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Sugar Snap Pea Salad with Ginger Salad Dressing

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Make this Sugar Snap Pea Salad with ginger salad dressing and fall in love with it's crisp, refreshing flavor, and its layers of textures and crunch. Its protein packed, made with edamame, herbs, and a bold asian inspired ginger dressing. It’s quick, vibrant, and perfect for meal prep or a light, satisfying lunch.
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Sugar Snap Pea Salad

Eric and I were actually talking the other day and somehow got on the topic of favorite vegetables (as one does), and we both realized sugar snap peas are right up there at the top for both of us. Which honestly tracks—they’re sweet, crunchy, and require almost nothing to be good. For me, they’re in very good company with kale and cucumbers, but there’s just something about that snap that makes them hard to beat. The conversation inspired me to make a salad that felt easy, was packed with our favorite veggie and paired beautifully with my Better Than Takeout recipes or could be eaten as a wholesome lunch or light dinner.

Close-up of glossy sugar snap pea salad with edamame, fresh herbs, and black sesame seeds.

That’s when the conception of this amazing salad was born! This Sugar Snap Pea Salad is the kind of salad that makes eating a bowl of greens feel like a full-on meal, not an afterthought. It’s crisp, fresh, and loaded with texture from those thinly sliced sugar snap peas, paired with protein-packed edamame, bright herbs, and just enough bite from green onion to keep things interesting.

Everything gets tossed in a punchy sesame ginger dressing that hits that perfect balance of tangy, savory, and a little sweet, so every bite actually tastes like something you’d order, not something you’re forcing yourself to eat. What I love most about this recipe is how effortless it is. No real cooking, minimal prep, and it somehow gets even better after sitting in the fridge. It’s one of those recipes that makes eating well feel easy.

Finely sliced snap peas on a cutting board with chef’s knife

About Sugar Snap Peas

Sugar snap peas are one of the most underrated vegetables (coming from a super fan who never sees this vegetable getting the time it deserves). They’re naturally sweet, incredibly crunchy, and don’t require much preparation. You can eat them raw, lightly sautéed, or shaved thin into salads like this fresh snap pea salad. They’re also rich in fiber and vitamin C, making them a great base for a healthy, fresh and crunchy salad.

Sugar Snap Peas vs Snow Peas

While they look similar, sugar snap peas and snow peas are slightly different. Sugar snap peas are rounder, thicker, and have a satisfying crunch. Snow peas are flatter and more delicate.

For this snap pea salad recipe, sugar snap peas are the better choice. They hold their texture and give that crisp bite that makes this salad so satisfying.

Close-up of fresh green snap peas salad

Sugar Snap Pea Salad Ingredients

Each ingredient brings the an essential crunch, flavor and balance to to create this delicious salad!

  • Sugar Snap Peas: The star of the salad. Their natural sweetness and crunch create the perfect base for a salad that feels fresh and vibrant.
  • Edamame: Adds plant-based protein and makes the salad more filling. It turns this from a side dish into a complete meal.
  • Green Onions: Provide a mild sharpness that cuts through the sweetness of the peas.
  • Cilantro: Brings brightness and a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the asian sesame ginger dressing flavors.
  • Sesame Seeds: Add subtle nuttiness and a bit of texture to finish the dish.
Bowl of chopped sugar snap peas and edamame with herbs, ready for mixing

Asian Sesame Ginger Salad Dressing Ingredients

This salad dressing it downright amazing! The ingredients in it are simple and can be adjusted to fit your personal preference. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Coconut Aminos: Adds umami and a slightly sweet, salty depth. You could use soy sauce or tamari in its place but keep in mind they are much higher in sodium which means you may need to adjust the amount you use.
  • Rice Vinegar: Provides acidity that brightens the entire dressing and keeps it light.
  • Lime Juice: Adds a fresh, citrusy lift that makes this a standout healthy sesame ginger dressing recipe.
  • Maple Syrup: Balances the acidity and spice with just a touch of sweetness.
  • Fresh Ginger: The star of the dressing, freshly grated ginger makes al the difference, it brings warmth, spice, and that unmistakable ginger asian dressing you’d recognize from your favorite takeout spot.
  • Garlic: Adds depth and a savory backbone to the dressing.
  • Toasted Sesame Oil: Optional, but adds richness and a nutty aroma that gives that classic sesame ginger dressing feel.
  • Sriracha: Brings heat and adds a sweet and spicy balance. Use the amount that works for your preference, perhaps start with a little and add as you see fit!
Sugar snap pea salad with edamame, herbs, and black sesame seeds in a wooden bowl before mixing

How to Make This Salad

All you need to do is a couple chops, a little whisking and you’ve got yourself a goooood salad!

How to Prep Sugar Snap Peas

The easiest way to prepare sugar snap peas is to trim the ends and then thinly slice the sugar snap peas on a bias. This not only makes them easier to eat but also allows the dressing to coat every surface, enhancing the overall flavor of the snap pea salad.

Build the Salad Base

Add the sliced peas, edamame, green onions, and cilantro to a large bowl. The colors should already look vibrant and fresh.

hand stirring dark dressing in a small glass jar on a wooden surface

How to Make Ginger Salad Dressing

A great easy ginger dressing comes down to balance. Add all the dressing ingredients into a small bowl or jar and whisk together them together. Taste as you go. If it’s too sharp, add a touch more maple. If it needs brightness, add more lime. If you want more heat, increase the sriracha. You’re looking for that perfect balance of tangy, savory, sweet, and spicy. 

Toss and Let It Marinate

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes. This step is key—the peas will absorb the asian salad ginger dressing, making every bite more flavorful. If you can’t wait, it will still taste amazing but I promise those few minutes or sitting makes a big difference!

Dressing being poured over snap pea and edamame salad with herbs and sesame seeds

How to Serve Sugar Snap Pea Salad

I’ve been enjoying this salad for lunch on repeat! It also is a delicious light lunch or side to any of my favorite Better Than Takeout recipes! It also tastes amazing paired with sticky rice and topped with grilled tofu or your protein of choice.

How Long Does Homemade Ginger Salad Dressing Last?

Longer than you might think… if you don’t finish it straight away! This ginger salad dressing is perfect for double batching so you can enjoy it on other salads as it will last about 4–5 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Give it a quick shake or stir before using, as the ingredients may naturally separate.

Sugar snap pea salad with edamame, herbs, and black sesame seeds

Why You’ll Love This Sugar Snap Pea Salad

What I love most about this one is how effortless it is. No real cooking, minimal prep, and it somehow gets even better after sitting in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or those days when you need something fast but still want to feel good after eating it. It’s high in fiber, rich in plant-based protein, and keeps you full without weighing you down… exactly the kind of recipe that makes eating healthy feel easy, not like a chore. Most importantly, it actually tastes like something you’d order, bold, balanced, and satisfying. 

Tips to Making This Sugar Snap Pea Salad

Even simple recipes have a few key details that make all the difference.

  • If your salad feels flat, it likely needs more acidity. Add a splash more of rice vinegar or lime juice to brighten it. If it tastes too sharp, balance it with a bit more maple syrup.
  • Always let the salad sit before serving. This allows the dressing to soak into the peas and develop flavor.
  • For meal prep, store the dressing separately if you want maximum crunch. If you prefer a more marinated texture, toss everything together ahead of time.
  • Use fresh ginger whenever possible. It gives a much more vibrant flavor than ground ginger.
Sugar snap pea salad with edamame, herbs, and black sesame seeds in a wooden bowl.

Sugar Snap Salad and Ginger Salad Dressing FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, this is a great meal prep salad. It holds up well in the fridge and tastes even better after marinating.

Can I make this oil-free? Absolutely. Simply skip the sesame oil.

What can I substitute for edamame? Chickpeas or lentils work well if you want to switch up the protein.

Did you make this recipe?

I would love to know how you liked it! Leave a rating and review below and then try these recipes next:

Detox Cabbage Salad with Orange Ginger Vinaigrette

Blistered Shishito Pepper Corn Salad

Crispy Rice Cucumber Salad

Jackie Akerberg

Author of the Clean Vegan Cookbook, Food Blogger and Recipe Developer from Des Moines, Iowa. 

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Green salad of sliced snap peas, edamame, herbs, and sesame seeds in a wooden bowl
Jackie Akerberg

Sugar Snap Pea Salad with Ginger Salad Dressing

5 from 3 votes
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Make this Sugar Snap Pea Salad with ginger salad dressing and fall in love with it's crisp, refreshing flavor, and its layers of textures and crunch. Its protein packed, made with edamame, herbs, and a bold asian inspired ginger dressing. It’s quick, vibrant, and perfect for meal prep or a light, satisfying lunch.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: lunch, Main Course, Salad
Calories: 176

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients
  • 4 cups sugar snap peas, thinly sliced on a bias
  • 2 cups shelled edamame
  • 4 green onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Sesame Ginger Salad Dressing Ingredients
  • 3 tbsp coconut aminos
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1-2 tsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, or ½ tsp ground
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, optional—skip if keeping it oil-free
  • 1-2 tsp sriracha

Method
 

  1. Slice your snap peas (this is the only “effort,” and it takes like 3 minutes).
  2. Add everything to a big bowl—peas, edamame, green onion, cilantro.
  3. Whisk the dressing until it’s smooth and punchy.
  4. Pour over, toss well, and let it sit for 10–15 minutes so everything soaks it up.

Nutrition

Serving 1servingCalories 176kcalCarbohydrates 23gProtein 10gFat 5gSaturated Fat 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat 1gMonounsaturated Fat 1gSodium 288mgPotassium 598mgFiber 6gSugar 7gVitamin A 1324IUVitamin C 64mgCalcium 137mgIron 5mg

*Macros are provided as an estimate for convenience. Your final numbers will vary depending on ingredient brands, substitutions, and how you portion the recipe.

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5 Responses

  1. 5 stars
    SO good and easy. I put it over high protein cottage cheese and added pistachios for a bit of a heartier meal. Thanks for this amazing recipe!!

    Reply

  3. 5 stars
    Beautiful salad! We made for Easter and everyone loved. It was something different and fresh!

    Reply
5 from 3 votes

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