Pea & Carrot Salad with Carrot Top Pesto
It’s full of carrots and fresh spring peas. It’s so simple, but soo good. Perfect for a light brunch salad or a light dinner salad. You can prepare it in advance for easy entertaining, and I mean, come on, it’s pretty dang gorgeous too! Servings: 6
INGREDIENTS
2 cups carrot top greens (can sub 2 cups fresh rocket or baby kale)
1/2 cup fresh basil
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (pistachios, almonds or pumpkin/sunflower seeds will also work)
1/2 cup olive oil
1/3 cup grated parmesan (omit if vegan)
pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
salt to taste
1 loaf ciabatta or sourdough french bread – torn into bite-sized pieces – important to have!
2 Tab olive oil
1 clove garlic minced or grated
salt + pepper to taste
3 carrots cut into ribbons or sliced thin (or tiny baby carrots used whole)
2 cups fresh snap peas
2 cups fresh watercress or baby spinach
handful of fresh parsley or mint (I used a combo of both)
8 oz feta cheese crumbled (omit if vegan)
Carrot Top Pesto
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In the bowl of a food processor or high powered blender, combine the carrot top greens, basil and pine nuts. Pulse until finely chopped. With the machine still running, drizzle in the olive oil. Add the parmesan, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes and season with salt. Taste and add more salt if needed. Pour into a glass jar and keep in the fridge until ready to serve.
Pea and Carrot Salad*
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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On a large baking sheet, toss the torn bread with the olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper until all the bread is evenly and well coated. Place in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, tossing half way through until the bread is golden and toasted.
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Meanwhile in a large salad bowl, toss together the carrot ribbons, snap peas, watercress or spinach, and fresh herbs. Add a couple tablespoons of the pesto sauce and toss once more, making sure to evenly coat the veggies. Add the toasted bread and sprinkle on the feta cheese. Serve with the remaining carrot top pesto.
Notes
*This salad can be assembled up to 1 day in advance. Just add the watercress, herbs and toasted bread just before serving so they do not wilt/get soggy. You can choose to toss the salad with the pesto and let it sit in the fridge and marinate (which I think is delish) OR you can add the pesto just before serving.