Looking for a refreshing and vibrant salad that combines the crispness of snap peas with a zesty lemon parmesan vinaigrette? This Crisp Snap Pea Salad with Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette is not just a feast for the eyes, but also an explosion of flavors that will elevate any meal. Perfect as a side dish or a light lunch, this salad is both easy to prepare and absolutely delicious.
In this recipe, the focus keyphrase “Crisp Snap Pea Salad with Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette” captures the essence of what makes this dish so special. With minimal preparation time and a few fresh ingredients, you’ll have a delightful salad that showcases the natural sweetness of snap peas paired with the tangy brightness of lemon and the rich umami flavor of parmesan. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply looking for a healthy snack, this salad is sure to impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Crisp Snap Pea Salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients that make it a guilt-free indulgence. Firstly, snap peas are low in calories yet high in fiber, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy diet. Their natural sweetness adds an enjoyable crunch that will keep you coming back for more.
Secondly, the homemade lemon parmesan vinaigrette elevates this salad to gourmet status. The combination of fresh lemon juice and grated parmesan creates a dressing that is both creamy and tangy, perfectly complementing the crispness of the peas. Lastly, this recipe is incredibly versatile; feel free to add in your favorite proteins or other vegetables to customize it according to your taste preferences.
Key Ingredients
The beauty of this Crisp Snap Pea Salad lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component contributes to creating a balanced dish that’s both nutritious and delicious.
- Snap Peas: These tender pods provide a satisfying crunch and a natural sweetness that brightens up any salad.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds acidity and brightness to the dish, enhancing all the other flavors.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan brings richness and depth, making the vinaigrette creamy without being heavy.
- Olive Oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil serves as the base for the vinaigrette, contributing healthy fats.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all flavors in the salad, bringing everything together beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Begin by rinsing your snap peas under cold water. Trim off any tough ends using kitchen scissors or your fingers.
- In a small bowl, combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.
- Slowly drizzle in extra virgin olive oil while continuing to whisk until the dressing is emulsified and creamy.
- Toss the snap peas in a large mixing bowl with half of the lemon parmesan vinaigrette until they are evenly coated.
- Add additional toppings such as cherry tomatoes or sliced radishes if desired, then drizzle more vinaigrette over top before serving.
- Savor your Crisp Snap Pea Salad immediately or refrigerate it for up to 30 minutes before serving for an even cooler experience!
Expert Tips
Choose Fresh Snap Peas: The fresher your snap peas are, the better your salad will taste. Look for bright green pods that are crisp and firm.
Add More Texture: Consider adding nuts like sliced almonds or sunflower seeds for an added crunch that complements the softness of the peas and cheese.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good shake before using!
Presentation Ideas
This Crisp Snap Pea Salad can be served in various creative ways. For an elegant touch, plate individual servings in small glass bowls layered with additional vegetables like diced bell peppers or shredded carrots. Garnish each bowl with extra parmesan shavings on top for visual appeal. Alternatively, serve it family-style on a large platter surrounded by colorful edible flowers; this makes for an eye-catching centerpiece at gatherings!
FAQs
Can I use frozen snap peas instead of fresh?
You can use frozen snap peas if fresh ones aren’t available, but be aware that they may become softer when thawed and lose some crispness. Blanching them briefly can help maintain some texture before adding them to your salad.
How long does this salad last in the refrigerator?
This Crisp Snap Pea Salad is best enjoyed fresh but will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To prevent sogginess, store any leftover dressing separately and drizzle it over just before serving again.
What can I add to make this salad heartier?
If you’re looking to turn this salad into a main course option, consider adding grilled chicken breast slices or quinoa for protein. Other additions like chickpeas or avocado can also provide more substance while maintaining its refreshing nature.
Is there a way to make this vegan?
You can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan by omitting parmesan cheese altogether or substituting it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy products. Additionally, ensure your olive oil is plant-based!
Crisp Snap Pea Salad with Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
This Crisp Snap Pea Salad with Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The vibrant snap peas are perfectly complemented by a zesty dressing made from fresh lemon juice and rich parmesan. This salad is not only visually stunning but also packed with nutrients, making it an ideal side dish or light lunch for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups snap peas, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the snap peas under cold water and trim off any tough ends.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, grated parmesan, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until the dressing is emulsified.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the snap peas with half of the vinaigrette until evenly coated.
- Optionally, add cherry tomatoes or sliced radishes and drizzle more vinaigrette on top before serving.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes for a cooler salad experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: N/A
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
