Sesame-Infused Fresh Pea Salad with Sugar Snap Peas
Savor the vibrant flavors of spring with this delightful salad featuring tender, freshly shelled peas and crisp sugar snap peas, all coated in a savory Asian-inspired sesame dressing. This quick and easy dish showcases the natural sweetness of the peas and is perfect for a light lunch or as a colorful side for dinner. Filled with nutrients and low in cholesterol, this salad is not only delicious but also a healthy addition to your meal repertoire. Ideal for gatherings or potlucks, it can be served at room temperature, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
6-8
Servings
34
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh peas
3 cups (shelled (from approximately 3 lbs of peas in pods))
Sugar snap peas
12 ounces (trimmed)
Unseasoned rice vinegar
2 tablespoons
Soy sauce
1 tablespoon
Oriental sesame oil
1 tablespoon
Golden brown sugar
1 tablespoon (packed)
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon
Fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the shelled fresh peas and cook for about 1.5 minutes, or until they are almost tender.
2
Add the trimmed sugar snap peas to the same pot and continue boiling for an additional 30 seconds until both types of peas are bright and tender-crisp.
3
Drain the peas in a colander and immediately rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain again thoroughly and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
4
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined and the sugar is dissolved.
5
Pour the dressing over the peas in the large bowl and gently toss to ensure they are evenly coated.
6
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, as desired.
7
Serve the salad at room temperature for the best flavor. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is named Sesame-Infused Fresh Pea Salad with Sugar Snap Peas.
How many servings does this pea salad yield?
This recipe yields approximately 6 to 8 servings.
What are the primary types of peas used in this salad?
The salad uses 3 cups of fresh shelled peas and 12 ounces of trimmed sugar snap peas.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 34 calories.
What is the cook time for the fresh shelled peas?
The fresh shelled peas should be boiled for about 1.5 minutes until almost tender.
How long should the sugar snap peas be boiled?
The sugar snap peas should be added to the boiling water for the final 30 seconds of cooking.
What ingredients are in the sesame dressing?
The dressing consists of unseasoned rice vinegar, soy sauce, oriental sesame oil, golden brown sugar, kosher salt, and fresh ground black pepper.
Is this recipe considered heart-healthy?
Yes, it is categorized as a low cholesterol recipe and features fresh, nutrient-dense vegetables.
Should this salad be served hot or cold?
For the best flavor, it is recommended to serve this salad at room temperature.
How do I stop the peas from overcooking after boiling?
Immediately rinse the drained peas under cold water to stop the cooking process.
What amount of fresh peas in pods is needed?
You will need approximately 3 pounds of peas in pods to yield the required 3 cups of shelled peas.
What type of vinegar is best for this dressing?
The recipe specifies using unseasoned rice vinegar.
Can I adjust the seasoning of the salad?
Yes, after tossing with the dressing, you should taste and adjust the salt and pepper as desired.
What is the recommended preparation for the sugar snap peas?
The sugar snap peas should be trimmed before being added to the boiling water.
What kind of sugar is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of packed golden brown sugar.
What type of sesame oil should be used?
The recipe specifically calls for oriental sesame oil for its distinct flavor.
Is this salad suitable for potlucks?
Yes, its ability to be served at room temperature makes it an ideal choice for gatherings and potlucks.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 8 total ingredients in this recipe.
What flavor profile does this salad have?
The salad features a savory, Asian-inspired sesame flavor that highlights the natural sweetness of the peas.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is described as a quick and easy dish suitable for a light lunch or side dish.
What is the texture of the peas in this salad?
The peas are cooked to be bright and tender-crisp.
Does the recipe use kosher or table salt?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil.
How should the dressing be prepared?
Whisk the vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until the sugar is dissolved.
Can this salad be a main course?
While it is often a side dish, it is suggested as a perfect option for a light lunch.
What type of black pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized under Low Cholesterol dishes.
Are the fresh peas cooked separately from the snap peas?
No, they are cooked in the same pot; the snap peas are added during the last 30 seconds of the fresh peas' cooking time.
What should I use to drain the peas?
A colander should be used to drain the peas before rinsing them with cold water.
How should the peas be combined with the dressing?
Pour the dressing over the peas in a large bowl and gently toss them to ensure an even coating.