This Simple Sugar Snap Pea Salad is bursting with crisp, crunchy texture and tangy lemon flavor. It’s made with a handful of simple, healthy ingredients and requires no cooking! Enjoy this salad on it’s own or as the perfect summer side dish paired with your favorite protein.

simple sugar snap pea salad on white plate with black fork

So last week we were in San Diego for a family trip. We went to highly recommended restaurant called Catania in La Jolla – it was delicious btw! One of the menu items was a snap pea salad. We ordered it, not really sure what to expect. When it first came out, I kinda laughed because it was really measly and it was a whopping $17. Butttt, they certainly redeemed themselves with the taste. How could something so simple be so delicious!?

I knew that my first order of business upon returning from vacation had to be recreating that sugar snap pea salad. And luckily, it was easy peasy (pun intended). This Sugar Snap Pea Salad requires minimal ingredients, just a few minutes of time, and no cooking. Plus, it’s way cheaper than the restaurant version.

Since this recipe is so simple, I almost felt silly posting it. Like does it even deserve a permanent spot on the internet!? But, I’m pushing aside those limiting beliefs and sharing it anyways, because there is such beauty in simplicity. Summer produce always reminds me of that!

Why You’ll Love this Simple Sugar Snap Pea Salad

This Sugar Snap Pea Salad requires no cooking and comes together in minutes!
It’s a light, refreshing and healthy side dish.
This is the perfect recipe to utilize Summer produce.
You only need 4 main ingredients and a few more for the lemon vinaigrette.
It’s gluten free, grain free, vegetarian and can easily be made dairy free/vegan.
This is a unique and delicious way to enjoy sugar snap peas.

close up shot of simple sugar snap pea salad white plate with black fork

What You Need to Make this Simple Sugar Snap Pea Salad

For the Sugar Snap Pea Salad:

Sugar Snap Peas: This pea variety is fresh, crunchy and perfect in a salad! You can usually find them in the produce section of your grocery store, pre-bagged and stringless.
Fresh Mint: Fresh mint really brings this salad to life…don’t skip it or try subbing dried!
Pickled Red Onions: You can either use pickled red onions or raw, thinly sliced red onion. If you’re sensitive to red onion, consider using shallot instead or rinsing the red onion under water for a bit first.
Parmesan Cheese: I mean, how could we have a salad without cheese!? I had parmesan on hand but this would be even better with Parmigiano Reggiano!

For the Lemon Vinaigrette:

Olive Oil: I love using a high-quality olive oil here like Brightland.
Lemon Juice: Fresh squeezed only, please! This adds acidity in replacement of vinegar.
Dijon Mustard: This doesn’t change the flavor significantly, don’t worry, but it does help emulsify the dressing so don’t skip it!
Honey: I found that this vinaigrette needed just a touch of honey or maple syrup to sweeten it up and balance out the acidity.
Kosher Salt: A pinch!
Garlic Powder: A dash of garlic powder adds a bit more flavor to the lemon vinaigrette.

ingredients for simple sugar snap pea salad

How To Make this Simple Sugar Snap Pea Salad

Slice the Sugar Snap Peas:

First, if your snap peas are not already stringless, remove the strings with a knife and trim off the ends. Then, cut the peas into slices on the diagonal.

Arrange the Salad:

Next, transfer sliced snap peas to a serving platter or bowl. Arrange fresh mint leaves, red onion & parmesan cheese over top – add as much as your heart desires!

Prepare the Lemon Vinaigrette:

In a small jar or bowl, add all of the lemon vinaigrette ingredients and shake or stir until combined and emulsified. Taste and adjust the amount of honey, salt, etc.

Top the Snap Pea Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette:

Finally, pour the lemon vinaigrette evenly over the top of the snap pea salad. At this point, you can enjoy as is or toss to get everything evenly coated in the lemon vinaigrette. Enjoy!

Where Can I Find Sugar Snap Peas at the Grocery Store?

Sugar Snap Peas are located in the produce department of your grocery store. More specifically, you’re likely to find them pre-packaged near the bagged lettuce, salad mixes and coleslaw.

If you’re lucky, you might also be able to find them fresh at your local farmer’s market, especially when they’re in season during the Spring and Summer months.

It’s easiest to buy the ones that are stringless – meaning the strings have already been removed. But no worries if you can’t find any stringless. You can also just remove the strings yourself with a small knife.

Are Sugar Snap Peas the Same as Snap Peas?

Yes! These are just two different names for the same thing. So, you may see them listed as “snap peas” or “sugar snap peas” at the grocery store. Just be sure not to grab snow peas for this recipe – those are different, as explained below.

What’s the Difference Between Sugar Snap Peas and Snow Peas?

It’s easy to get Sugar Snap Peas (AKA snap peas) and Snow Peas mixed up. In fact, they’re similar in many ways and often located right next to each other at the grocery store.

As you’ll see, snow peas have much flatter pods with small peas inside of them. They are mild in flavor, making them very versatile. You’ll often see snow peas included in stir fry recipes.

On the other hand, sugar snap peas have a much rounder “puffed up” pod, a crispier texture and larger peas inside. They are actually a cross between a garden pea and a snow pea. They are sweet in flavor which makes them perfect for eating raw and incorporating into salads!

Can I Make this Sugar Snap Pea Salad Vegan?

Of course! This Sugar Snap Pea Salad is vegetarian as is and can easily be made vegan with two small swaps. First, you can either omit the parmesan or simply substitute it with a dairy-free kind. Secondly, you’ll just want to sweeten the lemon dressing with maple syrup instead of honey.

What Should I Serve with this Sugar Snap Pea Salad?

This Sugar Snap Pea Salad is the perfect appetizer or side dish, especially in the summer! I would recommend serving it alongside some of your favorite protein to create a full, balanced meal. Salmon, shrimp or chicken would all be delicious here! Check out this recipe for simple pan-seared salmon.

Equipment Recommendations:

Cutting Board: When I’m making a smaller recipe, or when I’m preparing raw meats, I always use these cutting boards! They are lightweight and super easy to clean.
Chef’s Knife: This knife is from the same brand as the cutting board, and it’s not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional.
Small Mason Jar: This little guy is the perfect size for mixing together the lemon vinaigrette! Plus it’s versatile and can be reused for so many different things.
White Stoneware Dishes: I use these for every single meal, and every single recipe you see on here! I love how they’re matte and high-quality yet pretty affordable.

simple sugar snap pea salad on white plate with black fork taking a bite out

How Should I Store Leftover Sugar Snap Pea Salad?

Honestlyyy, this salad doesn’t make a ton and it’s so refreshing that I have a feeling you won’t have any leftovers! But in the off chance that you do, you can simply transfer the prepared salad to an airtight container and store it in the fridge.

Luckily, snap peas are sturdy so they won’t get soggy. You may notice that the mint wilts a little if you leave it in the fridge for several days, but it’s no big deal.

Find the full recipe below. As always, please let me know if you tried it by commenting below or tagging me on Instagram, @munchinwithmaddie_.

Looking for more Salad Recipes?

Simple Sugar Snap Pea Salad

This Simple Sugar Snap Pea Salad is bursting with crisp, crunchy texture and tangy lemon flavor. It's made with a handful of simple, healthy ingredients and requires no cooking! Enjoy this salad on it's own or as the perfect summer side dish paired with your favorite protein.

Servings small side servings

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Equipment

cutting board
knife
small jar or bowl
serving plate