This Sugar Snap Pea and Radish Salad is the epitome of a refreshing, vibrant dish perfect for spring and summer. The combination of crisp sugar snap peas and crunchy, peppery radishes creates an invigorating texture that makes each bite exciting. With the added sweetness of watermelon radish and the creamy richness of avocado, this salad delivers a balance of flavors that’s both light and satisfying. The tangy apple cider vinegar and lemon juice dressing elevates the taste, tying everything together for a dish that feels as fresh as it tastes.
Ideal for any gathering, whether it’s a casual dinner or a spring picnic, this salad is sure to please. It’s easy to make, packed with essential nutrients, and can be served as a side or a light main course. The vibrant colors of the sugar snap peas, radishes, and avocado not only make this dish a visual treat but also make it a perfect addition to any table, adding brightness and beauty to your meal.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb. sugar snap peas
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12 small radishes
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1 small watermelon radish
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1/2 medium ripe avocado
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2 tbsp apple-cider vinegar
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1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
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1/4 tsp ground coriander
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1/4 cup olive oil
Directions:
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In a large bowl, combine the sugar snap peas and radishes. Set aside.
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In a blender or food processor, blend the avocado, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and ground coriander. Gradually add the olive oil while blending until the mixture becomes a smooth purée. If the dressing is too thick, add up to 1/4 cup water to reach the desired consistency.
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Toss the salad with the dressing, ensuring everything is evenly coated, and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 140 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
Sugar Snap Pea and Radish Salad: A Refreshing Delight for Spring
When the weather warms up and the days grow longer, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a light, refreshing salad to brighten your meal. The Sugar Snap Pea and Radish Salad is the perfect dish for these occasions. With its vibrant colors, crisp textures, and bold flavors, this salad is ideal for serving at springtime gatherings, barbecues, or even as a healthy lunch or dinner. Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare, but it also combines some of the best seasonal ingredients, offering both nutrition and taste in every bite.
The Power of Fresh Spring Vegetables
One of the main reasons why this salad stands out is its use of fresh, seasonal vegetables. Sugar snap peas and radishes are two staples that come into season during the spring months. These vegetables not only bring a burst of color to the dish but are also packed with essential nutrients that can boost your overall health.
Sugar snap peas are naturally sweet and crunchy, providing a satisfying bite. They are an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, and several other vitamins and minerals that support the immune system and promote healthy digestion. Their natural sweetness balances perfectly with the more peppery flavor of radishes, which bring a zesty and slightly spicy note to the salad. Radishes are also low in calories, making them a perfect vegetable for weight-conscious individuals. Rich in antioxidants, radishes help protect your cells from oxidative stress and promote healthy skin.
Watermelon radish is an especially unique variety of radish that adds an even more colorful touch to this salad. Its striking pinkish-red interior contrasts beautifully with the green of the sugar snap peas, creating an eye-catching dish that’s sure to impress guests at any gathering. Watermelon radishes also have a milder, sweeter flavor than traditional radishes, which complements the other ingredients in the salad.
Nutritional Benefits of the Salad
Not only does this salad offer an abundance of flavor, but it’s also a powerhouse of nutrition. The vegetables alone provide a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which support overall health and well-being.
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High in Fiber: The combination of sugar snap peas and radishes ensures that this salad is rich in fiber. Fiber is essential for digestive health, as it helps regulate bowel movements and prevents constipation. It also promotes feelings of fullness, making this salad a great choice for those looking to manage their weight.
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Rich in Vitamin C: Both sugar snap peas and radishes are loaded with vitamin C, which is crucial for immune function, skin health, and the repair of tissues. Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant, helping to neutralize free radicals in the body.
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Healthy Fats: The addition of avocado adds a creamy texture to the salad while providing healthy fats. Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to reduce bad cholesterol levels and improve heart health. They also contain a variety of other nutrients, including potassium, vitamin E, and folate.
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Low in Calories: For those mindful of their caloric intake, this salad is a great option. It is low in calories yet highly satisfying due to the fiber and healthy fats present in the ingredients.
The Dressing: A Tangy, Creamy Delight
The dressing for this Sugar Snap Pea and Radish Salad is what truly elevates the dish. Made from a blend of avocado, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a variety of spices, the dressing is both creamy and tangy, offering the perfect balance of flavors that complement the fresh vegetables.
Apple cider vinegar is known for its digestive benefits, while the lemon juice adds a bright, refreshing zing to the salad. Dijon mustard brings a subtle tanginess and depth of flavor, making the dressing feel more complex than the sum of its parts. The combination of these ingredients with avocado results in a smooth, creamy texture that coats the vegetables beautifully without overpowering their natural flavors.
Versatility in Serving and Pairing
One of the greatest things about this Sugar Snap Pea and Radish Salad is its versatility. It can easily be adapted to suit various dietary preferences and occasions. Whether you’re looking for a light side dish, a healthy snack, or a refreshing main course, this salad fits the bill.
For a lighter meal, consider serving the salad on its own, perhaps with a slice of whole-grain bread or a small serving of quinoa. The fresh vegetables and creamy avocado will leave you feeling satisfied without weighing you down. If you’re preparing it as part of a larger spread, it pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. For those who prefer a heartier dish, adding some roasted nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, can provide an extra crunch and a boost of protein.
Additionally, this salad works beautifully for potlucks or family gatherings, as it can be made ahead of time and is easy to transport. The flavors only improve as they meld together, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. It’s also a great option for anyone following a vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diet, as it contains no animal products or gluten.
A Feast for the Eyes
This Sugar Snap Pea and Radish Salad isn’t just delicious; it’s also a feast for the eyes. The vibrant green of the snap peas, the deep red of the watermelon radishes, and the creamy texture of the avocado make for a visually appealing dish that is sure to grab attention at any table. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, the visual appeal of this salad enhances the dining experience.
Incorporating colorful, fresh ingredients like these into your meals has been shown to have psychological benefits as well. Eating with the eyes first can stimulate the appetite and make the meal feel more indulgent, even when it’s as healthy as this salad.
Ideal for Spring and Summer Gatherings
As the warmer months approach, this Sugar Snap Pea and Radish Salad is the perfect choice for any outdoor gathering. Its light and fresh ingredients make it a refreshing dish on a hot day, and its bright colors and bold flavors are perfect for spring and summer celebrations. Whether you’re planning a barbecue, picnic, or just a casual dinner with friends, this salad will be a crowd-pleaser.
Make it Ahead: The great thing about this salad is that it can be prepared ahead of time. While it’s best served fresh, you can chop the vegetables and prepare the dressing in advance, storing them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply toss the salad together and enjoy. The dressing can be made a day or two in advance, which allows the flavors to develop even further.
Conclusion:
The Sugar Snap Pea and Radish Salad is an ideal dish for anyone looking to add a healthy, delicious, and vibrant option to their menu. With its balance of flavors, textures, and colors, it is a standout dish that suits a variety of occasions, from casual dinners to elegant gatherings. It’s a great way to incorporate seasonal vegetables into your meals while also providing numerous health benefits.
This salad’s versatility allows you to make it your own, whether by adding extra vegetables, protein, or spices. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. If you’re looking for a recipe that is as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate, the Sugar Snap Pea and Radish Salad should be at the top of your list.