Summer Salad with Sugar Snap Peas

Who's ready for an easy and delicious summer salad with sugar snap peas?

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Refreshing, Delicious and SO Easy to Make!

This summer salad with sugar snap peas is the perfect refreshing and light dish to serve up on a hot day! Not only is it a breeze to make, but it also serves a crowd, making it ideal for gatherings or picnics. The recipe utilizes peppery arugula, which adds a robust flavor, alongside cooked quinoa for a protein boost, ensuring that this dish is both nutritious and satisfying. Cucumbers contribute a crisp, hydrating element, while crunchy radishes offer a delightful snap and a hint of spice.

Crumbled feta cheese introduces a creamy richness, perfectly complementing the other ingredients, and the addition of fresh mint leaves adds a burst of aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish. The result is a delicious salad with seasonal vegetables that is not only filling but also fresh, making it an excellent choice for warm weather. Plus, a homemade vinaigrette takes this salad to the next level, enhancing the flavors and tying everything together. Push aside the store-bought and sugar-filled dressings because this vinaigrette is healthy, easy to make, and uses ingredients that can be found in your pantry, ensuring that you can whip it up anytime. With its vibrant colors and delightful textures, this salad is sure to impress and satisfy your guests!

3 Easy Steps to a Delicious Salad

Would you believe me if I told you that this salad comes together in just THREE easy steps? Well, believe it! This salad really couldn't be easier to make, making it a fantastic choice for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike.

Start by washing the arugula under cold water to ensure it's fresh and crisp, then use a paper towel to gently pat it dry. Once it's ready, add the arugula to a large bowl and set it aside, admiring the vibrant green color. Next, add two cups of cooked quinoa to the bowl. You can use any kind of quinoa here—whether it's traditional white, nutty red, or even black—just make sure it's fully cooled before adding it to the bowl to ensure the arugula doesn't wilt. For an extra burst of flavor, if you're cooking the quinoa at home, consider using vegetable broth instead of water; it will elevate the taste and make your salad even more delicious!

Next, thinly slice the cucumber and radishes, which will add a refreshing crunch to your salad. You can use a sharp chef's knife for precision, or a mandolin if you prefer a closer cut and perfectly uniform slices. Once you've sliced the cucumber and radishes, add them to the bowl, creating a beautiful medley of colors and textures. While we still need to add the fragrant mint leaves and crumbled feta cheese, we will hold off on adding those ingredients until after we prepare the vinaigrette, ensuring each element shines in its own right.

Homemade Vinaigrette

Have you ever examined the label of your favorite store-bought vinaigrette? You may be surprised to learn just how much sugar is in a "simple" dressing. Luckily, vinaigrettes are SO easy to make at home, and without all the added sugar. Plus, you probably have all of the ingredients to make this delicious homemade vinaigrette just sitting in your pantry right now!

This vinaigrette recipe uses just five ingredients: red wine vinegar, olive oil, cane sugar, oregano, and pepper. To make this vinaigrette, add all of the ingredients to a mason jar or large glass. If you're using a mason jar, cover with a lid and shake vigorously until combined. Or use a fork to whisk the ingredients together until smooth. That's it! This delicious vinaigrette will last up to 5 days covered and refrigerated. Did I mention that it is also a great marinade for shrimp? It's a win-win!

Easy Additions

One of the many great things about this salad is how easy it is to customize. While it's delicious on its own, additions like grilled chicken can transform this recipe from a refreshing side dish to a full meal, making it versatile for any occasion! Check out a few of my favorite additions below:

• Grilled chicken breast adds a savory element and pairs beautifully with the fresh flavors of the salad.
• Citrus salmon brings a zesty twist, enhancing the overall taste with its bright flavors and omega-3 goodness.
• Sautéed shrimp adds a touch of elegance and a delightful texture that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
• Walnuts or sliced almonds contribute a satisfying crunch and healthy fats, enriching the salad's flavor profile and nutritional value.

There are so many more possibilities, but those are just a few of my favorite additions! Not only do they make the dish more filling, but they also add a serving of protein that goes great with the quinoa and feta cheese, creating a balanced meal that keeps you energized. With these options, you can easily adapt the salad to suit your taste or dietary preferences, ensuring that it remains a go-to dish for any gathering or occasion.