Lettuce, Watermelon Radish & Stuffed Pea Pods
This young lettuces salad features watermelon radish and stuffed pea pads. Fresh and bright, it’s popular for brunch, dinner, or lunch!
This salad is right up my alley! It combines the last of the young lettuces from my Spring garden, fresh herbs, and ‘just-harvested’ watermelon radish, and ricotta-stuffed pea pads. When it comes to summer salads, nothing beats the combination of vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and wholesome ingredients. If you’re looking to create a refreshing and visually stunning salad, look no further than my Watermelon Radish, Young Lettuces, Fresh Herbs, and Ricotta-Stuffed Pea Pods. This delightful dish brings together the crispness of watermelon radish, the tender leaves of young lettuces, the aromatic herbs, and the creamy goodness of ricotta-stuffed pea pods.
These days, I’m creative with my salads, experimenting with different flavors and textures. Combining textures and flavors adds to the satisfaction of eating fresh greens, and I don’t get bored with the same old combinations. Today, we’ll explore a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will surely tantalize your taste buds: Watermelon radish, young lettuce, fresh herbs, and ricotta-stuffed pea pods. This exquisite salad brings together the spiciness of watermelon radish, the crispiness of young lettuces, and the wonderful flavors and aromas of fresh herbs. The ricotta-stuffed pea pods are the icing on top. Let’s dive into the world of flavors and learn how to create this healthy and delectable dish!
If you are interested in growing watermelon radish in your own garden, check out our post, “How to Grow and Harvets Watermelon Radish.“
Reasons You’ll Love Watermelon Radish, Young Lettuces, Fresh Herbs & Ricotta-Stuffed Pea Pods
This salad is a wonderful combination of flavors and you’re sure to love it.
- Vibrant and visually appealing – This salad is a feast for the eyes, with its vibrant colors and contrasting textures. The pink and green hues of the watermelon radish, combined with the fresh green leaves of the young lettuces and the creamy white ricotta-stuffed pea pods, create a visually stunning dish that will impress your guests.
- Refreshing and crisp – The combination of watermelon radish and young lettuces provides a refreshing and crisp bite. The watermelon radish adds a satisfying crunch, while the tender young lettuces offer a delicate texture. It’s a refreshing salad that will invigorate your palate.
- Flavorful and aromatic – The fresh herbs, such as mint, basil, or cilantro, infuse the salad with an aromatic and flavorful element. The herbs add a burst of freshness and fragrance, enhancing the overall taste experience. Each bite is a delightful combination of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
- Creamy indulgence – The ricotta-stuffed pea pods bring a touch of creaminess and indulgence to the salad. The smooth ricotta cheese pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the pea pods, creating a luscious and creamy bite. It adds a luxurious element to the overall dish.
- Nutritious and wholesome – This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Watermelon radish is rich in vitamins and minerals, while young lettuces provide dietary fiber and antioxidants. The fresh herbs add additional health benefits, making this salad a nutritious choice.
- Versatile and customizable – The Watermelon Radish, Young Lettuces, Fresh Herbs, Ricotta-Stuffed Pea Pods Salad is highly versatile and can be adapted to your preferences. You can adjust the quantities of each ingredient, experiment with different herbs, or even add additional elements like toasted nuts or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s a salad that allows for creativity and personalization.
- Perfect for summer – With its refreshing flavors and vibrant colors, this salad is a perfect addition to your summer menu. It’s light, yet satisfying, making it ideal for hot summer days or as a side dish for barbecues and picnics. It brings a touch of freshness and elegance to any summer gathering.
This Watermelon Radish, Young Lettuces, Fresh Herbs, Ricotta-Stuffed Pea Pods Salad is a delightful combination of flavors, textures, and colors. It offers a refreshing and crisp bite, combined with aromatic herbs and creamy indulgence. Whether you’re a fan of radishes or looking for a unique and visually appealing salad, this dish is sure to please your taste buds and impress your guests. Enjoy the fresh and vibrant goodness of this summer salad.
Watermelon Radish, Young Lettuce, Fresh Herbs, and Ricotta-Stuffed Pea Pods Ingredients
Watermelon radish adds brightness and charm to this Spring salad.
Watermelon Radish – This unique radish variety is the star of the salad, known for its white-green outer skin and vibrant pink or red center. It adds a refreshing crunch and mild sweetness to the salad.
Young Lettuces – Choose a variety of young lettuces such as butterhead, romaine, or leaf lettuce. The tender leaves provide a delicate texture and fresh taste as the base of the salad.
Fresh Herbs – Add an aromatic element to the salad with a selection of fresh herbs. Mint, basil, or cilantro work well to enhance the flavors and add fragrance.
Ricotta – The creamy and smooth ricotta cheese brings a luxurious and indulgent touch to the salad. It pairs perfectly with the other ingredients, adding a creamy and savory element.
Pea Pods – Look for fresh and crisp pea pods to stuff with ricotta. They provide a natural sweetness and a delightful crunch in each bite.
Vinaigrette – Prepare a light and tangy vinaigrette to dress the salad. Ingredients for the vinaigrette can include olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
How to Make Watermelon Radish, Young Lettuces, Fresh Herbs, and Ricotta-Stuffed Pea Pods
This salad takes a little bit of time, but it’s well worth it!
- Prepare the watermelon radish – Wash the watermelon radish thoroughly under running water, then use a vegetable brush to scrub away any dirt or debris on the outer skin. Trim off both ends of the radish with a sharp knife to remove any rough or discolored portions. Optionally, you can peel the skin using a vegetable peeler if desired. Leave the skin on for added texture and color if it’s thin and in good condition.
- Prepare the young lettuces and fresh herbs – Wash the young lettuces and fresh herbs under cold water. Then gently pat them dry or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture. Tear the lettuces into bite-sized pieces and finely chop the fresh herbs.
- Prepare the ricotta-stuffed pea pods– Rinse the pea pods and remove the strings, if any. Mix the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Gently open the pea pods and stuff them with the ricotta cheese mixture. Set aside.
- Prepare the vinaigrette – In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust the quantities to taste.
- Assemble the salad – In a large salad bowl, combine the young lettuces, fresh herbs, and sliced watermelon radish. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients. Place the ricotta-stuffed pea pods on top of the salad.
- Serve and enjoy – Serve the Watermelon Radish, Young Lettuces, Fresh Herbs, and Ricotta-Stuffed Pea Pods immediately. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy this refreshing and vibrant salad as a light meal or a side dish.
Watermelon Radish, Young Lettuces, Fresh Herbs, and Ricotta-Stuffed Pea Pads Variations
- Roasted Nuts – Consider adding some toasted nuts like slivered almonds or pine nuts, or our candied pecans! They provide a delightful texture contrast to the salad.
- Balsamic Glaze – Drizzle a touch of balsamic glaze over the salad for a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
- Cashew Crema Dressing – Our Cashew crema dressing is tangy and packed with flavor. It’s super easy to whip up at home!
Remember, these ingredients can be adjusted and customized according to your taste preferences and seasonal availability. Feel free to experiment and make the salad your own by adding or substituting ingredients as desired.
How to Serve White Lettuces, Watermelon Radish, and Ricotta-Stuffed Pea Pods
This interesting salad is great as a side dish or on its own. Here are some ideas for servings.
- Dairy-Free Stuffed Shells – These dairy-free stuffed shells are cheesy, flavorful comfort food. They’re filled with my homemade vegan ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.
- Grilled Tofu – One tasty way to cook tofu is to grill it and by adding fresh veggies like onions and peppers you can really make it interesting. You can eat grilled tofu as a meal, or side dish, or tuck it in a pita pocket. It’s versatile!
- Homemade Bread – This homemade loaf bread requires only five ingredients. Soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside, it’s a specialty of our resident baker, Riann!
- Pasta Primavera – Pasta primavera is a delicious medley of pasta, fresh vegetables, and savory sauce that tantalizes the taste buds with its flavorful and satisfying combination. We put a vegan, dairy-free spin on this classic American dish; the flavor is amazing!
- Cherry Tomato Pasta – This Cherry Tomato Pasta is the perfect summer dinner. It’s filling and delicious and spotlights fresh, in-season cherry tomatoes. It’s full of flavor and bursty tomatoes which everyone is sure to enjoy.
If you decided to try this recipe please do let us know in the comments below.
Watermelon Radish, Young Lettuces, Spring Peas, Fresh Herbs, Ricotta-Stuffed Pea Pads
Ingredients
- 1 fresh watermelon radish
- 2 cups tender young lettuces
- 1/2 cup vegan ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup assorted fresh herbs
- 1/4 cup hulled fresh snap peas
- 3 pea pods
Instructions
- Prepare the watermelon radish – Wash the watermelon radish thoroughly under running water, then use a vegetable brush to scrub away any dirt or debris on the outer skin. Trim off both ends of the radish with a sharp knife to remove any rough or discolored portions. Optionally, you can peel the skin using a vegetable peeler if desired. Leave the skin on for added texture and color if it’s thin and in good condition.
- Prepare the young lettuces and fresh herbs – Wash the young lettuces and fresh herbs under cold water. Then gently pat them dry or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture. Tear the lettuces into bite-sized pieces and finely chop the fresh herbs.
- Prepare the ricotta-stuffed pea pods– Rinse the pea pods and remove the strings, if any. Mix the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Gently open the pea pods and stuff them with the ricotta cheese mixture. Set aside
- Prepare the vinaigrette – In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust the quantities to taste
- Assemble the salad – In a large salad bowl, combine the young lettuces, fresh herbs, and sliced watermelon radish. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients. Place the ricotta-stuffed pea pods on top of the salad
- A.Serve and enjoy – Serve the Watermelon Radish, Young Lettuces, Fresh Herbs, and Ricotta-Stuffed Pea Pods immediately. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy this refreshing and vibrant salad as a light meal or a side dish.
The Small Food Processor I Use
I have purchased this small food processor for so many of my family and friends. This Hamilton Beach Electric Vegetable Chopper and Mini Food Processor is perfect for smaller batches, like dressings and dips, when you don’t want to break out your big food processor. Here is my affiliate link. https://amzn.to/3KWU6fA
0 Comments