If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant salad that sings with spring’s best flavors, you’re about to fall head over heels for the Sugar Snap Pea and Asparagus Salad with Whipped Feta Recipe. This salad combines crisp asparagus and sweet sugar snap peas sautéed just enough to preserve their delightful crunch, then paired with a dreamy, cloud-like whipped feta that adds a luscious tang. Bright lemon zest, a bouquet of fresh herbs, and a hint of crushed red pepper bring balance and excitement to every bite. It’s a simple yet stunning dish that feels light, refreshing, and incredibly satisfying all at once—perfect for a quick lunch or a gorgeous side for dinner with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows fresh green asparagus spears arranged in the center on a white marbled surface. To the left, there is a white bowl full of white cottage cheese, next to a whole yellow lemon and a lemon half showing the inside. Below the asparagus, there are bunches of fresh green dill and mint leaves. On the right side, there are green snap peas and a small white bowl with a square of white cheese. Above this bowl, there are red chili flakes scattered on the white marbled surface and another small bunch of green leafy herbs near the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Sugar Snap Pea and Asparagus Salad with Whipped Feta Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, contributing distinct textures and flavors that make the salad truly memorable.

1 bunch asparagus, woody ends removed and chopped into thirds: Fresh asparagus adds a bright, earthy crunch that’s the backbone of the salad.
3 cups sugar snap peas, cut into thirds: These bring a natural sweetness and satisfying crispness to the dish.
1 tbsp olive oil: For lightly sautéing the veggies to enhance their natural flavors without losing that fresh snap.
1 tsp crushed red pepper: A subtle kick that livens up the salad with just the right amount of heat.
1 lemon, juice and zest: Adds a refreshing citrus brightness that balances the richness of the feta.
1 cup arugula: Peppery and tender, arugula lifts the salad with its unique leafy texture.
1/4 cup fresh herbs (mint, fennel fronds, tarragon, dill, parsley, chives): Choose one or a mix to introduce an aromatic complexity and fresh vibrancy.
1/4 tsp sea salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor.
Whipped Feta: Blend together 1 cup cottage cheese, 2 tbsp feta cheese, and 1 tsp feta brine for a creamy, tangy topping that ties everything together.

How to Make Sugar Snap Pea and Asparagus Salad with Whipped Feta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Sauté the Vegetables

Start by chopping the asparagus and sugar snap peas into bite-friendly thirds; this ensures every forkful has a perfect balance of crunch and tenderness. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Toss in the chopped veggies and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until they begin to soften but still keep that wonderful snap. Add the sea salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper to season and flavor the vegetables as they cook. Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly grated lemon zest over them to amplify that sunny, vibrant note.

Step 2: Whip the Feta Cheese

While your veggies are cooking, it’s time to make the whipped feta—the star creamy component that brings this salad to life. Combine the cottage cheese, feta cheese, and feta brine in a food processor. Blend until you achieve a light, airy, and creamy texture reminiscent of a smooth cloud. A grind or two of black pepper here adds a subtle sharpness to complement the dish. Set this heavenly spread aside for assembly.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

On a serving plate, create a generous smear of that whipped feta first—this acts as the luscious base for your salad. Pile the sautéed sugar snap peas and asparagus on top, then scatter fresh arugula and a mix of your chosen fresh herbs over the vegetables. Finish with a good squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle more lemon zest, and a few flakes of sea salt for texture and flavor bursts. This vibrant presentation invites everyone to dig in with delight.

How to Serve Sugar Snap Pea and Asparagus Salad with Whipped Feta Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a white plate filled with a fresh green vegetable salad. The dish has a base layer of light green leafy herbs, topped with thicker stalks of bright green asparagus and snap peas cut into pieces. Over this, there is a scattering of fine, delicate dill fronds adding texture and a few small red chili flakes for a touch of color. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding final garnishes elevates the dish to the next level. Try a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for added silkiness or a few toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for crunch and nutty undertones. A sprinkle of edible flowers also makes for an elegant and whimsical touch that works perfectly with the fresh herbs in the salad.

Side Dishes

This Sugar Snap Pea and Asparagus Salad with Whipped Feta Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or even a piece of crusty sourdough bread. If you want to keep it vegetarian, a warm quinoa pilaf or a hearty lentil stew complements the bright freshness of the salad beautifully while adding warm, earthy elements to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting a summer brunch or a casual dinner party, serve the salad in small, individual glass jars or on colorful ceramic plates to make each portion feel special. You can also transform it into an appetizer by spooning it onto crostini or stacking it in mini lettuce boats for a handheld, bite-sized delight that guests will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad is best enjoyed fresh to maintain that beautiful crispness of the vegetables. However, if you have leftovers, store the whipped feta separately from the veggies in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The vegetables will keep their texture better when not mixed with the feta until you’re ready to serve again.

Freezing

Because of the fresh vegetables and delicate whipped feta, this salad does not freeze well. Freezing will cause the vegetables to lose their crunch and the cheese to separate, so it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or within a couple of days refrigerated.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the sautéed vegetables in a skillet over low heat for just a few minutes—avoid the microwave to preserve their texture. Do not reheat the whipped feta; add it freshly whipped or chilled when serving. This keeps the salad light, fresh, and delicious every time.

FAQs

Can I use frozen sugar snap peas or asparagus for this recipe?

Fresh is always best when it comes to this salad to retain the crunch and vibrant flavor, but if you only have frozen, thaw and pat dry the veggies well before sautéing. Cooking times might be slightly shorter to avoid mushiness.

What is feta brine and can I substitute it?

Feta brine is the salty liquid feta cheese is stored in, which adds tang and saltiness when whipped in. If you don’t have feta brine, a pinch of sea salt or a splash of lemon juice can work as a substitute.

How do I destring sugar snap peas?

To remove tough strings from sugar snap peas, snap off the tail end, then gently pull the string downward away from the pod. This helps ensure every bite is smooth and pleasant.

Is this salad vegan or can it be made vegan?

As written, the recipe isn’t vegan due to the whipped feta. However, you could substitute with a plant-based cream cheese or cashew cheese whipped with a little lemon juice to mimic the creamy tang.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! Thinly sliced radishes or peas shoot could add extra color and crunch. Just keep the sauté time short to keep everything crisp.

Final Thoughts

Once you try the Sugar Snap Pea and Asparagus Salad with Whipped Feta Recipe, it’s hard to imagine a spring or summer meal without it. The balance of textures and vibrant flavors refreshes your palate and makes eating vegetables feel like a pure joy. Whether you’re feeding just yourself or serving guests, it’s simple, stunning, and always a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, this will quickly become one of your favorite go-to salads.