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Spring Pea and Carrot Salad with Carrot Top Pesto | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest
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4.34 from 6 votes

Spring Pea and Carrot Salad with Carrot Top Pesto.

Doesn't this salad just seem like something the Easter bunny would love?
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 564kcal

Ingredients

Carrot Top Pesto

  • 2 cups carrot top greens can sub 2 cups fresh arugula 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

Pea and Carrot Salad

  • 1 pieces loaf ciabatta or sourdough french bread torn into bite size (use gluten free bread if needed)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic minced or grated
  • salt + pepper to taste
  • 3 carrots cut into ribbons or sliced thin
  • 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 ounces feta cheese crumbled (omit if vegan)

Instructions

Carrot Top Pesto

  • 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*

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 564kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 634mg | Potassium: 284mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 6350IU | Vitamin C: 46mg | Calcium: 361mg | Iron: 3.5mg