Pin Recipe This crisp Sugar Snap Pea and Radish Salad with a zesty honey lime dressing is my fail-safe side for spring and summer gatherings. Each bite bursts with fresh crunch and bright tang making it as irresistible at a picnic as it is for a weekday lunch. The colors add energy to the table and the minimal prep gets everyone snacking in no time.
Every time I toss this up I get requests for the recipe. It started as a quick throw-together with farmers market finds and ended up one of my most shared salads.
Ingredients
- Sugar snap peas: Crisp sweetness and a satisfying crunch Pick bright green pods with no spots or wilted tips
- Radishes: Peppery bite and cheerful color Choose firm radishes with smooth skin and healthy green tops if possible
- Fresh cilantro: Lifts every bite with herbal freshness Always use lively looking leaves without wilting
- Lime juice: Bright acidity makes every flavor pop Use freshly squeezed juice for the best zing
- Honey: Natural sweetness that rounds the sharpness Pick a light floral honey
- Olive oil: Smooth texture and subtle fruitiness Reach for extra virgin if you can
- Sea salt: Brings it all together Always taste and adjust before serving
- Black pepper: Adds just enough mild heat Freshly cracked is worth it
Instructions
- Trim the Veg:
- Rinse sugar snap peas then trim and discard both ends Slice them on the diagonal into bite size pieces For radishes trim roots and stems Slice thinly into rounds
- Prepare the Dressing:
- Juice one lime and whisk together with honey olive oil sea salt and black pepper Whisk until it turns slightly cloudy and looks emulsified Taste and adjust if needed
- Toss the Salad:
- Add sliced peas and radishes to a large bowl Pour all the dressing over Scatter chopped cilantro across the top
- Mix and Chill:
- Toss well until everything looks glossy and evenly coated Cover and chill for 10 to 15 minutes in the fridge
- Serve:
- Give a final toss Right before serving garnish with extra cilantro and season to taste if needed
Pin Recipe The snap peas are my favorite part because every pod feels like a mini summer treat right off the vine. More than once my kids sneak them from the bowl before it makes it to the table.
Storage Tips
This salad keeps its texture for up to one day if covered tightly and stored in the fridge. If you want the crispest result, wait to add the dressing and cilantro until just before serving. Leftovers make a great topping on rice bowls or tucked into wraps.
Ingredient Substitutions
No sugar snap peas Reach for snow peas or even thinly sliced raw green beans. If cilantro is not your thing, use fresh mint or a little parsley for a twist. Lemon juice stands in for lime when needed adjust the honey to balance out the sharper citrus.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this salad with grilled chicken or fish for an easy dinner plate. For a light lunch pile it onto toast or fold into a wrap with mashed avocado. I also love it with a handful of feta or chopped nuts for extra protein and richness.
Cultural and Historical Context
Snap peas and radishes both star in traditional springtime salads across many cultures. Pairing them with honey lime dressing brings a lively balance common in Southeast Asian fresh dishes but the salad itself adapts easily to any menu. It reminds me of market days in early summer when all the produce is at its best.
Seasonal Adaptations
When snap peas fade, use blanched green beans instead Add thin slices of cucumber for even more fresh crunch Try red onion or chives when radishes are not as tasty
Success Stories
A friend once called this the most refreshing part of her summer BBQ menu. This is the first salad my son agreed to taste because the colors looked so fun. Teachers at our school potluck asked for the recipe and left nothing in the bowl.
Freezer Meal Conversion
This salad does not freeze well because fresh veggies lose all their crunch. If you want a freezer friendly option try blanching snap peas briefly and storing them alone then combine with fresh radishes and dressing when serving.
Pin Recipe This salad really brings out the joy of summer produce. I always make a double batch for gatherings because it disappears fast.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use other vegetables in this salad?
Absolutely! Try adding thinly sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or shredded carrots for extra crunch and flavor.
- → How can I make the salad ahead of time?
Toss vegetables and store dressing separately. Mix together just before serving to maintain crispness.
- → What proteins pair well with this salad?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu are great options for a heartier meal alongside these fresh flavors.
- → Can I substitute the honey in the dressing?
Yes, maple syrup or agave work well as substitutes. Adjust sweetness to taste as needed.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container. For best texture, enjoy within one day as peas and radishes are freshest right after preparation.