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Snap Pea Salad with Coconut Gremolata

This vibrant snap pea salad with coconut gremolata is a celebration of fresh, crisp textures and bright, aromatic flavours. A refreshing dairy-free side dish, it pairs the natural sweetness of sugar snap peas and tender pea shoots with a zingy lime dressing and savoury fish sauce. The highlight is the unique gremolata topping, which combines golden toasted coconut flakes with crispy fried shallots and cooling mint for an unexpected tropical twist.

Ideal for a light lunch or as a sophisticated accompaniment to grilled seafood or poultry, this salad is both healthy and incredibly simple to assemble. By using the infused oil from the fried shallots in the dressing, you ensure a deep, savoury base that perfectly balances the citrus notes. It is a wonderful way to elevate garden peas into a dinner party-worthy plate.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Snap Pea Salad with Coconut Gremolata

  • 80ml vegetable oil

  • 1 medium shallot

  • 20g unsweetened coconut flakes

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

  • 45ml finely chopped fresh mint

  • 1 tablespoon finely grated lime zest

  • Kosher salt

  • Pepper

  • 450g halved sugar snap peas

  • 2 cups pea shoots (tendrils)

  • 1/4 cup torn mint leaves

  • 45ml shallot oil

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

  • 2 teaspoons fish sauce

How to make Snap Pea Salad with Coconut Gremolata

Heat 80ml vegetable oil and 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced into rings in a small saucepan over medium-high. Stir occasionally, until golden brown and crisp, 5–8 minutes. Transfer shallots to paper towels; season with kosher salt. Pour shallot oil into a small bowl; let cool.

Meanwhile, toast 60ml unsweetened coconut flakes in same saucepan over medium, stirring occasionally, until edges are golden brown, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl; let cool. Add fried shallot, 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives, 45ml finely chopped fresh mint, and 1 tablespoon finely grated lime zest and toss; season with kosher salt and pepper.

Toss 450g halved sugar snap peas, 2 cups pea shoots (tendrils), 1/4 cup torn mint leaves, 45ml shallot oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, and 2 teaspoons fish sauce in a medium bowl; season with flaky sea salt and pepper. Let sit 5 minutes. Serve topped with gremolata.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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