If you are craving a fresh, crunchy, and flavor-packed salad that truly celebrates the best of spring produce, then the Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe is exactly what you need. This vibrant salad brings together crisp snap peas, tender edamame, and fragrant cilantro, all tied together by a luscious sesame ginger dressing with a tantalizing kick of chili crisp. It’s light but hearty and perfect whether you want a quick lunch or a beautiful side dish to brighten up your dinner table. Get ready to fall in love with how simple ingredients can come together in such an exciting and satisfying way!

Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses a handful of easy-to-find ingredients that each add their own unique component — from crunch and freshness to sweet heat and zest. Every element works in harmony to give you a salad that feels both indulgent and refreshing.

Frozen shelled edamame (1 cup): Adds a tender bite and protein boost, making the salad lightly filling.
Snap peas (6.5 oz): Thinly sliced on a bias to maximize crunch and flavor distribution.
Cilantro (1/4 cup, packed): Provides herbal brightness and a hint of citrusy notes.
Scallions (4, thinly sliced): Lends a mild onion flavor with a fresh crunch.
Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Adds acidity that balances the richness of the dressing.
Toasted sesame seeds (2 tsp): Brings nutty warmth and a bit of texture.
Honey (2 tsp): Offers a subtle sweetness to round out the flavors.
Fresh ginger (2 tsp, finely grated): Infuses the dressing with bright, spicy warmth.
Chili crisp (1 tsp): The star ingredient that introduces a smoky, spicy crunch to the salad.
Sesame oil (2 tbsp): Warmed to intensify its nutty aroma and flavor in the dressing.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out flavors.

How to Make Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Blanch the Edamame

Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil and adding a generous pinch of kosher salt. Toss in the frozen shelled edamame and reduce the heat to medium. Cook them for about 3 minutes, or until some beans begin to float. This quick blanching locks in their bright green color and tender texture. Drain the edamame, then immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and keep them perfectly crisp.

Step 2: Prep the Peas and Greens

While the edamame cools, wash your snap peas and pat them dry to avoid any extra water in the salad. Slice the snap peas thinly on a slight diagonal — this slicing technique changes their texture and allows the flavors of the dressing to coat them beautifully. Combine these with the cilantro, scallions, and cooled edamame in a large serving bowl. Add the fresh lemon juice and give everything a gentle toss before setting this aside for now.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

The magic of the Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe truly shines in this step. Combine toasted sesame seeds, honey, freshly grated ginger, and your chosen chili crisp in a heatproof bowl or jar. Heat the sesame oil in a pan over high heat until it shimmers and appears almost watery — this means it’s hot and ready but not burnt. Carefully pour the sizzling oil over the bowl of aromatics to flash-cook the ginger and intensify all the flavors. Stir everything well to create a beautifully fragrant, spicy dressing.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Now comes the best part — drizzle the warm sesame ginger chili dressing over your prepared salad. Sprinkle in a good pinch of kosher salt and toss gently but thoroughly to blend every ingredient perfectly. Taste and adjust the salt if needed. This salad is best served immediately while the dressing is vibrant and fresh. It pairs wonderfully with sticky teriyaki or chili crisp salmon, a side of sticky short-grain rice, or topped with crunchy crispy rice for an added textural twist.

How to Serve Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate this salad even further, consider adding extra toasted sesame seeds on top for a lively crunch or a few sprigs of fresh cilantro for visual appeal and bursts of herbal flavor. A light drizzle of more chili crisp can also add a gorgeous, spicy sheen that excites the palate.

Side Dishes

This salad is incredibly versatile and works as a bright, refreshing contrast alongside a variety of savory mains. Serve it alongside grilled salmon or chicken with a sticky teriyaki glaze, or place it next to bowls of steamed rice and miso soup for a wholesome Asian-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual gathering, serve the salad family-style in a large, colorful bowl to showcase its beautiful greens and reds. Alternatively, make individual salad plates with a neat mound of salad garnished with chili crisp drops and sesame seeds. For a fun twist, try layering the salad in clear jars for picnics or lunches where visual appeal counts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad is freshest when eaten right away, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible, as the snap peas and herbs will stay crisper and fresher without the dressing sitting on top.

Freezing

Since this salad relies on fresh, crisp ingredients like snap peas and scallions, freezing is not recommended. The texture and flavor will degrade significantly upon thawing.

Reheating

This salad is intended to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you want to warm a side dish to accompany it, something like teriyaki-glazed salmon works beautifully, but keep the salad fresh and crisp.

FAQs

Can I use fresh edamame instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh edamame is wonderful if you can find it — just shell and blanch them as you would with frozen to maintain their tender bite.

How spicy is this salad with the chili crisp?

The heat level depends on your choice of chili crisp and how much you use. The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon as a starting point, which provides a gentle but noticeable spice. Feel free to adjust to your personal kick preference!

Can I substitute snap peas with snow peas or green beans?

You can try substituting with snow peas, which are similar in texture and taste. Green beans will work too but may need a slightly longer blanching time to reach the right tenderness.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, the salad and dressing are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check that your chili crisp and honey are gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.

What can I do if I don’t have toasted sesame seeds?

If you’re out of toasted sesame seeds, a light sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts like almonds or peanuts can add crunch, though it will change the classic flavor profile slightly.

Final Thoughts

This Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe is a delightful celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavors that you can whip up in no time. It’s refreshing, crisp, and carries just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your go-to salad for spring and beyond — it’s sure to become a favorite, just like it is in my kitchen!

Chili Crisp Snap Pea Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe