The Ultimate Smashed Potatoes With Peas And Pesto Recipe for Easy, Healthy, Flavor-Packed Dinners
Introduction
When it comes to comfort food that’s both nourishing and satisfying, potatoes never disappoint. And when you pair them with vibrant green peas and a swirl of homemade pesto? You get the ultimate healthy potato recipe that’s bursting with flavor and nutrients. This Roasted Smashed Potatoes & Peas recipe is crispy, herby, colorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick vegetarian meal or a pesto side dish that steals the spotlight, this dish is guaranteed to deliver.
Roasting smashed potatoes creates a crispy, golden crust on the outside while keeping the inside creamy and soft. Topping them with green peas adds a touch of sweetness, and the fresh pesto ties it all together with herbaceous, lemony brightness. Plus, it’s adaptable to every season, naturally gluten-free, and easy to prep ahead — which makes it ideal for easy dinner ideas throughout the week.
What Are Smashed Potatoes?
Smashed potatoes are baby or small potatoes that are boiled until tender, then lightly flattened (or “smashed”) and roasted until crisp on the outside. Unlike mashed potatoes, which are smooth and creamy, smashed potatoes offer a contrast of textures—crunchy edges with soft interiors. Think of them as the fun cousin of roasted potatoes, and the perfect base for toppings like herbs, sauces, and vegetables.
This version, topped with vibrant green peas and fresh basil pesto, transforms a humble spud into a gourmet dish — with very little effort.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- ✅ Simple, wholesome ingredients
- ✅ Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free
- ✅ Customizable with seasonal veggies or herb blends
- ✅ Great for meal prep, lunchboxes, or dinner parties
- ✅ A clever way to use pantry staples like frozen peas
- ✅ Kids and adults both love it
If you’re craving something comforting but want to stay on track with clean, wholesome meals, this Smashed Potatoes With Peas And Pesto recipe will become a new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
✦ For the Smashed Potatoes:
- 1.5 pounds baby or new potatoes (red or Yukon Gold are ideal)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: garlic powder, chili flakes, or smoked paprika
✦ For the Peas:
- 1 cup frozen peas (no need to thaw)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 small shallot or garlic clove, minced (optional)
- Pinch of sea salt
✦ For the Pesto:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves (or a mix of basil and spinach/parsley)
- ¼ cup pine nuts (or sunflower seeds/walnuts for budget-friendly)
- 2 garlic cloves
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan option)
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt & pepper to taste
✦ Optional Garnishes:
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese
- Lemon zest
- Fresh mint or chopped parsley
- Toasted nuts or seeds
- Microgreens
Step-By-Step Instructions
🔹 1. Boil the Potatoes
Start by boiling the potatoes until fork-tender:
- Add baby potatoes to a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a generous pinch of salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
- Drain and let cool for 5 minutes to dry and become easier to handle.
🔹 2. Smash and Roast
Next, roast the potatoes to golden perfection:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place potatoes on the tray and smash each one gently with the bottom of a glass or jar, about ½ inch thick.
- Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper (add garlic powder or paprika if desired).
- Roast in the oven for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until edges are crispy and browned.
🔹 3. Prepare the Peas
Meanwhile, cook the peas quickly:
- Heat olive oil or butter in a small skillet over medium heat.
- Add shallots or garlic (if using) and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add the frozen peas and cook for 3–5 minutes, just until heated through and bright green.
- Season with a pinch of salt and set aside.
🔹 4. Make the Pesto
While everything roasts, whip up your fresh green pesto:
- In a food processor or high-powered blender, combine basil, garlic, pine nuts, cheese (or yeast), lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Pulse a few times to combine.
- Slowly stream in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth and spreadable.
- Taste and adjust seasoning or add a splash of water for thinner texture.
Pro Tip: Make double pesto and store in the fridge for 1 week, or freeze in ice cube trays.
🔹 5. Assemble and Serve
Time to plate:
- Transfer the crispy smashed potatoes to a large platter or serving bowl.
- Spoon the warm peas evenly over the top.
- Drizzle with generous spoonfuls of fresh pesto.
- Add your favorite garnishes like feta, lemon zest, or herbs.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Serving Ideas
This dish is incredibly flexible. Here are some favorite ways to serve it:
✅ As a Main Dish:
- Pair with a crisp arugula salad or tomato cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Add a fried or poached egg on top for a protein boost.
- Toss in roasted chickpeas or grilled halloumi for more texture and protein.
✅ As a Side Dish:
- Serve alongside roasted salmon, lemon herb chicken, or grilled tofu.
- Add to your brunch spread with avocado toast and fruit salad.
- Great addition to a BBQ or potluck table.
✅ For Meal Prep:
- Store assembled or separate components in airtight containers.
- Reheat potatoes in the oven or air fryer for crispiness.
Why It’s a Healthy Potato Recipe
Potatoes often get a bad rap, but they’re actually a nutritional powerhouse when not deep-fried or smothered in heavy cream. This dish uses olive oil and roasting instead of frying, offering a healthier preparation method. Let’s break down the key health benefits:
🥔 Potatoes
- Rich in fiber, potassium, and vitamin C
- Great source of complex carbohydrates
- Filling and low in calories per serving
🌿 Pesto
- Full of healthy fats and antioxidants
- Olive oil and nuts support heart health
- Basil and garlic are anti-inflammatory and antibacterial
🟢 Green Peas
- High in protein and fiber
- Good source of plant-based iron
- Naturally sweet and satisfying
Together, these ingredients form a balanced vegetarian meal that feels indulgent but is made with clean, wholesome ingredients. It’s the perfect way to sneak in extra greens without sacrificing flavor.
Custom Variations & Add-Ons
Looking to mix things up? Try these fun variations to suit your taste or dietary needs:
- Vegan: Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese in the pesto.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to pesto or potatoes.
- Cheesy: Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella or pecorino before baking.
- Crunchy: Top with toasted almonds, pumpkin seeds, or breadcrumbs.
- Tangy: Add a splash of balsamic glaze or squeeze of lemon.
Bonus Tip: Make mini versions of this dish with fingerling potatoes for a fun party appetizer!
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
This recipe works beautifully for prepping ahead:
To Make Ahead:
- Boil and smash the potatoes up to 1 day in advance. Store in the fridge until ready to roast.
- Pesto can be made up to 1 week in advance or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Peas can be cooked and stored for up to 3 days.
To Store:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To Reheat:
- Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
- Or air-fry for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use canned peas instead of frozen?
Yes, but drain and rinse them well, and skip the sautéing step.
Can I make this without a food processor?
You can! Use a mortar and pestle or finely chop and mash ingredients with a knife and fork for a rustic pesto.
Is this recipe vegan?
It’s vegetarian as written, but you can make it vegan by omitting Parmesan or replacing it with nutritional yeast.
How do I make it protein-rich?
Add chickpeas, lentils, or a poached egg. You can also serve it with tempeh, tofu, or grilled meat if you’re not vegetarian.
Conclusion: A Perfect Blend of Comfort and Freshness
This Roasted Smashed Potatoes & Peas dish is so much more than a simple side. It’s a celebration of texture, color, and taste. With crispy edges, soft centers, sweet peas, and aromatic pesto, this recipe delivers on every level.
Whether you’re making it as a quick weeknight dinner, a stunning side for entertaining, or prepping meals for the week, it checks all the boxes: delicious, nourishing, budget-friendly, and easy to make.
Add it to your weekly rotation — it’s one of those easy dinner ideas you’ll keep coming back to. ❤️
