Name: Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 13 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 cup (140 g) frozen shelled edamame; 1 package (6.5 oz or 180 g) snap peas, thinly sliced on a bias; 1/4 cup packed cilantro, finely chopped; 4 scallions, thinly sliced on a bias; 1 tbsp (10 g) lemon juice; 2 tsp (3 g) toasted sesame seeds; 2 tsp (10 g) honey; 2 tsp (11 g) finely grated ginger; 1 tsp (6 g) chili crisp (adjust to spice preference); 2 tbsp (16 g) sesame oil; Kosher salt (to taste)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 89 reviews

The Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad Recipe is a vibrant, flavorful dish that bursts with texture and a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy notes. This salad brilliantly combines crisp snap peas, tender edamame, zesty lemon, and the irresistible kick of chili crisp, creating a refreshing yet bold side or light main that feels effortlessly special. Whether you’re looking to brighten up a weeknight dinner or impress guests with something colorful and unique, this recipe promises a delicious adventure in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a pile of thinly sliced bright green pea pods placed next to a silver knife with a black handle, lying diagonally on a light wooden cutting board. Around the sliced pile, there are several whole, smooth green pea pods scattered, some slightly shiny with water drops. The surface of the cutting board is plain with natural wood grain patterns visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple ingredients come together in this salad to deliver layers of taste, texture, and color that make each spoonful exciting. Every component plays its part, from the crunchy snap peas to the aromatic toasted sesame oil and fresh herbs.

Frozen shelled edamame: Adds a creamy, nutty texture that complements the crunch of the peas perfectly.

Snap peas: Thinly sliced on a bias, they provide sweetness, crispness, and vibrant green color.
Cilantro: Finely chopped for a fresh, bright herbal note that lifts the flavor profile.
Scallions: Thinly sliced to give a mild oniony sharpness without overpowering the salad.

Lemon juice: Offers bright acidity that balances the richness of the dressing.
Toasted sesame seeds: Adds a toasty crunch and a subtle nutty aroma.
Honey: Provides natural sweetness to mellow the heat and harmonize the dressing.

Fresh ginger: Finely grated for a spicy warmth that energizes the palate.
Chili crisp: The star ingredient bringing a savory heat and texture that makes this salad unforgettable.
Sesame oil: Heated to amplify flavors with a deep, smoky essence.

Kosher salt: For seasoning, enhancing all the delicious layers of this salad.

How to Make Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad Recipe

A white bowl with a small spout on the rim holds three visible layers of ingredients: a dark brown liquid layer at the bottom, topped with a pile of light yellow grated ginger on the left side and a sprinkling of light beige sesame seeds spread across the top. To the right of the bowl, on a wooden surface, is a whole piece of light brown ginger root with a small slice of peeled yellow ginger placed just below it. Some scattered sesame seeds and bits of ginger surround the bowl and ginger root. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Blanch the Edamame

Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil with a generous pinch of kosher salt. Add the frozen shelled edamame and reduce the heat to medium. Let them cook for about 3 minutes, or until some beans float to the surface—this signals perfect doneness. Drain and immediately rinse with cold water to halt cooking and keep their lovely texture.

Step 2: Prep the Peas and Greens

While the edamame cools, wash and dry the snap peas thoroughly. Slice them thinly on a bias to elevate their flavor and texture—you won’t want to skip this step. Toss these vibrant peas in a bowl with the finely chopped cilantro, thinly sliced scallions, and the blanched edamame. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and let them mingle while you prepare the dressing.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

Combine the toasted sesame seeds, honey, grated ginger, and chili crisp in a heat-proof bowl or jar. Heat sesame oil in a pan over high heat until shimmering and slightly watery in appearance—that’s when it’s ready to do its magic. Pour the hot oil carefully over your flavor-packed mixture; this flash-cooks the ginger and releases an irresistible aroma that will fill your kitchen. Give it a thorough stir to blend all those wonderful flavors.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Pour the sizzling dressing over your salad ingredients, sprinkle a good pinch of kosher salt, and toss everything to combine evenly. Taste and adjust the salt if needed. This salad is best enjoyed immediately to retain that fresh crunch and vibrant taste. It pairs beautifully with sticky teriyaki salmon, short-grain rice, or a sprinkle of crispy rice for an extra crunch contrast.

How to Serve Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad Recipe

Garnishes

To add your personal touch, try garnishing with extra toasted sesame seeds or a few fresh cilantro leaves for bursts of color and an herbal punch. Some thinly sliced red chili threads can also amplify the visual appeal and hint at the chili crisp’s fiery personality.

Side Dishes

This salad shines alongside Asian-inspired dishes like grilled salmon or teriyaki chicken, as the fresh and spicy notes cut through richer flavors. It also pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or sticky rice to soak up the delicious dressing.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this salad in individual clear bowls to show off its vibrant colors or pile it high in a large wooden bowl for casual family-style sharing. For a fun twist, top rice paper wraps or lettuce cups with a spoonful of this salad for a handheld appetizer that’s bursting with flavor and texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad and the dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to two days. This helps maintain the crisp snap peas and freshness of the herbs without sogginess.

Freezing

Because this salad highlights fresh snap peas and herbs, freezing is not recommended. These ingredients lose their texture and bright flavors when frozen and thawed.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature and does not require reheating. If desired, you can warm the dressing gently before tossing to awaken the flavors before adding to the chilled vegetables.

FAQs

Can I use fresh snap peas instead of frozen edamame?

Fresh snap peas are already included in the salad, but using fresh shelled edamame instead of frozen is perfectly fine, just blanch them briefly as directed to soften slightly.

How spicy is the chili crisp in this salad?

The chili crisp adds a moderate heat level that can easily be adjusted to your preference by adding more or less. It also brings a wonderful crispy texture with its bits of fried garlic and chili.

What can I substitute if I don’t have sesame oil?

Toasting the sesame seeds is key to that nutty flavor, so if you don’t have sesame oil, you could try a high-quality neutral oil like grapeseed and add toasted sesame oil sparingly if available.

Is this salad vegan?

Yes! The Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad Recipe is vegan-friendly, especially if you ensure the chili crisp you select contains no animal products—which most store-bought varieties don’t.

Can I prepare the salad dressing in advance?

Absolutely! The dressing can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated, but add it to the salad just before serving to keep all the vegetables crisp and fresh.

Final Thoughts

You are going to absolutely love this Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad Recipe. It’s quick to pull together, packed with fresh flavors, and delivers a unique combination of textures that make every bite exciting. Whether it becomes your go-to side or a shining star on your table, this salad is sure to brighten your meals and delight your taste buds. Don’t wait—go make it and enjoy all that deliciousness today!

Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need