I like salads that go on platters rather than bowls. This salad does look a bit like an appetizer at first glance, maybe that’s why I enjoy it so much! I love to put ingredients together on a plate and pick at them, whether it’s a lunch salad, an early evening appetizer or a side dish for an al fresco dinner. And that’s how this springy platter can work – in any of those settings.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy radishes is with the classic spring combination of peas and mint. I add a little crunch with toasted pecans, a ball of creamy burrata and some slices of speck, a dry-cured smoked ham similar to prosciutto. The speck adds a saltiness to the dish that bring out the sweetness of the peas. Make this dish your own, adding whatever kind of toasted nuts, fresh cheese (ricotta, goat cheese, fresh mozzarella) and cured meat you have on hand!
Pea, Radish and Toasted Pecan Salad with Burrata and Speck
serves 2 to 4
Ingredients
Kosher salt
10 ounces green peas, fresh or frozen
1 bunch radishes, trimmed and sliced in half with a little green stem left
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon torn mint
1 8-ounce ball burrata (or 2 4-ounce balls)
4 ounces speck
1/4 cup roughly chopped pecans
Freshly grated black pepper
Heat a large pot of heavily salted water (it should taste like the ocean) over high heat until boiling. Drop in the peas and blanch for 1 minute or until crisp tender. Using a slotted spoon or spider remove peas and place in an ice bath to shock. Once peas are cold, drain well. Pat peas dry with paper towels. You don’t want excess water in the salad.
Combine the peas, radishes and mint in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Toss well, taste for seasoning and adjust as you see fit.
Arrange the peas and radishes, burrata and speck on a platter or in a very shallow bowl. Top the peas and radishes with the pecans. Drizzle some olive oil over the burrata and top with freshly grated pepper. Serve at room temperature.
This recipe is partnered with Local Roots NYC, a small, mission-driven business here to serve fellow New Yorkers and regional growers. Click here to join!