Few things bring more joy to a table than a vibrant, crisp salad that captures the spirit of the season.
Today’s star? The ever-charming snap pea — sweet, crunchy, and impossibly fresh.
After falling in love with sautéed snap peas earlier this year, it only made sense to celebrate them in their purest, raw form.
Enter this simple yet flavor-packed Snap Pea Salad with Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette — a quick, refreshing side that’s perfect for spring and early summer.
Let’s dive in and bring some serious brightness to your plate!
A Vinaigrette That Steals the Show
The heart of any great salad is its dressing, and this one doesn’t disappoint.
It’s lively, tangy, and just the right amount of savory, bringing the snap peas to life without overpowering their natural sweetness.
The vinaigrette is a simple blend of lemon juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and a touch of maple syrup for gentle sweetness.
Freshly minced garlic and shallot add depth, while salt and black pepper tie everything together.
Pro tip: To keep things simple and save on dishes, mix the dressing right in your serving bowl.
Alternatively, if you’re prepping ahead, shake everything together in a jar and refrigerate until ready to use.
Building the Salad
Once your vinaigrette is ready, the rest comes together in a flash.
Toss in your sliced snap peas — their crisp texture is the perfect match for the lively dressing.
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil for a hint of herbal brightness.
(Feel free to mix it up with other soft herbs like mint or tarragon if you prefer.)
To elevate the salad’s crunch and richness, chopped pistachios join the mix, offering a lovely contrast to the tender veggies.
Finally, a light dusting of red pepper flakes gives the salad a subtle heat and a pop of color, though you can adjust or omit depending on your preference.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
This isn’t just another side dish — it’s the kind of recipe that makes you crave vegetables in the best way possible.
Each bite is:
- Crisp and refreshing from the snap peas
- Bright and tangy thanks to the lemon vinaigrette
- Herbaceous and savory with fresh basil and garlic
- Nutty and rich from crunchy pistachios
- Quick and effortless, coming together in just 15 minutes
It’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again, especially when snap peas are at their peak.
How to Serve It
This Snap Pea Salad shines as a side dish alongside so many mains.
It pairs beautifully with:
- Light pastas like a lemony linguine or creamy vegan al limone
- Grilled or roasted fish, especially a bright lemon baked salmon
- Plant-based favorites like beet falafel or pizza burgers
- Grain bowls, picnics, and potlucks where fresh flavors are a must
Honestly, it’s so versatile that you might find yourself sneaking forkfuls straight from the bowl — no main dish required.
Fresh Ideas for Sides
If this snap pea salad gets you excited about fresh and simple sides, you might also love:
- Crunchy jicama slaw for a juicy, refreshing bite
- Creamy vegan cucumber salad inspired by classic German flavors
- Perfectly roasted asparagus for a simple, elegant dish
- Dreamy, super creamy polenta as a hearty and comforting base
Each one is an easy addition to your rotation, keeping meals exciting and seasonal.
