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Spring Snap Pea & Corn Salad – Easy Party Side

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Snap peas: About 12 ounces, strings removed and cut on a bias
  • Corn: 3 cups kernels (from 3–4 ears fresh, or frozen thawed)
  • Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved (optional but adds color)
  • Cucumber: 1 cup, diced small
  • Red onion or shallot: 1/4 cup, very thinly sliced
  • Fresh herbs: 1/2 cup mixed chopped mint and basil (or parsley)
  • Toasted nuts or seeds: 1/3 cup sliced almonds, pistachios, or pumpkin seeds
  • Feta cheese: 1/2 cup crumbled (optional)
  • Lemon: Zest and 3 tablespoons juice
  • Extra-virgin olive oil: 1/4 cup
  • Honey or maple syrup: 1–2 teaspoons
  • Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
  • Garlic: 1 small clove, finely grated
  • Kosher salt and black pepper: To taste
  • Red pepper flakes: A pinch (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Prep the snap peas: Trim and remove any strings. Slice on a sharp diagonal into bite-size pieces. This keeps the crunch but makes the salad easy to eat.
  • Blanch if you like (optional): For extra-bright color, drop snap peas into salted boiling water for 30–45 seconds, then transfer to an ice bath. Pat dry well. You can also skip this step for maximum crunch.
  • Cook or thaw the corn: If using fresh corn, cut kernels off the cob and sauté in a little olive oil with a pinch of salt for 3–4 minutes until just tender. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry; warm briefly in a pan to remove excess moisture.
  • Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon, garlic, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust. You want bright, lightly sweet, and well-seasoned.
  • Toss the base: In a large bowl, combine snap peas, corn, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion. Pour over about two-thirds of the dressing and toss gently.
  • Add herbs and crunch: Fold in mint, basil, and toasted nuts or seeds. Taste and add more dressing, salt, or pepper as needed.
  • Finish and serve: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and crumbled feta, if using. Serve right away, or chill for up to 2 hours to let flavors mingle.