18 Green Pea Recipes That Turn Simple Ingredients Into Standout Meals

Green pea recipes are a simple way to add natural sweetness, vibrant color, and a boost of nutrition to everyday cooking. Whether you’re in the mood for cozy comfort food, light spring inspired dishes, or hearty meals that come together with pantry staples, green peas fit right in. This roundup features easy, flavorful recipes that work beautifully for family dinners, make ahead sides, and casual entertaining, showing just how versatile and satisfying green peas can be in the kitchen.

Puff Pastry Tartlets with Ricotta, Peas, and Mint

Square puff pastry tarts topped with ricotta cheese, green peas, shaved Parmesan cheese, and chopped herbs on a white plate. — Puff Pastry Tartlets with Ricotta, Peas, and Mint. Photo credit: Baste Cut Fold.

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Flaky puff pastry holds a creamy ricotta and pea filling. Fresh mint adds a subtle brightness. The tartlets are visually appealing and easy to serve as appetizers. They are light yet flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Tartlets with Ricotta, Peas, and Mint

Peas Pulao (Matar Pulao) In Instant Pot

Cooked rice mixed with green peas, sliced onions, and spices in a large pot. — Peas Pulao (Matar Pulao) In Instant Pot. Photo credit: Mrishtanna.

This one-pot rice dish cooks quickly in the Instant Pot. Peas retain their color and sweetness. The spices infuse the rice without overpowering it. It is convenient and satisfying for a weekday meal.
Get the Recipe: Peas Pulao (Matar Pulao) In Instant Pot

Pasta with peas (pasta e piselli)

A bowl of wide pasta noodles mixed with green peas and garnished with chopped parsley. — Pasta with peas (pasta e piselli). Photo credit: The Pasta Project.

Tender pasta combines with peas in a simple sauce. Onions, garlic, or pancetta can be added for extra flavor. The dish is comforting and straightforward. It is ideal for a fast lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with peas (pasta e piselli)

Lemony One-Pot Orzo with Peas and Asparagus

A bowl of orzo pasta mixed with green beans, peas, and grated cheese, with a fork resting in the bowl. Additional cheese and herbs are in small dishes nearby. — Lemony One-Pot Orzo with Peas and Asparagus. Photo credit: Sweet Miscellany.

Orzo cooks with asparagus and peas in a single pot. Lemon adds a bright note to the creamy texture. The dish comes together quickly for a fresh meal. It works as a side or a main course.
Get the Recipe: Lemony One-Pot Orzo with Peas and Asparagus

EASY Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

A baked chicken pot pie with a golden crust, partially sliced to reveal a filling of chicken, peas, carrots, and creamy sauce, garnished with fresh thyme. — EASY Homemade Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: I Heart Naptime.

A creamy filling with peas, chicken, and vegetables is baked under a golden crust. The combination of textures is satisfying. It is a classic comfort dish. Leftovers reheat well without losing flavor.
Get the Recipe: EASY Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

Easy Fried Rice, Chinese Style

A bowl of fried rice with diced ham, scrambled eggs, peas, carrots, and green onions, served with chopsticks on a bamboo mat. — Easy Fried Rice, Chinese Style. Photo credit: Chew Out Loud.

This fried rice includes peas for color and sweetness. Vegetables and seasonings mix quickly in a hot pan. It is a versatile side or main dish. Cooking is fast, making it perfect for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Easy Fried Rice, Chinese Style

Leftover Ham 7 Layer Salad

A layered salad in a glass trifle bowl with sliced eggs, pasta, lettuce, peas, ham, and shredded cheese, placed on a wooden board against a dark background. — Leftover Ham 7 Layer Salad. Photo credit: Savvy Mama Lifestyle.

Layers of peas, ham, and other ingredients create a colorful salad. The creamy dressing holds everything together. It is easy to assemble and works well for gatherings. Each bite offers a mix of textures.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Ham 7 Layer Salad

Slow Cooker Split Pea and Ham Soup

A slow cooker filled with thick yellow split pea soup, with visible chunks and a black serving spoon resting inside. — Slow Cooker Split Pea and Ham Soup. Photo credit: Kitchen Ready Betty.

Split peas and ham cook slowly until tender and flavorful. The slow cooking intensifies the flavors naturally. Peas add body and sweetness to the broth. It is hearty, satisfying, and simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea and Ham Soup

Ground Beef Curry | Keema Curry–My MOST Requested Recipe

A bowl of ground meat curry with potatoes, peas, and tomatoes, served with a spoon on a white plate; a pot with more curry is partially visible. — Ground Beef Curry | Keema Curry–My MOST Requested Recipe. Photo credit: Whole New Mom.

Ground beef and peas cook in a spiced sauce for a flavorful curry. The peas add sweetness and texture. It is a versatile dish served with rice or flatbreads. The recipe is straightforward and popular with family meals.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Curry | Keema Curry–My MOST Requested Recipe

Pesto Tortellini with Peas and Asparagus

A close-up of tortellini pasta mixed with asparagus, green peas, and a herb sauce. — Pesto Tortellini with Peas and Asparagus. Photo credit: Mandi Of The Mountains.

Tortellini cooks quickly and combines with tender peas and asparagus. Pesto ties the ingredients together with herby flavor. The dish is colorful and filling without being heavy. It works as a weeknight dinner or casual lunch.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini with Peas and Asparagus

Authentic Nordic Pea Soup Recipe (Stovetop, Instant Pot, or Slow Cooker)

A bowl of thick split pea soup topped with bacon and thyme, served with grainy mustard and buttered multigrain bread on the side. — Authentic Nordic Pea Soup Recipe (Stovetop, Instant Pot, or Slow Cooker). Photo credit: The Nordic Dish.

This soup is thick, hearty, and flavorful, made with split peas and aromatics. Different cooking methods allow flexibility depending on time. Peas provide the body and natural sweetness. It is a classic recipe that warms up any table.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Nordic Pea Soup Recipe (Stovetop, Instant Pot, or Slow Cooker)

Creamy Pea Salad (Easy Make-Ahead Side Dish)

Close-up of a salad with green peas, diced ham, cheddar cheese cubes, chopped red onion, and a creamy dressing. — Creamy Pea Salad (Easy Make-Ahead Side Dish). Photo credit: Simply Happy Foodie.

This salad blends peas with a creamy dressing for a smooth texture. It holds up well when made ahead. Bright flavors keep it from feeling heavy. It is ideal for picnics or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Salad (Easy Make-Ahead Side Dish)

Creamy Cauliflower and Peas

A close-up of a casserole dish filled with cauliflower, green peas, and creamy white sauce, topped with breadcrumbs. — Creamy Cauliflower and Peas. Photo credit: Rave About Food.

Cauliflower and peas are combined into a soft, creamy dish. Seasonings enhance the natural flavors without overpowering them. It works as a side or a light main. The texture is both comforting and smooth.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cauliflower and Peas

Skinny Pea & Prawn Curry

A pot of shrimp curry with peas and tomato sauce sits on a light surface, next to a bunch of fresh cilantro, with a slotted spoon resting inside. — Skinny Pea & Prawn Curry. Photo credit: Rachel Phipps.

Prawns cook in a light spiced sauce with peas added at the end. The curry is bright and flavorful without heavy cream. Peas give body and sweetness. Serve it with rice or flatbread for a quick meal.
Get the Recipe: Skinny Pea & Prawn Curry

Creamy Mashed Peas with Mint

A ceramic bowl filled with green mashed peas and garnished with fresh mint leaves sits on a rustic white wooden surface. — Creamy Mashed Peas with Mint. Photo credit: Chef’s Pencil.

Peas are mashed with fresh mint for a smooth, flavorful side. The mint adds brightness to the naturally sweet peas. It pairs well with roasted meats or fish. Preparation is quick and straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Peas with Mint

English Pea Salad

A hand holds a spoonful of salad with peas, chopped egg, and mayonnaise over a glass bowl filled with the same mixture on a wooden surface. — English Pea Salad. Photo credit: Them Bites.

This salad pairs peas with simple ingredients for a classic preparation. A light dressing brings everything together. It works as a side dish for lunches or dinners. The flavors are fresh and straightforward.
Get the Recipe: English Pea Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad with Peas and Bacon

A bowl of shell pasta mixed with peas and bacon bits in a creamy sauce, being served with wooden utensils. — Creamy Pasta Salad with Peas and Bacon. Photo credit: The Slow Roasted Italian.

Pasta mixes with peas, bacon, and a creamy dressing. The peas add a pop of color and texture. It is a filling salad suitable for gatherings or meal prep. Each bite is a balance of creaminess and crunch.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pasta Salad with Peas and Bacon

Sweet Pea Purée

A bowl of mushy peas topped with whole green peas sits next to a small dish of whole green peas on a wooden surface. — Sweet Pea Purée. Photo credit: In the Kitch.

Peas are pureed into a smooth, naturally sweet dish. It works as a side or as a base for fish and meats. The texture is soft and velvety. It is simple, colorful, and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Pea Purée