This Easy Pea and Mint Dip not only tastes great, it also looks fantastic. For entertaining or casual snacks at home, dips are always popular. This one has a light, fresh flavour and is easily made. Best of all, it is a great impromptu starter which can be made in minutes using frozen peas.
Why we love this recipe:
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Most of us have a packet of peas in our freezer and we often turn to frozen peas for an easy, green side dish. However, there are many other ways in which to enjoy them and I always ensure that I have a packet in my freezer to make dishes such as this Pea Dip.
Frozen peas are a staple in my home; they are reliably sweet and tender. In many instances, they are better than fresh peas – unless you grow peas yourself and can pick them as you need them. Frozen peas are flash-frozen shortly after picking, at the height of their freshness. As well, you don’t need to shell them.
The dip is quickly and easily made and is delicious served with slices of crisp and crunchy carrot, celery and capsicum. It makes a colourful, appetising platter.
Dips make for easy, convivial entertaining. When entertaining, serve a variety of them for a colourful, nutritious and tasty appetiser which is enjoyed by most people,
Ingredients in this recipe:
Please see the recipe card further along in the post for exact quantities of ingredients and the full method.
Frozen peas – a freezer staple in my home due to the many ways in which they can be used.
Garlic - a great flavour boost to the dip.
Extra virgin olive oil - the highest quality olive oil available and one of the healthiest. It is an essential part of the Mediterranean diet and is a worthy addition to our diet.
Lemons - one of my favourite flavour boosters. If a dish tastes a little dull or flat, the addition of some freshly squeezed lemon juice will often boost the flavour.
Tahini - a thick paste made from roasted, ground sesame seeds. It has a delicate sesame flavour with a consistency similar to peanut butter.
Fresh mint - a favourite ingredient of mine; it adds bright, fresh notes to both sweet and savoury dishes.
Step by step instructions:
This Pea and Mint Dip is quickly and easily made. To begin, I defrost the peas.
- Then, add the peas and remaining ingredients to the bowl of a food processor and blend them together.
- Depending on how long you blend the ingredients, you can have the dip smooth and creamy or slightly chunky. Turn into a serving bowl and garnish with a few thin slices of lemon and a sprig or two of mint. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil is the finishing touch. Serve with crudites and crackers.
Tips for success and FAQs:
Frozen peas are great to have on hand. Use them in many ways, such as my Potato Salad with Peas and Mint, Frittata and Pea and Mint Fritters.
Yes, certainly, you can make it a day ahead to allow the flavours to develop.
Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
It is excellent in a sandwich in place of butter or mayonnaise. I especially like it with crispy bacon or slices of tomato. Alternatively, make Crostini and serve them with the Pea and Mint Dip topped with feta. As well, it is delicious served alongside Roast Chicken or fish and with the pea and mint flavour combination is a natural accompaniment to lamb.
More delicious recipes for you to try:
Here are some more of our favourite dip recipes. Try a few of them today, and create a delicious dip platter!
- Whipped Feta
- Roasted Capsicum Pesto
- Green Goddess Dip
- Easy Hummus
- The Best Baba Ganoush
- Simple Tuna Dip
- Avocado, Yoghurt and Mint Dip
My Pea and Mint Dip is easy to make and is a healthy appetiser or snack. It is also gluten-free and vegan, making it ideal for many people with specific dietary requirements. You will find many ways in which to enjoy it. Do let me know if you try this delicious dip!
Alex xx
This post was originally published in July 2019. It has been updated with new photos and more information. The recipe remains the same.
Pea and Mint Dip
Please note:
For accuracy, when weights are provided, we recommend weighing your ingredients. This will produce the best results. All oven temperatures listed are for fan forced.
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen peas - thawed See Notes 1 and 2
- 1 clove garlic - peeled
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil See Notes 3 and 4
- 2 tablespoon fresh mint - finely chopped See Note 4
- 2 tablespoon tahini See Note 4
- 2 teaspoon lemon zest See Note 5
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice See Notes 4 and 6
- sea salt and freshly ground black pepper - to taste
Instructions
- Place the defrosted peas and the remaining ingredients in the bowl of a small food processor.
- Blend to a smooth paste, adding more oil or lemon juice to reach desired consistency and flavour. Season to taste.
- Serve with crackers, toasted pita bread or a selection of colourful crudites.
Notes
- To thaw the peas quickly, I spread them out on a large dinner plate.
- I prefer baby peas, they are sweeter.
- I have used extra virgin olive oil for the extra flavour it adds and for the health benefits.
- The Australian tablespoon is 20ml or 4 teaspoons. In most other countries the tablespoon is 15ml or 3 teaspoons. Please adjust your measurements if necessary.
- When zesting citrus, it is important to use just the coloured skin and not the white pith which has a bitter flavour. When using both the zest and the juice, zest the lemon first.
- As peas are naturally sweet and the acidity of lemons varies enormously you may need to add more lemon juice to suit your taste.
- Please note, the nutritional information is based on this dip serving four people. It does not include what the dip is served with. The nutritional information is an estimate only.
Nutrition Estimate:
Nutritional Disclaimer:
The nutritional information is an estimate only, and is derived from online calculators. For accurate results, we recommend calculating the nutritional information based on the ingredients and brands you use.
Jennifer Rylance says
Looove this. My 2yo granddaughter ate most of it!!
Can it be done night before?
Alexandra Cook says
Hi Jennifer,
That's so lovely to hear! 🙂
I do make it in advance sometimes - the only thing is, the mint does discolour slightly, so I would keep some fresh leaves to garnish, or even add the mint at the last minute if possible. Alex xo
Elena says
Hey there, quick question:
so you basically use the peas raw?
Thank you
Alexandra says
Hi Elena,
We don't cook the peas, no. Frozen peas, in general, are flash-blanched before being frozen.
That is sufficient for this recipe.
Kind regards, Alex
Megan says
So simple but soooo delicious. Thanks Alex for such an awesome recipe
Alexandra says
Hi Megan, I am so pleased that you like the Pea and Mint Dip. Thank you so much. 🙂
Timothy says
Tasty! I like the use of the fresh mint.
Alexandra says
Thank you, Timothy!
jill says
This is so beautiful and delicious! We serve with pita chips.
Alexandra says
Thanks, Jill - and pita chips are a great choice!
Jackline A says
Thank you so much Alexandra for this recipe. You always have the most interesting recipes.
Alexandra says
Thank you Jackline for the lovely comment. I do appreciate it. 🙂