Bright and Crunchy: Sugar Snap Pea Salad with Lemon and Dill

Sugar snap peas, with their satisfying crunch and subtle sweetness, are a delightful addition to any spring or summer meal. And what better way to showcase their vibrant flavor than in a refreshing salad? This Sugar Snap Pea Salad with Lemon and Dill is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect as a light lunch, a side dish for grilled meats or fish, or even a potluck contribution. The bright lemon dressing perfectly complements the sweetness of the peas, while the fresh dill adds an herbaceous note that elevates the entire salad. It’s quick to make, requires minimal cooking, and is bursting with flavor – a true winner!

## Why You’ll Love This Sugar Snap Pea Salad

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why this salad is so fantastic:

* **Fresh and Flavorful:** The combination of sugar snap peas, lemon, and dill creates a bright and zesty flavor profile that’s incredibly refreshing.
* **Easy to Make:** This salad comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Sugar snap peas are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making this salad a healthy and delicious choice.
* **Versatile:** This salad can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Add other vegetables, cheeses, or proteins to create a more substantial meal.
* **Perfect for Spring and Summer:** The vibrant colors and light flavors make this salad ideal for warmer weather.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Sugar Snap Pea Salad:

* **Sugar Snap Peas:** The star of the show! Look for bright green, plump peas that are firm to the touch. You can use fresh or frozen sugar snap peas, but fresh is definitely preferred.
* **Lemon:** Fresh lemon juice and zest are essential for the bright and zesty dressing. Use organic lemons if possible.
* **Dill:** Fresh dill adds a delicate, herbaceous flavor that complements the lemon and sugar snap peas perfectly. If you don’t have fresh dill, you can use dried dill, but the flavor won’t be quite as vibrant.
* **Olive Oil:** Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the dressing. It will add a rich flavor and velvety texture.
* **Garlic:** A clove of garlic adds a subtle savory note to the dressing. Mince it finely or use a garlic press to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
* **Red Onion:** Thinly sliced red onion adds a bit of bite and visual appeal to the salad. You can soak the red onion in cold water for a few minutes to mellow its flavor if you prefer.
* **Feta Cheese (Optional):** Crumbled feta cheese adds a salty and tangy element that complements the sweetness of the peas. If you’re dairy-free, you can omit the feta or substitute it with a vegan feta alternative.
* **Toasted Almonds (Optional):** Toasted almonds add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor to the salad. You can use slivered almonds or chopped almonds.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Be sure to season the salad generously to bring out all the flavors.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part – making the salad! Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide:

**Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Snap Peas**

* **Wash the sugar snap peas:** Rinse the sugar snap peas thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
* **Trim the ends:** Trim the stem end of each sugar snap pea and remove the string that runs along the side. This string can be tough and fibrous, so it’s best to remove it.
* **Blanch (Optional):** While not strictly necessary, blanching the sugar snap peas briefly can help to brighten their color and soften them slightly. To blanch, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the sugar snap peas and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until they turn bright green. Immediately transfer the peas to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain well.
* **Slice (Optional):** You can leave the sugar snap peas whole or slice them in half or into smaller pieces, depending on your preference. Slicing them makes them easier to eat and allows the dressing to coat them more evenly.

**Step 2: Prepare the Red Onion**

* **Thinly slice the red onion:** Use a sharp knife or mandoline to thinly slice the red onion. The thinner the slices, the better.
* **Soak in cold water (Optional):** If you find the red onion to be too strong, you can soak the slices in cold water for 10-15 minutes to mellow their flavor. Drain well before adding them to the salad.

**Step 3: Make the Lemon-Dill Dressing**

* **Zest the lemon:** Use a microplane or zester to zest the lemon. Be sure to only zest the yellow part of the peel, as the white pith underneath can be bitter.
* **Juice the lemon:** Cut the lemon in half and squeeze out the juice. You’ll need about 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice for the dressing.
* **Mince the garlic:** Mince the garlic clove finely or use a garlic press.
* **Combine the ingredients:** In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
* **Add the dill:** Stir in the chopped fresh dill.

**Step 4: Assemble the Salad**

* **Combine the vegetables:** In a large bowl, combine the prepared sugar snap peas and red onion slices.
* **Add the dressing:** Pour the lemon-dill dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat.
* **Add the feta cheese (Optional):** If using, crumble the feta cheese over the salad.
* **Add the toasted almonds (Optional):** If using, sprinkle the toasted almonds over the salad.

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!**

* **Serve immediately:** This salad is best served immediately, as the sugar snap peas will start to lose their crunch if they sit for too long. However, you can prepare the individual components of the salad ahead of time and assemble it just before serving.
* **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish the salad with extra fresh dill sprigs or a sprinkle of lemon zest, if desired.

## Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you customize this salad to your liking:

* **Add other vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to this salad, such as cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or radishes.
* **Add protein:** Make this salad a more substantial meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
* **Use different herbs:** If you’re not a fan of dill, you can substitute it with other fresh herbs, such as mint, parsley, or chives.
* **Add a touch of sweetness:** If you prefer a sweeter dressing, you can add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the lemon-dill dressing.
* **Make it vegan:** Omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan feta alternative.
* **Use different nuts:** If you don’t have almonds, you can use other nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or pistachios.
* **Add avocado:** Diced avocado adds a creamy texture and healthy fats to the salad.
* **Make it ahead of time:** You can prepare the individual components of the salad ahead of time and store them separately. However, wait to assemble the salad until just before serving, as the sugar snap peas will start to lose their crunch if they sit in the dressing for too long.
* **Grill the Sugar Snap Peas:** For a smoky flavor, grill the sugar snap peas lightly before adding them to the salad.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat.

## Serving Suggestions

This Sugar Snap Pea Salad with Lemon and Dill is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

* **As a side dish:** Serve it alongside grilled meats, fish, or chicken.
* **As a light lunch:** Enjoy it on its own as a refreshing and healthy lunch.
* **As a potluck dish:** Bring it to your next potluck or barbecue.
* **As a topping for grain bowls:** Add it to grain bowls for a boost of flavor and nutrients.
* **As a filling for wraps or sandwiches:** Use it as a filling for wraps or sandwiches.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use frozen sugar snap peas?**

A: Yes, you can use frozen sugar snap peas, but fresh is definitely preferred. If using frozen peas, thaw them completely before adding them to the salad.

**Q: How long will this salad last?**

A: This salad is best served immediately, as the sugar snap peas will start to lose their crunch if they sit for too long. However, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The salad may become a bit soggy over time.

**Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?**

A: You can prepare the individual components of the salad ahead of time and store them separately. However, wait to assemble the salad until just before serving, as the sugar snap peas will start to lose their crunch if they sit in the dressing for too long.

**Q: I don’t like dill. What can I substitute it with?**

A: You can substitute dill with other fresh herbs, such as mint, parsley, or chives.

**Q: Can I add other vegetables to this salad?**

A: Yes, feel free to add other vegetables to this salad, such as cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or radishes.

**Q: Is this salad vegan?**

A: To make this salad vegan, omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan feta alternative.

## Recipe Card

**Sugar Snap Pea Salad with Lemon and Dill**

**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 2 minutes (optional, for blanching)

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound sugar snap peas, trimmed
* 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
* 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
* 1/4 cup toasted almonds (optional)

**Lemon-Dill Dressing:**

* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon lemon zest
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Wash and trim the sugar snap peas. Blanch in boiling salted water for 1-2 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath. Drain well. (Optional)
2. Thinly slice the red onion. Soak in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor. Drain well. (Optional)
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir in the chopped fresh dill.
5. In a large bowl, combine the prepared sugar snap peas and red onion slices.
6. Pour the lemon-dill dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat.
7. Add the feta cheese and toasted almonds, if using.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Enjoy this bright, flavorful, and healthy Sugar Snap Pea Salad! It’s a perfect way to celebrate the flavors of spring and summer.