Organic Pea Shoot Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

Fresh, organic pea shoots are a delicious salad surprise for anyone who's never tried them! Sunflower shoots work equally well, and can be substituted for pea shoots. Many grocery stores are starting to sell these; if not, be sure to ask for them! In the time zone where I live, and the shop I patronize, pea and sunflower shoots are sold compacted in small plastic boxes weighing only 75 g or 2-1/2 oz. For the size and weight of the contents, the box comes at a hefty price - about $3. But these shoots literally do "shoot" from the box, making up in volume what they lack in weight. One box comfortably serves two; the recipe below serves four. Admittedly, this salad is on the expensive side, so I tend to make it when I already have goat cheese and small tomatoes on hand.

Organic Pea Shoot Salad:

3 or 4 c. fresh pea shoots, about 150 g or 6 oz. 

4 oz. (113 g) soft, natural goat cheese, in small chunks

12 to 15 cherry tomatoes, halved crosswise

Combine all. Toss with 3 to 4 tbsp. dressing. Serves 4. 

Honey-Mustard Dressing:

2 tbsp. white wine vinegar

1 tbsp. Dijon mustard or stone ground mustard

3 tbsp. honey

6 tbsp. olive oil

Salt and coarsely ground pepper, to taste

Shake all ingredients together in a small, covered jar. Dress just before serving. Store remaining dressing in the refrigerator.

Note: You can also use Honey-Dijon Vinaigrette (see my blog of May 8, 2011, for Grilled Salmon Salad with Honey-Dijon Vinaigrette).

Delicious and nutritious! This simple salad draws raves!

Coming up in tomorrow's blog, an important Public Service Announcement! Ever wanted to be rich and famous? (Me, too, but no luck) Catch tomorrow's blog and learn what opportunities await!