Blanched Snow Pea Salad with Lemon-Garlic Dressing
A vibrant spring salad featuring tender blanched snow peas and a zesty lemon-garlic dressing that highlights seasonal freshness. This american-inspired salads ready in about 16 minutes blends snow peas, extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz snow peas
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh mint
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz trimmed snow peas and blanch for 1 minute until vibrant green, then immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking.
- Step 2: While snow peas cool, whisk together 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper in a small bowl.
- Step 3: Drain snow peas thoroughly, then toss with the dressing and 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint until evenly coated.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Blanched Snow Pea Salad with Lemon-Garlic Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 16 minutes (15 min prep + 1 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Blanched Snow Pea Salad with Lemon-Garlic Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Blanched Snow Pea Salad with Lemon-Garlic Dressing?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Blanched Snow Pea Salad with Lemon-Garlic Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Blanched Snow Pea Salad with Lemon-Garlic Dressing?
American salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Cooked this for my family gathering—everyone raved about the crisp snow peas and bright dressing.
- ★★★★★
Loved the freshness! The lemon-garlic dressing was perfect for summer dinners.
- ★★★★☆
The salad was great, but the dressing was a bit too lemony for my taste. Still 4 stars!
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