Edible Paradise

A minty yogurt dressing refreshes this totable salad of peas, toasted almonds, celery, and green onions. It’s finger food when you spoon the mixture into tender butter lettuce leaves.

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1 1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves or 1 teaspoon dry mint
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch cayenne pepper
1 package (10 oz.) frozen petite peas, thawed
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup sliced green onions
About 24 butter lettuce or endive leaves, washed and crisped

METHOD:

Spread almonds in a shallow, rimmed baking pan. Bake in a 350" oven until almonds are toasted, 8 to 10 minutes. Set aside.

In a medium size bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt (or sour cream), mustard, mint, salt, and cayenne. Add peas, celery green onions, and almonds; mix lightly. Spoon salad mixture into lettuce leaves to eat. Or, place small butter lettuce leaf "cup" on a plate, and fill with salad. 

YIELD: Makes about 4 cups, enough for 2 dozen snack servings or 8 individual salad servings.

VARIATION: If desired, add 1/2 cup crumbled mild feta cheese.