Peas and Greens with Cacio e Pepe Dressing

Peas and Greens with Cacio e Pepe Dressing is a quick and flavorful vegetable dish! 

Raise your hand if you need to eat more veggies?

Sigh.

I feel ya. I’m in the same boat. I am constantly looking for ways to add more greens to my diet. Maybe you’re like me and just get bored? I mean there are only so many ways one can roast, saute, or grill veggies. Plus, the selection is so limited. 

BUT! Today, I am fighting back and sharing a veggie dish that kicks all the other veggies out of bed. These Peas and Greens with Cacio e Pepe Dressing will blow your mind. A quick northern Italian cheese sauce tossed with peas and a mixture of other greens. OH MY!

So, are you ready to up your veggie game? Let’s get started! 

What is Caico e Pepe?

Cacio e Pepe is an Italian cuisine that hails from Rome. Its literal translation means cheese and pepper. Traditionally this dish is made with thick spaghetti, Pecorino or Parmesan cheese and loads of freshly cracked pepper. Basically like the original Mac & Cheese! 

What’s in these Peas and Greens with Cacio e Pepe Dressing?

Fresh or Frozen Peas

Egg yolk

Buttermilk or regular milk 

Olive oil

Garlic

Pecorino or Parmesan cheese

Course black pepper

Arugula

Avocado 

Tips for Making Peas and Greens with Cacio e Pepe Dressing:

1) Peas. Fresh or frozen will work. However, in my opinion use frozen peas because it makes this dish come together quickly and you can find them year round in the grocery store.

2) Cheese. Use the good stuff! The green bottle that you used to shake cheese out of when you were little won’t fly. It doesn’t melt easy so you’ve got to grate your own if you can. Otherwise look for the grated-gucchi looking cheese in the fancy cheese section at the grocery store. 

3) Pepper. I buy coarse ground black pepper vs the table black pepper. If you aren’t familiar with coarse ground black pepper it’s always next to the regular pepper at the grocery store. I’m telling you once you go coarse you never go back! 

Do I have to use a food processor to make the dressing?

No! If you don’t have access to food processor you can simply whisk everything either by hand or even in a blender!

I hope you enjoy this simple and tasty side dish! If you happen to make it please let me know because I love hearing from you!

More Veggie Recipes to Enjoy:

Print Recipe

Peas and Greens with Cacio e Pepe Dressing

Yield: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 3 tbsp buttermilk
  • 1 garlic clove, grated
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • 3/4 tsp coarse ground pepper
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 16oz bags frozen peas, defrosted
  • 1 cup fresh arugula
  • Avocado, peeled and cut into wedges

Directions:

  1. In a food processor, add the egg yolk, buttermilk, and garlic. Pulse until combined.
  2. Next, drizzle in the olive oil until incorporated followed by the grated cheese and pepper. Puree until smooth. Season with kosher salt if needed.
  3. In a large skillet preheated to medium-high heat melt the butter. Add the peas and sauté for a few minutes or until warmed through. Turn off the heat and then toss in the cacio e pepper dressing.
  4. Transfer the peas to a plate and then add in arugula and avocado slices. Enjoy!
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This delicious recipe brought to you by The Curious Plate
https://thecuriousplate.com/peas-and-greens-with-cacio-e-pepe-dressing/