Summer peas are a true celebration of the season’s freshness and natural sweetness.
These versatile little gems add a burst of bright green color and a delicate, sweet flavor to a wide variety of dishes.
Whether you’re looking for light salads, creamy dips, comforting soups, or elegant mains, summer peas offer a fresh and nutritious ingredient that can shine on its own or complement any meal.
From crisp pea salads bursting with herbs to silky pea purees and vibrant pasta sauces, the recipes in this collection showcase how peas can elevate your summer cooking with ease and elegance.
Dive into these 23+ summer pea recipes and savor the taste of sunshine on your plate.
23+ Delicious Summer Pea Recipes to Brighten Your Meals
Summer peas are a gift from the garden that can transform your cooking in the most delightful ways.
With their bright color, sweet flavor, and incredible versatility, these 23+ summer pea recipes prove just how easy it is to incorporate this nutritious ingredient into your meals.
Whether you want a light appetizer, a fresh salad, or a hearty main dish, peas bring freshness and flavor that speak of sunny days and warm nights.
Try these recipes and let the natural goodness of summer peas inspire your kitchen adventures all season long.
Pea and Mint Soup
Pea and Mint Soup is a chilled summertime classic that’s as refreshing as it is vibrant.
The bright green peas create a naturally sweet and creamy base, balanced by the cool, aromatic lift of fresh mint.
With a whisper of lemon and a splash of olive oil, the flavor is light, herbaceous, and utterly clean.
It smells like a summer garden in full bloom, with each spoonful tasting like a breeze on a warm day.
Velvety smooth in texture, it’s perfect served cold as a starter or in small glasses for a chic appetizer.
Pair it with crusty bread or a summer salad for a light, elegant meal.
Lemony Pea Risotto
Lemony Pea Risotto is a creamy, comforting dish with a fresh seasonal twist.
Tender arborio rice is slowly stirred with broth until it becomes rich and silky, then folded with sweet green peas and a burst of lemon zest.
A hint of Parmesan adds depth, while the lemon brightens every bite.
The aroma is buttery with notes of citrus and garden greens.
The texture is smooth and luscious, with little pops of tender peas throughout.
It pairs beautifully with grilled shrimp, chicken, or is satisfying enough to stand alone as a vegetarian main.
Sugar Snap Pea Salad
Sugar Snap Pea Salad is a crisp, colorful medley that captures the best of summer freshness.
The snap of raw peas is paired with radishes, feta, and a zingy vinaigrette for a contrast of textures and flavors.
Mint and lemon add brightness, while a touch of honey rounds it all out.
The scent is citrusy and herbaceous, like a picnic-ready garden bouquet.
Each bite is juicy, crunchy, and lightly tangy with creamy, salty undertones from the cheese.
This salad is perfect as a side for grilled meats or as a light lunch on its own.
Creamy Pea Pasta
Creamy Pea Pasta is a quick, comforting dish that doesn’t skimp on seasonal flair.
Blended peas create a smooth, silky sauce that’s subtly sweet and full of green goodness.
A bit of garlic and lemon juice adds depth and tang, while Parmesan melts in for richness.
The aroma is warm and grassy, with a mellow nuttiness from the cheese.
It coats pasta beautifully and can be finished with extra peas or fresh herbs for a burst of color.
Serve it as a weeknight dinner or dress it up with pancetta or grilled mushrooms for company.
Pea and Ricotta Crostini
Pea and Ricotta Crostini make a gorgeous, garden-inspired appetizer or light snack.
Fresh peas are mashed with lemon, olive oil, and mint, then layered on crisp toasted bread with a dollop of creamy ricotta.
The flavors are fresh, floral, and just a touch sweet — like summer in one bite.
The scent is a mix of toasted bread, citrus, and herbs.
Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by velvety, cool creaminess and bright pea flavor.
Perfect for parties, picnics, or as a colorful starter with chilled white wine.
Pea Pesto
Pea Pesto is a vibrant green spread that transforms the humble pea into something extraordinary.
Blended with Parmesan, garlic, lemon, and basil, it’s zesty, savory, and packed with flavor.
The peas lend a natural sweetness that balances the salty and herby elements perfectly.
It smells like sunshine and fresh herbs with a nutty undertone.
Smooth and spoonable, it works as a pasta sauce, sandwich spread, or dip.
It’s a bold, beautiful way to enjoy peas in almost any dish — versatile, vibrant, and bursting with summer spirit.
Pea Guacamole
Pea Guacamole brings a light, vibrant twist to the classic dip.
Sweet green peas blend beautifully with creamy avocado, creating a fresh, slightly sweet take on traditional guac.
Lime juice, jalapeño, and cilantro add tang and heat, while the peas bring a pop of color and brightness.
The aroma is citrusy and green, with a garden-fresh undertone.
It’s smooth yet chunky, making it perfect for scooping with chips, spreading on toast, or spooning over grilled chicken.
This dip is a crowd-pleaser — healthy, eye-catching, and full of summer flavor.
Peas and Burrata
Peas and Burrata is a summer showstopper that’s both rustic and elegant.
Sweet, tender peas are tossed with olive oil and lemon zest, then spooned around creamy, luxurious burrata.
A scattering of fresh mint and cracked pepper completes the dish.
It smells like a sunlit herb garden and tastes like a celebration of fresh simplicity.
The contrast of cool, silky cheese and crisp peas is irresistible.
Serve it with toasted sourdough or as part of an antipasto platter — it’s stunning and surprisingly easy.
Pea Toast
Pea Toast is the green goddess of summer breakfasts and brunches.
Mashed peas with lemon, olive oil, and a hint of garlic are spread thick on golden, crunchy toast.
Topped with flaky salt, red chili, or a poached egg, it’s endlessly customizable.
The flavor is fresh and bright, with the natural sweetness of peas balanced by savory, tangy notes.
The texture is creamy with a little texture from the smashed peas and crisp bite of the bread.
This is a quick and nutritious meal that’s as pretty as it is satisfying.
Pea and Feta Frittata
Pea and Feta Frittata is light, fluffy, and packed with sunny flavor.
Eggs are whisked with sweet peas, tangy feta, and fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
It bakes into a golden, custardy dish that’s perfect warm or cold.
The scent is earthy and eggy with grassy, cheesy notes that promise comfort in every bite.
The peas give it bursts of sweetness, while the feta adds creamy saltiness.
Enjoy it for brunch, lunch, or a picnic — it travels well and tastes even better the next day.
Pea Orzo Salad
Pea Orzo Salad is a breezy, colorful side dish that’s perfect for summer potlucks.
Tiny orzo pasta mingles with sweet peas, lemon juice, crumbled feta, and fresh herbs.
A drizzle of olive oil ties everything together into a zesty, refreshing bowl.
The scent is lemony and herby, like a Mediterranean breeze.
Every bite is light, tangy, and full of texture — creamy cheese, tender pasta, and juicy peas.
It’s versatile enough to serve with grilled meats or stand alone as a vegetarian main.
Pea and Prosciutto Pasta
Pea and Prosciutto Pasta is the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and silky.
Bright green peas are tossed with hot pasta, thin ribbons of prosciutto, and a splash of cream or butter.
Lemon zest and black pepper add contrast, making each bite sing with flavor.
The aroma is savory and rich with hints of lemon and cured meat.
The texture is luxurious, with tender pasta and bursts of juicy pea sweetness.
It’s quick, elegant, and ideal for summer date nights or easy entertaining.
Pea Salad
Pea Salad is a crisp, refreshing dish that celebrates summer’s sweet peas in all their glory.
Fresh green peas mingle with crunchy celery, diced red onion, and a tangy mayonnaise-based dressing.
A hint of dill and a touch of lemon brighten the creamy mix, while crispy bacon bits add a savory crunch.
The aroma is fresh and inviting, with a subtle herbaceous note.
Each bite offers a balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet textures, making it a perfect side for barbecues or light lunches.
Pea Pancakes
Pea Pancakes bring a playful twist to your summer brunch table.
Bright peas are pureed into the batter, lending a subtle sweetness and vibrant green hue.
The pancakes are fluffy and light, with a hint of fresh herbs like chives or mint woven through.
They smell earthy and slightly sweet, with a buttery finish when cooked to golden perfection.
Serve with tangy yogurt or a drizzle of honey for a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Pea and Ham Soup
Pea and Ham Soup is a comforting, hearty bowl perfect for cooler summer evenings.
Sweet peas combine with smoky ham, simmered gently with onions and herbs for deep, layered flavor.
The aroma is warm and inviting, with hints of smokiness and fresh greenery.
The soup’s texture is creamy yet chunky, offering tender peas alongside savory bites of ham.
Enjoy it as a starter or a satisfying main that’s simple to make but rich in taste.
Pea Risotto
Pea Risotto is a luxurious, creamy dish that captures the essence of summer produce.
Arborio rice slowly absorbs flavorful broth as sweet peas and fresh herbs are folded in.
The bright green color and fresh, grassy aroma make it as visually appealing as it is tasty.
Each spoonful is silky with tender peas bursting amidst the creamy rice, balanced by a sprinkle of Parmesan.
This dish shines as a main or side and pairs beautifully with grilled fish or chicken.
Pea and Potato Salad
Pea and Potato Salad is a hearty yet fresh summer side dish.
Tender new potatoes mix with crisp green peas and a light vinaigrette infused with mustard and fresh herbs.
The scent is tangy and herbal, promising a bright, satisfying flavor.
The textures contrast beautifully — soft potatoes and crisp peas create a delightful bite every time.
Perfect for picnics or as a companion to grilled meats, it’s a versatile and crowd-pleasing salad.
Pea Hummus
Pea Hummus transforms sweet peas into a creamy, vibrant spread.
Blended with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and a touch of olive oil, it’s smooth and packed with fresh flavor.
The aroma is nutty with a fresh citrus brightness.
Its texture is silky yet thick, perfect for dipping fresh veggies or spreading on warm pita bread.
This twist on classic hummus adds a sunny, green vibrancy to any summer snack or appetizer.
Pea Pesto
Pea Pesto reinvents traditional pesto with the sweet, fresh taste of summer peas.
Bright green peas blend smoothly with garlic, Parmesan, basil, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
The aroma bursts with fresh herbs and citrusy zest, inviting you to dive in.
Its silky texture coats pasta perfectly or spreads wonderfully on warm bread.
This pesto is vibrant, light, and a fantastic way to enjoy peas beyond the usual.
Pea and Mint Salad
Pea and Mint Salad is a refreshing, crisp side that sings of summer’s freshness.
Sweet peas combine with bright, cooling mint and a splash of lemon vinaigrette.
The scent is herbaceous and invigorating, like a garden breeze on a warm day.
The tender peas and juicy herbs offer a playful texture that complements grilled meats beautifully.
It’s light, healthy, and endlessly versatile.
Pea Fritters
Pea Fritters turn sweet summer peas into golden, crispy bites of delight.
Mashed peas are mixed with fresh herbs and lightly fried to a crunchy exterior while remaining tender inside.
The aroma is warm and inviting, with hints of fresh herbs and a subtle sweetness.
These fritters are perfect for appetizers or a fun side, delicious with tangy yogurt or a spicy chutney.
Pea Dip
Pea Dip is a vibrant and creamy snack perfect for summer gatherings.
Sweet peas are blended with garlic, lemon, and olive oil into a smooth, flavorful spread.
Its fresh green aroma is inviting and light.
The creamy texture pairs perfectly with crunchy veggies, pita chips, or crackers.
This dip is a healthy, easy way to enjoy the season’s best peas.
Pea and Cheese Tart
Pea and Cheese Tart offers a buttery, flaky crust filled with sweet peas and tangy cheese.
The filling is silky and lush, with pops of pea sweetness and savory cheese notes.
The aroma is warm, comforting, and slightly herbaceous.
It’s elegant enough for entertaining but simple enough for a summer lunch or picnic.
Conclusion
Exploring summer peas through these 23+ recipes reveals just how adaptable and delicious this humble vegetable can be.
From simple dips and salads to more elaborate entrees, summer peas offer endless culinary possibilities that are both nutritious and refreshing.
Embracing these recipes will not only help you make the most of pea season but also add vibrant color and sweet, fresh flavor to your dining table.
Make peas a star in your summer menu and enjoy the taste of freshness in every bite.
