Zesty Snap Pea Delight: Ina Garten’s Refreshing Salad Recipe
Summer’s bounty bursts with flavor in this delightful Ina Garten snap pea salad that promises to refresh your palate.
Crisp, vibrant snap peas dance with bright herbs and a zesty vinaigrette.
The legendary Barefoot Contessa crafts a dish that’s both elegant and surprisingly simple.
Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crunch and tang that will make your taste buds sing.
Green and verdant, this salad captures the essence of seasonal eating with minimal effort.
Gather your fresh ingredients and get ready to enjoy a light, delectable side that steals the show at any meal.
How to Put Together Ina Garten Snap Pea Salad
Fresh Snap Pea Crunch
Snap Pea Preparation Garden-fresh snap peas transformed into delicate ribbons create the foundation of this vibrant salad. Select crisp, bright green pods without blemishes for maximum flavor and texture.
Seed and Spice Magic Toasting sesame seeds and coriander unleashes deep, nutty undertones that elevate the entire dish. Carefully heat seeds in a dry skillet until they release their aromatic essence, transforming ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.
Flavor Symphony Combine sliced snap peas with an elegant blend of toasted seeds, minced garlic, and carefully selected oils. Each ingredient contributes a unique note to the culinary composition, creating a harmonious balance of crunch and zest.
Final Touch Gently toss all components to ensure every ribbon of snap pea is lovingly coated with the delicate seasoning blend. The result is a light, refreshing salad that dances with bright, clean flavors perfect for warm days or as a sophisticated side dish.
Optional Additions for Ina Garten Snap Pea Salad
Keep snap peas crisp by storing them in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator's vegetable drawer and using within 3-4 days of purchase.
Swap almonds with cashews, pine nuts, or sunflower seeds for different textural experiences and nutty flavor profiles.
Elevate the salad by adding fresh herbs like mint, basil, or cilantro for an extra layer of bright, aromatic complexity.
Prepare the dressing and cut vegetables separately, combining just before serving to maintain maximum crispness and prevent soggy textures.
Transform this side dish into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, seared tofu, or poached shrimp for a more substantial and satisfying dish.
How to Serve Ina Garten Snap Pea Salad at Meals
Pair with Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken, seared salmon, or tofu for a complete and satisfying meal that adds crunch and freshness.
Create a Picnic Platter: Arrange the snap pea salad with sliced baguette, creamy cheeses, and charcuterie for a delightful outdoor dining experience.
Elevate Lunch Bowls: Sprinkle this vibrant salad over grain bowls like quinoa or brown rice to boost nutrition and add exciting texture and flavor.
Prep Ahead Tip: Make the salad a few hours before serving to let the flavors meld, but add toasted almonds and sesame seeds just before serving to maintain their crispness.
Best Ways to Store Ina Garten Snap Pea Salad
Maximize Freshness: Store the snap pea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing and vegetables separate to maintain crispness if preparing ahead.
Prep-Ahead Strategy: Chop snap peas and toast nuts/seeds in advance. Store components separately in sealed containers to streamline meal preparation and save time during busy weekdays.
Revive Wilted Vegetables: If snap peas lose their crunch, quickly revive them by soaking in ice water for 5-10 minutes before serving. Drain thoroughly and pat dry to restore texture.
Smart Portioning: Pack individual servings in small containers for easy lunch meal prep. The salad travels well and stays fresh when ingredients are kept crisp and separate until ready to eat.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: 180 kcal
Servings: 4
Ingredients for Ina Garten Snap Pea Salad
For Fresh Vegetables:
Snap Peas: Crisp green pods bursting with sweet flavor, choose bright green and firm pods without blemishes for maximum crunch and freshness.
Garlic: Aromatic flavor booster that adds depth and zestiness, select firm bulbs with tight, unblemished skin for the most potent taste.
For Nuts and Seeds:
Sesame Seeds: Nutty, toasty ingredient that provides delightful crunch and earthy undertones, look for uniform light golden color without any dark spots.
Almonds: Rich, buttery nuts that contribute texture and subtle sweetness, choose whole, raw almonds with smooth, unbroken surfaces.
For Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
Coriander Seeds: Warm, citrusy spice that offers complex aromatics, select whole seeds with uniform color and intact appearance.
Rice Vinegar: Mild, slightly sweet acidic component that balances flavors, opt for clear, authentic Japanese or Chinese varieties.
Neutral Oil: Smooth base for binding ingredients, choose light-flavored options like grapeseed or canola for clean taste.
Sesame Oil: Intensely fragrant finishing oil that adds authentic Asian essence, select dark roasted variety for maximum flavor.
Salt: Essential mineral for enhancing overall taste, use fine sea salt for even distribution and pure seasoning.
Equipment Checklist for Ina Garten Snap Pea Salad
Large Skillet/Pan: Perfect for toasting sesame seeds and coriander seeds evenly.
Mortar and Pestle or Spice Grinder: Essential for grinding coriander seeds into a coarse powder.
Sharp Knife: Needed to trim snap pea stems and slice them into thin strips.
Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.
Large Mixing Bowl: Allows you to combine and toss all salad ingredients thoroughly.
Measuring Spoons: Helps measure ingredients like salt, oils, and vinegar accurately.
Colander or Strainer: Useful for rinsing snap peas before preparation.
Ina Garten’s snap pea salad delivers crisp garden freshness with tangy goat cheese and bright herbs. Quick preparations and simple ingredients create a delightful side dish perfect for summer gatherings you will savor.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb (454 g) sugar snap peas
2 tbsps sesame seeds
2 tsps coriander seeds
¼ cup (59 ml) almonds, toasted
3 tbsps (45 ml) rice vinegar
2 tbsps (30 ml) neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
2 tsps honey (to taste)
½ tsp (2.5 ml) sesame oil
¾ tsp salt
2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
Preparation: Meticulously rinse snap peas, trim stems, and pat dry with kitchen towels to preserve crisp texture.
Seed Toasting: In a dry skillet over medium-low heat, toast sesame and coriander seeds until golden and fragrant, then grind coriander into a coarse powder.
Snap Pea Transformation: Slice snap peas lengthwise into delicate, translucent ribbons approximately 1/8 inch thick.
Flavor Fusion: Combine snap pea ribbons with ground coriander, toasted sesame seeds, minced garlic, crushed almonds, rice vinegar, cooking oil, sesame oil, and sea salt in a spacious mixing bowl.
Seasoning Harmony: Gently fold ingredients to ensure even distribution, preventing snap pea strips from breaking, and let the salad rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Elegant Presentation: Plate the salad immediately, garnishing with additional toasted sesame seeds or chopped almonds for visual and textural enhancement.
Notes
Prep Perfectly: Trim and dry snap peas thoroughly to maintain their crisp, fresh texture and prevent soggy results.
Toast with Technique: Carefully roast sesame seeds and coriander seeds over medium-low heat to unlock deep, nutty flavors without burning.
Slice Strategically: Cut snap peas into uniform 1/8-inch strips for elegant presentation and consistent texture throughout the salad.
Flavor Fusion: Allow salad to rest for 5 minutes after seasoning to let ingredients meld and develop a more complex, harmonious taste profile.
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.
Sophia Rivera
Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist
Expertise
Education
Austin Community College
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.