Sweet, edible-podded peas make a bright, crisp and colorful salad, which is easily varied by substituting shallots for scallions or adding asparagus to the mix.

Makes 4 servings, 3/4 cup each.

ACTIVE TIME: 15 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 15 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

Ingredients:

2 cups sugar snap peas (8 ounces), trimmed

2 tablespoons white-wine vinegar

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1 bunch scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced on the diagonal

1/2 large red bell pepper, cut into 1 1/2-inch-long slivers

1. Cook peas in lightly salted boiling water in a medium saucepan until tender-crisp, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold running water.

2. Whisk vinegar, oil, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add scallions, bell pepper and the peas; toss to coat. Serve within 1 hour.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 104 calories; 7 g fat (1 g sat, 5 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 9 g carbohydrate; 2 g protein; 3 g fiber; 153 mg sodium.

Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (80% daily value), Vitamin A (25% dv).

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