Lately I’ve been doing this rad thing where I give my veggies and grains a little pep in their step. Instead of adding a splash of olive oil and a pinch of salt and calling it a day, I’m taking it a step further. Like adding crusty panko breadcrumbs to cauliflower. Or a spoonful of harissa to the uncooked quinoa. And last but not least, turning up the snap pea cool-o-meter with humble pesto! You can make it. You can buy it. You can eat it with a spoon or slather it on a sammie. Or, you can toss it with veggies pre-roast for some extra oomph. We’re making vegetables a wee bit less boring today because come one, who doesn’t like pesto?! Roasting sugar snap peas brings out their amazing sweet flavor. You’re going to be in love!
How to roast snap peas
Roasting snap peas couldn’t be easier. I like to buy a 16oz bag, give them a good rinse, and remove any stems first. Dry well with a paper towel or in the salad spinner.
What’s the difference between snap peas and snow peas?
For this recipe, we want sugar snap peas versus snow peas or garden peas. Sugar snap peas taste the sweetest! Snow peas are more flat with little peas. Garden peas have a really tough (and inedible) exterior. Frozen peas that we all know and love are from the shells of garden peas.
How to prepare snap peas
Simply slice or snap off the ends and remove any brown strings from the other side if you prefer.
When are snap peas in season?
Snap pea season is around the corner! You should buy them from April til late July when they’re at their prime. They should be smooth, plump, and “snap” when you break them in half.
Can you eat the shells?
Yes! Unlike garden peas, the outer shell is delicious and totally edible, just like the little peas inside.
Storage tips
Store leftover roasted snap peas in the refrigerator for up to two days. I like them best right out of the oven!
More veggie-forward sides I’m obsessed with
healthy broccoli salad summer quinoa salad maple balsamic roasted brussels sprouts strawberry balsamic spinach salad
Snap peas are about to change ya LIFE! Print
