This salad is absolutely chock-full of lovely green spring produce, with textures ranging from crunchy to creamy. You can make the zippy lemon dressing and blanch, drain, and chill the peas and asparagus up to 2 days ahead, but combine all the elements shortly before serving to preserve the color of the avocado and the crunch of the greens. Delicate pea tendrils or shoots would be spectacular here, but watercress makes a delicious peppery substitute. Though you may be tempted to use only one herb, we urge you to use both: The parsley adds a burst of freshness, and the mint contributes deep herbal goodness.
Step 1
Bring a large Dutch oven filled with water to a boil over high. Add green peas, asparagus, and sugar snap peas; boil until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Drain and rinse well with cold water; drain well.
Step 2
Whisk together shallots, oil, rind, juice, mustard, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add blanched vegetables; toss well to coat. Add pea tendrils, parsley leaves, mint leaves, and cubed avocado; toss gently to combine.