๐ Introduction
This Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad is a vibrant, crave-worthy dish that brings together crisp greens, bright citrus, and a gentle heat that wakes up every bite. Itโs fresh yet satisfying, simple yet layered, and perfect for when you want something light but exciting. With crunchy snap peas, tender edamame, fragrant ginger, and a glossy chili-sesame dressing, this salad delivers texture and flavor in every forkful.
What makes this salad stand out is its contrast and balance. Cool, crunchy vegetables meet warm, savory chili notes, while honey and lemon round everything out with a touch of sweetness and brightness. Itโs quick to assemble, beautiful on the table, and versatile enough to serve as a starter, side, or light main.
If youโre looking for a fresh salad with personality, this Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad is an absolute must-try.
๐งฐ Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl (for dressing)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Colander
๐ Ingredients
Fresh Vegetables
- 1 package snap peas, trimmed
- 1 cup edamame, frozen
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced
- ยผ cup fresh cilantro, packed and chopped
Aromatics
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, finely grated
Dressing & Flavor
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chili crisp or chili paste
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Kosher salt, to taste
Finishing Touch
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
These ingredients combine to create a crunchy, zesty, and flavor-packed salad.
๐ฉโ๐ณ Directions
Step 1:
Bring a small pot of water to a boil and add the frozen edamame.
Step 2:
Cook the edamame for 3โ4 minutes until tender, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
Step 3:
Pat the edamame dry and set aside.
Step 4:
Wash the snap peas thoroughly and trim the ends.
Step 5:
Slice the snap peas thinly on a diagonal for extra crunch and visual appeal.
Step 6:
Thinly slice the scallions, separating the white and green parts.
Step 7:
Finely chop the fresh cilantro and set aside.
Step 8:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced snap peas, edamame, scallions, and cilantro.
Step 9:
In a small bowl, add the sesame oil, chili crisp, honey, and lemon juice.
Step 10:
Whisk the dressing until fully emulsified and glossy.
Step 11:
Add the grated ginger to the dressing and mix well.
Step 12:
Season the dressing lightly with kosher salt.
Step 13:
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
Step 14:
Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 15:
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the salad.
Step 16:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 17:
Let the salad rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 18:
Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or chill briefly before serving.
๐ฝ๏ธ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: About 20 minutes
Perfect as a refreshing side dish or a light, nourishing meal.
๐ง Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. - Freezer:
Not recommended, as fresh vegetables lose texture. - Reheating:
Not neededโthis salad is best served chilled or at room temperature.
๐ฅ Variations
- Extra crunch: Add more snap peas or sesame seeds
- More heat: Increase chili crisp slightly
- Milder version: Reduce chili crisp and add more honey
- Protein boost: Add extra edamame
- Herb swap: Use parsley if cilantro isnโt preferred
These variations keep the soul of Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad while letting you customize heat and texture.
โ 10 FAQs
- Is this salad very spicy?
Mild to medium, easily adjustable. - Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, but itโs best within 24 hours. - Why rinse edamame with cold water?
To keep it tender and bright. - Is this salad vegan?
Yes, naturally plant-based. - Can I skip honey?
It balances heat but can be reduced. - What makes it crunchy?
Fresh snap peas and sesame seeds. - Can I use dried ginger?
Fresh ginger gives the best flavor. - Does it taste good cold?
Yes, itโs refreshing chilled. - Can I double the recipe?
Absolutelyโgreat for gatherings. - Is this a main dish or side?
It works beautifully as either.
๐ Conclusion
This Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad is proof that simple ingredients can create bold, exciting flavors. Crisp vegetables, a glossy sesame-chili dressing, and fresh herbs come together in a dish thatโs light, energizing, and deeply satisfying. Whether served alongside dinner or enjoyed on its own, this salad brings freshness with a kickโand itโs guaranteed to become a favorite.

Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad โ Crunchy, Zesty & Boldly Fresh
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a small pot of water to a boil and add the frozen edamame.
- Cook the edamame for 3โ4 minutes until tender, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
- Pat the edamame dry and set aside.
- Wash the snap peas thoroughly and trim the ends.
- Slice the snap peas thinly on a diagonal for extra crunch and visual appeal.
- Thinly slice the scallions, separating the white and green parts.
- Finely chop the fresh cilantro and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced snap peas, edamame, scallions, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, add the sesame oil, chili crisp, honey, and lemon juice.
- Whisk the dressing until fully emulsified and glossy.
- Add the grated ginger to the dressing and mix well.
- Season the dressing lightly with kosher salt.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the salad.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Let the salad rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or chill briefly before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Freezer:
Not recommended, as fresh vegetables lose texture. Reheating:
Not neededโthis salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. ๐ฅ Variations Extra crunch: Add more snap peas or sesame seeds More heat: Increase chili crisp slightly Milder version: Reduce chili crisp and add more honey Protein boost: Add extra edamame Herb swap: Use parsley if cilantro isnโt preferred These variations keep the soul of Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad while letting you customize heat and texture. โ 10 FAQs Is this salad very spicy?
Mild to medium, easily adjustable. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, but itโs best within 24 hours. Why rinse edamame with cold water?
To keep it tender and bright. Is this salad vegan?
Yes, naturally plant-based. Can I skip honey?
It balances heat but can be reduced. What makes it crunchy?
Fresh snap peas and sesame seeds. Can I use dried ginger?
Fresh ginger gives the best flavor. Does it taste good cold?
Yes, itโs refreshing chilled. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutelyโgreat for gatherings. Is this a main dish or side?
It works beautifully as either. ๐ Conclusion This Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad is proof that simple ingredients can create bold, exciting flavors. Crisp vegetables, a glossy sesame-chili dressing, and fresh herbs come together in a dish thatโs light, energizing, and deeply satisfying. Whether served alongside dinner or enjoyed on its own, this salad brings freshness with a kickโand itโs guaranteed to become a favorite.
