10 Fresh, Fun Ways to Use Spring Peas

No avocados for guacamole? Lots of peas? Problem solved! The combination of sweet peas with traditional Mexican spices like cumin, garlic and chili peppers makes a unique dip for tortilla chips or veggies, and is just the kind of thing that'll have people asking what the secret is.

This appetizer takes the adorable route by stuffing fresh pea pods with a mixture of cream cheese and herbs, with an optional shrimp topping and a garnish of whole peas.

You don't have to host a big party to make a pan of Spanish paella. This scaled-down version serves two, and is a great way to taste the freshest seafood you can find.

"This soup is known in France as Potage Saint-Germain, a name that comes from a suburb of Paris where peas used to be cultivated in market gardens. If fresh peas are not available, use frozen peas, but thaw and rinse them before use. Croutons make an excellent garnish!" —Lizz C.

Two fresh spring vegetables meet up in this creamy pasta dish. Reviewer HeidiS says, "This was good and would make it again! I didn't blanch the veggies — added the stem pieces with the onion along with some garlic and lemon zest to up the lemon flavor and then added the tips and peas near end just to heat through. I also added the bacon at the end so it stayed crisp."

A pub staple in Great Britain, mushy peas is a dish not as well-known in the United States. Think of it like mashed potatoes, but with peas. This recipe ramps up the rich, satisfying factor with butter and heavy cream.

This twist on a traditional basil pesto produces a sweeter, denser pasta condiment.(It's great simply spread on crusty bread, too!) Peas take the place of pesto's traditional pine nuts to add a little chunkiness and body to the sauce, while cheese, garlic, lemon juice and fresh basil keep the flavors bright.

Recipe creator lutzflcat says, "If you love risotto but hate all of the stirring and time involved, you'll love making it in the Instant Pot. You'll have creamy, tender risotto, and adding some shrimp turns this into one delicious main course. Top with an additional sprinkle of Parmesan, if desired."

"I made I made the recipe with olive oil and an additional clove of garlic and it turned out delicious. I can't wait to makes his recipe again! It is bursting with flavor and makes for a great side dish or snack." —House of Aqua

"Two different types of peas, along with radishes and a dill vinaigrette, give this salad a fresh spring flavor. Vary the mix of peas as you wish; maybe you like snow peas better than sugar snaps? And if you're really feeling frisky, add some pea shoots!" —kempstr