Deliciously Refreshing Black-Eyed Pea Salad Recipe
Welcome, my dear food enthusiasts, to a Southern delight that has been satisfying taste buds for generations. Today’s recipe is all about the Black-Eyed Pea Salad, a classic that reminds me of happier times in Tennessee – especially during the New Year’s celebration. This dish is the perfect addition to any party and it will leave your guests wanting more.
Growing up, my mother always said that black-eyed peas represented good luck, wealth and fortune for the coming year. I never put much stock into it; however, I do believe in a delicious and mouth-watering recipe that gathers friends and family around the table. Trust me, this recipe is one of those dishes that will have everyone begging for seconds.
The best part about this Black-Eyed Pea Salad Recipe is how versatile it truly is. You can serve it hot or cold, as a side dish or main course – and the veggies you can add are endless. Not to mention, it’s packed with nutrients that not only tastes great but also make you feel fulfilled and satisfied.
So strap on your apron and let’s kick off the New Year with a bang! Next up, we’ll dive in deeper into why you’ll love this recipe even more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture yourself at a New Year’s Eve party, surrounded by collard greens, corn salad, and other typical dishes. You spot it: the Black-Eyed Pea Salad. It’s an unexpected change from the norm, but trust me – you will not regret giving this dish a try.
The black-eyed peas add a Southern twist to the salad, infusing each bite with a unique texture and flavor. But don’t let that fool you; this is not your typical side dish. Thanks to the pop of color from diced red onions, red bell peppers, and grape tomatoes, this recipe is visually appealing as well as delicious.
And let’s not forget about the lemon juice vinaigrette. The citrusy tang elevates the taste of every ingredient, tying them all together into a mouthwatering experience.
But what sets this recipe apart is its versatility. This Black-Eyed Pea Salad will complement any main course you have planned for your party or gathering. Whether you’re serving up spicy Hattie B’s chicken or a refreshing green salad, the flavors from the black-eyed pea salad will enhance any meal.
In short, if you’re willing to consider something new for your holiday feast or just want to change up your routine side dish, this Black-Eyed Pea Salad Recipe is the perfect addition to your menu.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this scrumptious Black-Eyed Pea Salad:
For the Salad:
- 2 cans (15 ounces) black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup canola oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Juice of one lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Note: You can adjust the amount of dressing according to your preference. If you like it with more dressing, feel free to double the quantity of each ingredient.
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these simple steps and impress your guests with a flavorful black-eyed pea salad:
Ingredients
| Ingredients 1x | Ingredients 2x | Ingredients 3x |
| — | — | — |
| 2 cans (15 ounces each) black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained | 4 cans (15 ounces each) black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained | 6 cans (15 ounces each) black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained |
| 1 cup diced red bell pepper | 2 cups diced red bell pepper | 3 cups diced red bell pepper |
| 1/3 cup diced green bell pepper | 2/3 cup diced green bell pepper | 1 cup diced green bell pepper |
| 1/3 cup diced red onion in small bits | 2/3 cup diced red onion in small bits | one cup diced red onion in small bits |
| a half cup finely chopped fresh parsley leaves + for garnish if desired| one cup finely chopped fresh parsley leaves + for garnish if desired | one and a half cups finely chopped fresh parsley leaves + for garnish if desired |
| four green onions, sliced thinly at an angle (~1/4 inch thick rounds) | eight green onions, sliced thinly at an angle (~1/4 inch thick rounds) ||
Steps
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In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, wine vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, lemon juice and minced garlic. Add the black-eyed peas, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley leaves, green onions, and bell peppers.
Tip: You can mix the ingredients up to a few hours beforehand; the longer it sits together in the fridge (minimum 30 minutes), the more flavors will meld.
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Toss all ingredients gently until everything is coated evenly with the dressing. This will keep them from getting too mushy.
Tip: Use a large mixing bowl to ensure everything is well-combined.
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Once combined well enough (use your judgement), refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
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Before serving sprinkle some of the fresh parsley on top of the salad bowl; this will add an extra bit of flavor and presentation!
This easy Black-Eyed Pea Salad recipe is perfect for any occasion! The combination of flavors and textures makes it a great option as a healthy side dish for barbecue dinners or even as part of your New Year’s Day menu (an old Southern tradition). Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
As a home chef, I understand the importance of personalizing recipes. Here are some substitutions and variations to help bring your own spin to this black-eyed pea salad recipe:
– Beans: If you don’t have black-eyed peas on hand, try using other types of beans such as kidney beans, navy beans, or cannellini beans.
– Dressing: Swap out the canola oil for olive oil or sunflower oil. You can also substitute apple cider vinegar for the red wine vinegar. Play around with the sugar and lemon juice ratios to suit your preferences.
– Vegetables: Try adding different vegetables like grated carrots, corn, or celery. Replace the green bell pepper with a poblano pepper for a subtle spiciness.
– Greens: This salad pairs well with collard greens but feel free to use any leafy greens like arugula or spinach.
– Spices: Experiment with your favorite spices! Add spices like smoked paprika, cumin or coriander powder to add depth of flavor.
A little experimentation can go a long way in making this salad uniquely yours. Don’t be afraid to mix things up!
Serving and Pairing
Ah, the grand finale! It’s time to serve that black-eyed pea salad and let your guests chow down on its juicy goodness.
That being said, there’s a particular art to pairing this salad, so let’s get our taste buds going. The salad takes center stage for any soul food or New Year’s day feast, but it’s a versatile dish that goes with various meals.
One approach is to pair this salad with barbeque food like Spicy BBQ Ribs or Southern Fried Chicken. Even though it tastes delicious, the sweet and sour flavors can also help cut through those heavier dishes.
Alternatively, this black-eyed pea salad pairs incredibly well with lighter fare like Green Salad or Corn Salad as a side dish. Moreover, when considering pairing the salad with another dish, you’ll want something with complimentary or contrasting flavors. For example, if your main entrée is more acidic and spicy, adding in some cool and refreshing Greek Salad might counterbalance the meal perfectly.
To keep the soulful theme alive of this recipe, I’d suggest serving this black-eyed pea salad alongside a hunk of cornbread or fluffy biscuits. As well as complementing each other in terms of flavors and textures, they serve up an enticing display of Southern charm on the table.
After all, a great host knows that half the appeal of cooking is presentation. The vibrant tones of the peppers, tomatoes and onions play off of each other so wonderfully to create a dynamic texture and appearance that are naturally pleasing to the eye.
But let’s not forget that this salad stands tall on its legs as a vegetarian or vegan main course itself and can satisfy anyone’s comfort food cravings without a sweat.
In summary, don’t shy away from experimenting with different side dishes and entrees to find the perfect match—but keep it southern if you feel brave enough!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
There are times when you may want to prepare this Black-Eyed Pea Salad in advance, or you may want to store leftovers for later use. Well, not to worry, as this salad can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s a great time saver when you have guests coming over and need to plan your menu in advance.
When storing this Black-Eyed Pea Salad, make sure to keep it in a tightly sealed container or covered bowl to prevent any air from seeping in. This will help to maintain its freshness and flavor. Before serving again, allow the salad to come back down to room temperature before giving it a quick toss.
If you have leftover salad and would like to reheat it, be mindful that the Black-Eyed Pea flavors can become bland if heated excessively as well as lead to shriveled vegetables or foliage. Therefore, it’s essential to warm it slowly over low heat so you won’t compromise its flavors as well as texture.
To reheating salad dishes cut into small pieces like this one, I usually suggest using a microwave, steamer basket or oven. To avoid a mushy texture or wilted greens from overheating the leafy greens (discarding them is also an option), only reheat what you plan on eating leaving behind any dressing until sure about how much heating is required.
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking the perfect black-eyed pea salad may seem daunting at first, but with a few simple tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create a dish that your guests won’t soon forget. Here are some ways to ensure that your black-eyed pea salad recipe turns out perfectly every time:
1. Don’t overcook the black-eyed peas
Overcooked black-eyed peas can quickly turn into mush, ruining the texture of your salad. To avoid this, make sure to cook them until they’re tender but still hold their shape. This should take around 20-30 minutes, depending on the freshness of your peas.
2. Use fresh and quality ingredients
The key to any good dish is to use fresh and high-quality ingredients. When making black-eyed pea salad, use fresh parsley leaves, green onions, red bell pepper, tomatoes, and red onion. This will enhance the flavor and bring out the best in every ingredient.
3. Use lemon juice or vinegar to balance flavors
If you feel like your black-eyed pea salad is too sweet or too salty, don’t worry – it’s easy to fix! Simply add some lemon juice or vinegar to balance out the flavors. You can also add a pinch of sugar if it needs a little sweetness.
4. Let it marinate
Letting the black-eyed pea salad rest for at least an hour will allow all the flavors to infuse and meld together perfectly. If you’re serving it for a party or event, prepare it ahead of time and let it chill in the fridge for a few hours.
5. Experiment with spices and herbs
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs to add depth of flavor to your dish. A dash of cumin or paprika can make all the difference! Just remember not to overpower the other flavors in your salad.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to impress your family and friends with a tantalizing bowl of delicious black-eyed pea salad every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the black-eyed pea salad recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s an easy way to add a healthy side dish to your meal plan or impress your guests at a party. With its fresh ingredients, colorful appearance, and Southern flair, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
So why not give this recipe a try? Whether you’re celebrating the New Year, enjoying a summer barbecue, or just looking for a tasty and healthy dish, this black-eyed pea salad is perfect for any occasion. Make it your own by adding your own variations and substitutions, or pair it with other dishes like collard greens or corn salad.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different dressings or flavors until you find the perfect combination that suits your taste buds. And don’t forget to share this recipe with your family and friends so they can also experience the goodness of this easy-to-prepare dish that packs a punch of flavors. So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and start tossing!
Black-Eyed Pea Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeno, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 1/4 cup unseasoned rice wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- salt & freshly ground black pepper
- 2 (15 ounce) cans black-eyed peas, drained
Instructions
- Combine the first 6 ingredients in a bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the rice wine vinegar, canola oil, sugar, and salt and pepper.
- Toss all together and let marinate for at up to 8 hours in the refrigerator before serving.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!