Get ready to transform your ordinary side dish into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds! Clinton's Snow Pea Salad is not just a recipe; it's a vibrant, crisp, and absolutely irresistible dish that brings together the freshest vegetables with a tantalizing Asian-inspired dressing. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply want to add a burst of color and flavor to your meal, this quick and easy salad is about to become your new go-to recipe that screams summer freshness in every single bite!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups snow peas, trimmed
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Wash and prepare all vegetables: trim the snow peas, slice red bell pepper into thin strips, julienne the carrots, and finely slice the green onions.
- Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring to a rapid boil. Prepare a separate bowl with ice water for blanching.
- Add snow peas to boiling water and blanch for exactly 1-2 minutes, maintaining their crisp texture and bright green color.
- Immediately remove snow peas from boiling water using a slotted spoon and transfer directly into the ice water bath to stop the cooking process. This will preserve their crunch and vibrant color.
- Drain the blanched snow peas thoroughly and pat dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, combine blanched snow peas, sliced red bell peppers, julienned carrots, and sliced green onions.
- In a small separate bowl, whisk together sesame oil and soy sauce to create a light dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and gently toss to ensure even coating.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the salad for added texture and nutty flavor.
- Chill the salad for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
Tips
- Blanching is Key: The secret to maintaining the perfect snow pea texture is precise blanching. Watch the clock carefully - just 1-2 minutes keeps them crisp and bright green!
- Ice Bath Magic: Always have a bowl of ice water ready to immediately stop the cooking process. This preserves the vibrant color and satisfying crunch of your vegetables.
- Prep Ahead: You can chop and prepare all vegetables up to a day in advance, making this an ideal make-ahead side dish for busy cooks.
- Sesame Oil Tip: Use toasted sesame oil for a deeper, nuttier flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Serving Suggestions: For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to turn this side salad into a complete meal.
- Temperature Matters: Serve slightly chilled for the most refreshing experience, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
