled if thick

  • 240ml shelled fresh peas (from about 450g pods) or frozen peas, thawed

  • 120ml vegetable oil

  • 1 shallot, thinly sliced

  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

How to make Pea, Asparagus, and Fava Bean Salad

Whisk olive oil, Pecorino, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a medium bowl to blend. Season with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice, if desired. Set dressing aside.

If using fresh fava beans, cook in a large saucepan of boiling salted water until tender, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a colander set in a bowl of ice water (do not cook frozen beans). Drain and peel; place in a large bowl.

Return water in saucepan to a boil; add asparagus and cook until just tender, about 4 minutes. Using tongs, transfer to colander in ice water.

If using fresh peas, return water in saucepan to a boil; add peas and cook until tender, about 3 minutes (do not cook frozen peas). Drain; transfer to colander in ice water. Drain vegetables. Add to bowl with fava beans.

Combine vegetable oil and shallot in a small saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until shallot is golden brown and crisp, 10-12 minutes. Transfer shallot to a paper towel-lined plate.

Add dressing to bowl with vegetables, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Transfer salad to a serving platter and top with shallot and bacon.

DO AHEAD: Dressing and vegetables can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover separately and chill.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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