Name: Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad: A Crunchy Spring Sensation
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Snap Peas (thinly sliced on a bias); 1 cup Edamame (blanched frozen); 2 stalks Scallions (sliced); 1/4 cup Cilantro (freshly chopped); 2 tablespoons Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish); 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (can substitute with rice wine vinegar); 1 tablespoon Honey (adjust based on taste); 1 tablespoon Ginger (fresh, minced); 2 tablespoons Chili Crisp (adjust based on spice preference); 2 tablespoons Sesame Oil (use unseasoned)

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As I took the first bite of my vibrant Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad, the explosion of crunchiness and zesty flavors carried me straight into springtime bliss. This refreshing medley of sweet snap peas, bright scallions, and protein-packed edamame not only makes for a quick and healthy meal, but it also brings a burst of color and flavor to your table. Perfect for warm days, this salad is versatile enough to enjoy on its own or paired with teriyaki-marinated fish or fluffy rice for added satisfaction. Trust me, it’s a delightful way to make use of seasonal produce while satisfying your cravings for something fresh. Are you ready to dive into this garden-fresh recipe that’s sure to please both your palate and your love for home cooking?

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Why is this salad a must-try?

Freshness is Key: The bright snap peas and crisp scallions infuse this dish with a delightful crunch that sings of spring.

Quick to Make: In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a vibrant meal, making it perfect for busy weekdays.

Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein-rich edamame and fresh vegetables, this salad is low in calories while high in flavor.

Versatile Pairings: Enjoy it as a standalone salad or serve it alongside teriyaki chicken or a bowl of sticky rice for a balanced meal. For something heartier, consider it alongside a refreshing Caprese Cucumber Salad for a colorful side dish!

Unique Flavor Twist: The sweet and spicy chili crisp dressing elevates this salad, offering a taste sensation that keeps it exciting.

Incorporate seasonal ingredients and enjoy the bursts of flavor in every bite!

Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad Ingredients

For the Salad
• Snap Peas – Adds crunch and sweetness; ensure they are thinly sliced on a bias for enhanced flavor and presentation.
• Edamame – Provides protein and complements the salad’s texture; blanch frozen edamame before adding.
• Scallions – Introduces a mild onion flavor and bright color; use both green and white parts for a pop of color.
• Cilantro – Offers freshness that complements the other ingredients; can be omitted for those with cilantro aversion.

For the Dressing
• Toasted Sesame Seeds – Adds nuttiness and crunch to the dressing; keep them as a garnish for the finishing touch.
• Lemon Juice – Provides acidity to balance the sweetness and richness; can substitute with rice wine vinegar for a different flavor profile.
• Honey – Adds sweetness to the dressing; adjust based on personal taste to balance the spiciness.
• Ginger – Brings warmth and earthiness; ensure it’s fresh for the best flavor and aroma.
• Chili Crisp – Delivers spice and umami depth; the brand can vary in flavor intensity, so choose one you love.
• Sesame Oil – Enhances the overall flavor profile; use unseasoned sesame oil to avoid overpowering the dish.

Get ready to enjoy the vibrant and crunchy experience of the Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad

Step 1: Blanch the Edamame
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add frozen edamame and blanch for about 3 minutes, or until some beans float to the surface. Drain the edamame and immediately rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set aside to ensure they remain bright green and tender, ready to join the lively flavors of your Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad.

Step 2: Prepare the Snap Peas
While the edamame cools, wash a generous handful of snap peas thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry and slice them thinly on a bias to enhance their natural sweetness and presentation. In a large serving bowl, combine the sliced snap peas with the blanched edamame, along with freshly chopped cilantro and sliced scallions for vibrant color and flavor.

Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a heat-proof bowl, gather toasted sesame seeds, a drizzle of honey, minced fresh ginger, and chili crisp. This combination is essential for the enticing dressing that will elevate your Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad. Stir the ingredients gently, ensuring they are well mixed and prepared for the exciting final step of dressing the salad.

Step 4: Heat the Sesame Oil
In a small pan, heat unseasoned sesame oil over medium heat until it shimmers, being careful not to let it burn. Once hot, pour the oil over the bowl with your aromatics, immediately releasing the aroma of the ginger and toasting the seeds. Stir quickly to combine, creating a fragrant and flavorful dressing that will bring this salad to life.

Step 5: Dress the Salad
Pour the freshly made dressing over the snap pea and edamame mixture. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Gently toss the Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the vibrant dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain the crisp texture of the vegetables.

Step 6: Serve Immediately
Transfer the tossed salad to individual serving plates or a large serving bowl. Enjoy your Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad right away for optimal freshness and crunch. The colorful medley of snap peas and edamame, combined with the zesty dressing, delivers a delightful taste of spring that’s both satisfying and refreshing.

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Make Ahead Options

These Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad preparations are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can blanch the edamame and slice the snap peas up to 24 hours in advance. Store the snap peas and edamame in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve their crunch. The dressing can be made ahead as well; simply combine the chili crisp, honey, ginger, and toasted sesame seeds (keep the sesame oil separate). When you’re ready to serve, heat the sesame oil and mix it with the dressing, then pour it over the salad just before tossing. This way, your salad will be just as vibrant and delicious, saving you time on busy weeknights!

Expert Tips for Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad

Freshness Matters: Use the freshest snap peas and herbs you can find to ensure that your salad tastes vibrant and alive.

Dress Just Before Serving: For maximum crunch, toss your Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad with the dressing right before serving; this way, the vegetables stay crisp and bright.

Adjust for Spice: If you prefer a milder flavor, start with a smaller amount of chili crisp in the dressing, tasting as you go to reach your ideal spice level.

Mind Overcooking: Blanch the edamame just until tender; overcooking can lead to mushy beans that detract from the salad’s overall texture.

Herb Variations: Feel free to swap cilantro with fresh mint or parsley if you’re not a fan; this adds a unique twist to the classic recipe while keeping it fresh!

How to Store and Freeze Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad

Fridge: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain freshness, keep the dressing separate until ready to eat.

Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad, as the snap peas and edamame will lose their crisp texture once thawed. Enjoy it fresh instead!

Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the salad components a day in advance, but keep the dressing stored separately for the best flavor and texture when serving.

Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so there’s no need for reheating. Simply combine the components right before serving for a refreshing, crunchy experience!

Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad Variations

Feel free to customize your Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad with these delightful twists that will excite your taste buds!

Vegetarian Delight: Replace edamame with black beans for a completely different flavor and extra protein richness.
Swap in black beans for a hearty twist, creating a salad that still pops with color and crunch.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh mint or basil for an aromatic uplift and a sweet flavor profile.
Brighten your salad with fragrant herbs! Mint brings a refreshing note, making each bite feel like a garden escape.
Crunchy Topping: Top your salad with crispy fried onions or homemade croutons to introduce an exciting texture.
For that extra crunch, sprinkle crispy onions on top! They add a savory element, transforming your dish into a satisfying sensation.
Creamy Addition: Include avocado slices for a rich, creamy texture that complements the crispness of the salad.
Creamy avocados add a soothing balance to the crunch and brightness, making it even more delightful.
Spice it Up: Incorporate sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick in your dressing.
Amp up the heat if you’re feeling adventurous! A little spice brings warmth and elevates the depth of flavor beautifully.
Nutty Twist: Toasted peanuts or cashews can be added for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Adding nuts makes for a nourishing surprise! They integrate wonderfully with the whole salad, providing added richness.
Tangy Variation: Substitute lemon juice with rice wine vinegar for a different tangy flavor that brightens the salad.
Vinegar can shift the flavor profile nicely, lending a zesty punch that keeps things fresh and exciting.
Quick Protein: Toss in grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal if you’re looking for more protein.
If you’re craving something heartier, meat is a fantastic addition. It rounds out your salad as a filling main dish.

Experiment with these variations and find your perfect combination. And for a complementary side, serve this salad with a delicious Golden Girl Salad or a refreshing Popper Cucumber Salad!

What to Serve with Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad

Elevate your dining experience with complementary flavors and textures that harmonize beautifully with this fresh, crunchy salad.

Teriyaki Chicken: The sweet and savory notes of teriyaki chicken add depth, perfectly balancing the salad’s crunch and spice.
Fluffy Jasmine Rice: A bed of aromatic jasmine rice absorbs the zesty dressing, enhancing each bite with its subtle, fragrant flavor.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Juicy, charred shrimp provide a delightful contrast to the crisp snap peas, making each mouthful satisfying and flavorful.
Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa adds protein and heartiness, while its fluffy texture complements the salad’s crunch, creating a well-rounded meal.
Crispy Rice Cakes: These light, airy treats add an enjoyable crunch and make a delightful contrast to the tender vegetables in your salad.
Cucumber and Avocado Salad: A refreshing side of cool cucumbers and creamy avocado grows the garden-fresh vibe of your meal, bringing in diverse textures.
Lemonade or Iced Green Tea: A glass of refreshing lemonade or chilled iced green tea quenches your thirst and enhances the bright flavors of the salad’s dressing.
Mango Sorbet: Finish off your meal with a scoop of mango sorbet for a fruity and light dessert that echoes the salad’s vibrant flavors.

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Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad Recipe FAQs

What’s the best way to select snap peas for this salad?
Absolutely! When choosing snap peas, look for those that are bright green with a firm texture. Avoid any that have dark spots or are shriveled, as those are signs of age. Fresh snap peas should have a nice crunch, and you can test them by bending one gently – it should snap easily!

How do I store leftovers of the Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad?
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep it fresh and crunchy, it’s best to keep the dressing in a separate container until you’re ready to enjoy it again. This will prevent the snap peas from wilting and losing their crisp texture.

Can I freeze the Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad?
It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the snap peas and edamame will become mushy and lose their delightful crunch once thawed. If you’re looking to prep ahead, however, you can prepare the salad components a day in advance and store them separately, allowing you to enjoy it fresh and crisp when it’s time to serve.

What should I do if the chili crisp dressing is too spicy for my taste?
Very! If you find the chili crisp dressing is too spicy, you can easily adjust the heat by starting with a smaller amount of chili crisp and tasting as you mix. Add a little more until you reach your desired spice level. Additionally, incorporating a dash more honey can balance out the heat while enhancing the sweetness.

Can I share this salad with my pets?
Oh, I wouldn’t recommend it! While some of the ingredients like snap peas are safe for dogs in moderation, others – like honey and the chili crisp – might not be suitable. Always check individual ingredients for your pets and consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure. It’s best to enjoy this Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad yourself and keep your furry friends happy with their own treats!