arugula salad with chevre, fresh peas and lemon

yields 4 servings

ingredients

8 oz. arugula, baby or regular
1/2 pound fresh English peas in pods
Juice of 1/2 lemon or about 1 tablespoon
3 tablespoons good quality extra virgin olive oil
4 oz. crumbled chevre, such as Laura Chenel
sea salt and fresh ground pepper

Directions

Wash arugula carefully to remove any dirt or sand.  Gently pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.  Discard any wilted leaves.  Place in a bowl.  Shell peas.  Taste a pea or two.  If the peas are too starchy or not particularly sweet, blanch in a pot of boiling water and rinse with cold water.  Add half of the peas to the arugula.

In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper.  Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.  Pour dressing over arugula and peas, tossing lightly, to combine.  Place salad on four small plates and sprinkle each with crumbled chevre and remaining peas.  Finish with a touch of fresh ground pepper.

Lovely with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc.