Looking for something new to do with that prolific mint in the garden? The following Minted Tiny Potato & Pea Salad is a colorful, light salad with Mediterranean flavors and crunchy bacon. Tiny potatoes are readily available in most grocery stores (The Little Potato Company is one popular brand), but if those aren’t available, you can use slightly bigger potatoes and cut them into 1” chunks. Fresh lemon juice and olive oil, along with chopped mint, make up the dressing, so it’s lighter than those traditional potato salads enrobed in heavy mayonnaise dressings. Frozen peas are rinsed and drained straight from the freezer; they require no cooking and add a fresh taste to the salad, as well as crunch. A few finely chopped pieces of red onion add some color, as well as flavor.

Minted Tiny Potato & Pea Salad is perfect for serving at any backyard gathering or for taking to a potluck dinner. It goes well with grilled or smoked meat, fish, or poultry, as well as hamburgers, hot dogs, or any kind of sandwich. The mint flavor is subtle, but adds an exotic quality to the salad.

12 Servings

3 pounds tiny potatoes, white, red, or a mix (I like the ones distributed by The Little Potato Company)
3 cups frozen peas, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
1 cup fresh mint, leaves only, chopped
8 ounces bacon, chopped, cooked crisp, and drained

Dressing:
6 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon sugar
Zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1. Cook the potatoes in boiling, salted water until they are tender, 20-25 minutes; drain well and let cool.
2. Cut the potatoes in half and place in a pretty serving bowl with the peas, onions, mint, and bacon.
3. Whizz the dressing ingredients in the blender or MagicBullet (or just whisk) and toss with the potato mixture.
4. Cover and refrigerate until serving time, up to 24 hours.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 270 Calories from Fat 102
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 38% Protein 10% Carb. 52%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 11 g
Saturated Fat 2 g
Cholesterol 6 mg
Sodium 350 mg
Total Carbohydrate 35 g
Dietary Fiber 2 g
Sugars 1 g
Protein 7 g

Vitamin A 8% Vitamin C 61% Calcium 0% Iron 13%