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Spring pea and ricotta crostini with mint and lemon zest

Bright green pea spread on toasts with mint and lemon

Spring Pea and Ricotta Crostini

Spring Pea and Ricotta Crostini

20 minEasy

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

5 min

Total Time

20 min

Servings

6

12 crostini

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Budget

$

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Spring Pea and Ricotta Crostini

Bright green pea spread on toasts with mint and lemon

Toasted baguette slices topped with a vibrant smashed pea and ricotta spread, finished with fresh mint, lemon zest, and a drizzle of olive oil.

15m

Prep Time

5m

Cook Time

20m

Total Time

6

Servings

Easy

Difficulty

Budget $

Cost

Italian CuisineAppetizerSnackVegetarian
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

March 4, 2026(Updated April 12, 2026)

These crostini capture the essence of spring in every bite. Fresh peas, barely cooked and smashed with ricotta, mint, and lemon, create a spread that is bright green, fresh-tasting, and incredibly simple. It is the kind of appetizer that looks elegant but takes about 15 minutes from start to finish.

The ricotta adds creaminess without heaviness, and the mint brings an herbal brightness that highlights the sweetness of the peas. These are perfect for a spring dinner party, Easter brunch, or any time you want a light, beautiful starter.

Why This Recipe Works

Blanching the peas for just one minute and then shocking them in ice water preserves their vivid green color and sweet, fresh flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 baguette, sliced on a bias
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup ricotta
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Flaky salt
  • Red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. 1

    Blanch the peas in boiling water for 1 minute, then shock in ice water and drain.

  2. 2

    Toast the baguette slices under the broiler until golden on both sides.

  3. 3

    Smash the peas roughly with a fork, then fold in the ricotta, mint, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

  4. 4

    Spoon the pea mixture generously onto each toast.

  5. 5

    Finish with a drizzle of olive oil, flaky salt, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping

  • Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil

  • Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette

  • Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering

DepthPantry

Test Kitchen Pick

Olive Oil

Helpful Pantry Staple

Why the olive oil matters

On recipes like this, olive oil is not just a background fat. A better bottle gives you cleaner flavor and a better finish.

This is one of the few pantry upgrades that keeps paying off every time you cook in this lane.

  • Useful in dressings, sauces, and finishing
  • Improves flavor without changing the recipe structure

A good bottle of olive oil is one of the safest pantry upgrades for Mediterranean and Italian cooking.

Shop olive oil for this recipe

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • Frozen peas work beautifully when fresh are not in season.

  • Add a shaving of pecorino or parmesan on top for more depth.

  • The spread can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the microwave until hot.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (2 crostini) · 6 servings

Calories180
LowModerateHigh

A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein7g
Carbohydrates24g
Fat6g
Fiber3g
Sugar4g
Sodium280mg

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?
Yes. The components or finished dish hold well if properly chilled and stored.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes. Taste near the end and adjust salt, acid, or heat so it suits the way you like to cook and eat.

Explore More

More Italian RecipesMore AppetizerMore SnackVegetarian RecipesStovetop RecipesOven Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

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