If you’ve ever wanted to bring springtime freshness right to your dinner plate, Minty Peas and Onions is your golden ticket. This lively side dish pairs sweet green peas with silky onions, a toss of zesty fresh mint, and just a hint of richness from butter and olive oil. The flavors are bright and uplifting, perfect for everything from an elegant Sunday roast to a casual weeknight meal. It’s a breeze to prepare, yet impressive enough to earn a starring spot at your next gathering—especially when you crave that garden-fresh, vibrant taste. Trust me: after your first forkful, you’ll be sharing Minty Peas and Onions with all your friends, too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Minty Peas and Onions Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be fooled by the short ingredient list: each component in Minty Peas and Onions plays a role in building layers of flavor and color. From buttery richness to floral mint and tender sweet peas, these essentials come together for absolute side dish magic.

Unsalted butter: Gives the dish a soft, creamy base without overpowering the mint or peas—use real butter for the best flavor.
Olive oil: Balances the butter, and helps the onions cook evenly while adding a subtle fruity note.
Sweet onion (such as Vidalia): Brings a gentle sweetness and succulent texture—slices melt into the peas beautifully.
Green peas (fresh or frozen): These little gems add a pop of color, natural sweetness, and tender bite—frozen peas work great if fresh aren’t available.
Fresh mint leaves: The secret weapon! Roughly chopped mint adds a burst of brightness and an aromatic lift—don’t skimp here.
Salt: Enhances the sweetness and freshness of the peas and balances the fat from the butter.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle bite and depth; freshly ground is especially nice.
Lemon juice (optional): A touch of acidity brightens up the finished dish—add just before serving for extra zing.

How to Make Minty Peas and Onions

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

Get started by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Drop in the unsalted butter and olive oil, letting them melt together into a glossy pool. Once hot, add your thinly sliced sweet onions. Sauté gently for 5 to 7 minutes—let them turn soft, fragrant, and slightly golden, as this will form the meltingly tender base of your Minty Peas and Onions.

Step 2: Add the Peas

Toss in the green peas and give everything a good stir to coat with those buttery onions. Cook for just 3–4 minutes; you want your peas heated through and tender but still bright green. Don’t overcook—peas lose their freshness and signature snap quickly.

Step 3: Finishing Touches

Take the pan off the heat and sprinkle in the chopped fresh mint, along with salt and black pepper. If you’d like a little extra zing, drizzle in that optional splash of lemon juice. Gently toss everything together to let the flavors mingle—your Minty Peas and Onions are ready to shine!

How to Serve Minty Peas and Onions

Garnishes

A final flourish of extra mint leaves is always welcome, especially for a fresh pop of green on the platter. Try a pinch of lemon zest or even a sprinkle of flaky salt if you want to highlight those vibrant flavors. Presentation makes every bite even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Minty Peas and Onions complement a wide variety of mains. They’re particularly delightful with roasted meats like lamb or chicken, and equally wonderful alongside grilled fish. Want to keep things vegetarian? Serve these peas as a partner to risotto, creamy mashed potatoes, or a hearty grain salad.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Minty Peas and Onions in individual ramekins for a dinner party, or spoon them over crostini as a fresh spring appetizer. You can also fold them into pasta or grain bowls for a light yet flavorful lunch. Don’t hesitate to get playful—this dish adapts to your mood and menu.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Minty Peas and Onions, let them cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to three days, retaining their bright flavors and texture.

Freezing

While fresh herbs lose a little punch when frozen, you can freeze Minty Peas and Onions in a pinch. Spoon cooled peas into a freezer-safe bag or container, squeeze out excess air, and store for up to one month. When you reheat, consider adding a bit of fresh mint to revive that signature zing.

Reheating

Gently warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil if the peas seem dry. Microwaving works, too—cover the dish and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, so the veggies stay tender, not mushy.

FAQs

Can I use dried mint instead of fresh?

Fresh mint is absolutely recommended for Minty Peas and Onions, as it supplies a vivid herbal note you just can’t get from dried. In a pinch, you can use a small amount of dried mint, but the result will be milder and less aromatic.

What kind of onion works best?

Sweet onions, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla, bring out the natural sugars in this dish and complement the peas beautifully. If you don’t have sweet onions on hand, regular yellow onions or even pearl onions will do the trick—just expect a slightly different flavor.

Do I need to thaw frozen peas?

No need! Frozen peas can go straight from freezer to skillet. Just add a minute or so to the cooking time, and keep them bright green for the best Minty Peas and Onions experience.

Can I make Minty Peas and Onions vegan?

Absolutely. Simply swap the butter for extra olive oil or your favorite plant-based butter. The result is still luscious and full of those fresh, springy notes everyone loves.

Is this dish suitable for special diets?

Minty Peas and Onions are naturally vegetarian and gluten-free. To make them vegan or dairy-free, use only olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. This recipe fits beautifully into a variety of dietary preferences.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly joyful about sharing a bowl of Minty Peas and Onions—the colors, the flavors, the way it lifts a whole meal. If you’re looking for a side dish that’s as easy as it is elegant, let this recipe surprise you. I hope it becomes a staple at your kitchen table, just as it has at mine. Give it a try and spread the springtime cheer!

Minty Peas and Onions Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing and flavorful side dish featuring sweet onions and green peas sautéed with fresh mint and seasonings. This Minty Peas and Onions recipe is a perfect way to enjoy a taste of spring on your dinner table.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Minty Peas and Onions:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup thinly sliced sweet onion (such as Vidalia)
3 cups fresh or frozen green peas
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

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Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the sliced onions and sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until soft and lightly golden.
Stir in the peas and cook for 3–4 minutes, until heated through and tender.
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped mint, salt, pepper, and lemon juice if using. Toss gently to combine and serve warm.