Healthy Good Luck Salad Recipe for Refreshing Meal
As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve and we step into the year 2023, many of us are hoping for a fresh start, a new chapter in our lives, and of course, good luck. In many cultures, certain foods are believed to bring good luck when eaten on New Year’s Day. One such food is black-eyed peas, which symbolize coins and prosperity. Another is greens, which represent money and financial stability. And what’s better than having both in one delicious dish?
That’s where my New Year’s Day Good Luck Salad comes in. This salad combines the flavors of black-eyed peas, greens, and other veggies in a Southern-style dish that is not only delicious but also brings good luck for the rest of the year. As a home chef who loves throwing parties, I always make sure to include this salad on my New Year’s Day menu, and it never fails to impress.
In this recipe article, I will walk you through every step of making this salad so that you can impress your family and friends with a traditional New Year’s Day dish that is easy to make yet tastes amazing. Trust me; your tastebuds will thank you for it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
As you prepare to say goodbye to 2022 and usher in the year 2023, are you searching for a recipe to start the new year on a positive note? Look no further than this traditional New Year’s Day Good Luck Salad. This recipe is sure to bring good luck your way because it is chock-full of ingredients believed to bring prosperity, health, and good fortune in the coming year.
Not only is this salad steeped in tradition, but it also delivers a burst of vibrant and delicious flavors. Each ingredient brings its unique texture and flavor profile to the table, from black-eyed peas’ earthy creaminess to crunchy celery, sharp red onions, and tangy sherry wine vinegar. The addition of turkey kielbasa provides a savory smokiness that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of Yukon Gold potatoes, while fresh cilantro adds a touch of brightness.
What’s more interesting about this recipe is its versatility. It can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it an excellent dish for both winter and summer feast alike. You can also customize it based on your preference or what’s available in your pantry or refrigerator. For example, spice lovers may want to add in some Tabasco sauce and extra pepper for a little heat, while spinach salad makes a perfect substitute for collard greens.
This New Year’s Day Good Luck Salad is not only nutritious but also packed with essential nutrients that will keep you feeling full throughout the day. So whether you’re starting off the year with brunch or meal-prepping ahead of time – this recipe will become a regular part of your meal rotation.
In conclusion, this recipe ticks all the boxes concerning taste, nutrition, and cultural significance that good luck foods should have. From its Southern-style roots to its promise of good fortune in the year ahead, you’ll love serving up this salad as you ring in 2023!
Ingredient List
Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a look at all the ingredients you will need for the New Year’s Day Good Luck Salad Recipe. This recipe incorporates traditional ingredients that symbolize good luck for the New Year. Black-eyed peas, also known as cowpeas, are a staple ingredient in Southern-style New Year’s Day foods as they represent coins and are believed to bring good fortune in the upcoming year. In addition to that, this salad recipe also calls for spinach, which represents money, and collard greens, which represent paper cash.
Here is a complete list of ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas
- 1 Yukon gold potato
- 1 turkey kielbasa
- 1 red onion
- 1 celery stalk
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 2 cups collard greens
- Radish (for garnishing)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnishing)
For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 3 tablespoons sherry wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- Dash of Tabasco sauce
It may seem like a long list of ingredients, but don’t worry! All of these items can be found at your local grocery store. Now that we have our ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking!
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
Before starting, gather and prepare all the fresh ingredients for the salad. Begin by washing and chopping 2 cups of fresh spinach, 1 cup of fresh cilantro, and ½ cup of thinly sliced red onion. Wash, seed and chop 1 red bell pepper and 1 green bell pepper. Cut off the ends of a bunch of 5-6 stalks of celery and slice them into thin crescent moons. Finally, open a can of 15 oz. black-eyed peas and rinse them thoroughly in a colander under running water. Set all prepared ingredients aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Kielbasa Sausage
Slice a package of turkey kielbasa sausage into thin rounds approximately ½-inch thick using a sharp knife or food slicer. Place the sliced kielbasa in a preheated skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of canola oil. Cook until browned on both sides, then remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Salad Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup sherry wine vinegar with one tablespoon of cider vinegar, a tablespoon of sugar, half-teaspoon salt, and half-teaspoon black pepper. Slowly pour in three tablespoons of canola oil while whisking continuously until everything is well-blended.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine all salad ingredients: chopped vegetables, kielbasa slices, and rinsed black-eyed peas. Drizzle salad dressing over the top ingredients and toss well to coat evenly.
Step 5: Add Flavor Enhancements
For added flavor, add two tablespoons of Tabasco sauce to give the salad some kick. If desired add more salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
Serve garnished with fresh chopped cilantro alongside roasted Yukon gold potato wedges or cornbread muffins for an outstanding New Year’s Day dinner or lunch idea that embodies good luck traditions!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this New Year’s Day Good Luck Salad Recipe is that it’s very customizable to fit your taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Here are a few substitutions and variations that you can experiment with:
– Protein: If turkey kielbasa isn’t your thing or if you’re vegetarian, try substituting it with diced chicken breast, cubed ham, or even crumbled bacon bits. You can also omit the meat entirely and add in some chopped hard-boiled eggs or cooked quinoa for added protein.
– Vegetables: While the recipe calls for specific vegetables like radish, red onion, celery, red and green bell peppers, feel free to substitute any crunchy vegetables that you have on hand. Some great options include cucumber, carrot, jicama, or even snap peas. You can also swap out the black-eyed peas for other beans such as chickpeas or kidney beans.
– Dressing: The dressing is a key component of this recipe, giving it a tangy kick with sherry wine vinegar and Tabasco sauce. However, if you don’t have those ingredients on hand or if you prefer a milder flavor, you can use apple cider vinegar instead of sherry wine vinegar and skip the Tabasco altogether. You can also switch out the canola oil for another neutral-tasting oil like grapeseed or avocado oil.
– Greens: While spinach is used in this recipe as the base for the salad, collard greens would be a more traditional choice in Southern cuisine. If you want to mix it up even more, try using arugula or mixed baby greens instead.
Overall, don’t be afraid to play around with different ingredients to make this salad your own. With so many possibilities for substitutions and variations, you’ll soon have a go-to recipe for any meal of the day!
Serving and Pairing
This Good Luck Salad is a crowd-pleaser that will bring your guests all the fortune they need to conquer the year ahead. The colorful mix of black-eyed peas, vegetables, and cilantro come together to create a flavorful and refreshing dish perfect for any celebration, especially on New Year’s Day.
To serve, consider placing the salad in a large decorative bowl, garnished with some additional cilantro. You can also add some crunch by topping the salad with roasted nuts, like almonds or pecans. Serve chilled or at room temperature to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
As for pairing, this salad is quite versatile and can be enjoyed with many different dishes. For a Southern-style meal, serve it alongside collard greens and cornbread. It also pairs well with turkey kielbasa or smoked ham, earning its place on any New Year’s Day menu. For something lighter, accompany it with a fresh spinach salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette.
The beauty of this dish is how easy it is to pair with your taste preference. Let your creativity flow and enjoy as you hop into 2023 with a dose of good luck from this appetizing Good Luck Salad.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As with many salads, this Good Luck Salad is best made in advance to let the flavors meld together. You can easily make it a day ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and then give it a good stir before serving. The red onion and bell peppers may release some of their juices while sitting in the dressing, which will not affect the taste of the salad but can slightly soften the textures. So keep that in mind if you want to keep the pepper crunch.
If you have any leftovers or want to double the recipe for a larger crowd, you can store it in the fridge for up to three days. It can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. You may need to add a little more vinegar and salt just before serving as the salad can become dry over time.
To reheat leftovers, you can either microwave it for 30 seconds to 1 minute or heat it over low-medium heat on a stove until warmed through. I would recommend not reheating it more than once as multiple heatings and coolings can lower the quality of fresh ingredients.
If you’re prepping for a party or dinner event, you could also get ahead by washing and chopping all the vegetables and greens ahead of time so that everything is ready when you are ready to assemble the salad. Just store them separately in airtight containers to avoid spoiling or wilting due to moisture loss.
Overall, this dish is very easy-going when it comes to storing and reheating, so don’t be afraid to make extra or prepare it ahead of time!
Tips for Perfect Results
Achieving perfect results with this Black Eyed Pea Salad Recipe may seem like a daunting task, but with a few tips and tricks, anyone can master it. So, here are eight tips for achieving mouthwatering salad goodness that will make your New Year’s Day meal memorable.
First and foremost, it is important to give ample time for the flavors to meld together. This means letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least two hours before serving. Doing so allows the beans to soak up all the vibrant flavors of the dressing and produces a harmonious blend throughout the dish.
Another essential mandate for this recipe is seasoning fresh ingredients such as bell peppers, celery, red onions, and kielbasa sausage. Cutting them in small pieces is not enough but sprinkle with pepper and salt against any sassiness of blandness after mixing these vegetables into your salad bowl.
To prevent the radishes from becoming excessively juicy before serving rightly sliced or diced and keep them separately from other vegetables. The cilantro should only be added as you dress serve over punchy citrus flavor instead of bitterness.
It’s no secret that black-eyed peas tend to be on the firmer side, so if you prefer a mellower texture, then go an extra mile of simmering them longer than recommended until they drastically become soft but firm in a sense of manner; however, beware not to overcook them.
When it comes to dressing cohesion do not hesitate to add more vinegar or lemon juice when tasting your combo since your taste buds may register differently compared to earlier.
If you prefer your salad hot and sizzling instead of cold and refreshing, try pouring some hot bacon drippings or grease on top instead of dripping oil or over-saturated water.
Lastly, don’t be afraid of trying new spices like Tabasco if you want to achieve an even more vivid tangy effect. Having several spices such as thyme, rosemary may also enhance this palate experience while still maintaining Southern-style cuisine neutrality.
We highly recommend following these tips since they will guarantee excellent results regardless of your cooking expertise.
FAQ
Now that we’ve gone through all the different aspects of making this scrumptious New Year’s Day Good Luck Salad, you may have some lingering questions about the recipe. To help answer these inquiries and clear up any confusion, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions and provided detailed answers to ensure you have everything you need to make this dish with ease.
What do you cook for good luck in the new year?
Ring in the New Year with delicious and culturally significant dishes! Whip up some fluffy donuts to start your day, and savor a serving of black-eyed peas for some Southern superstition. Prepare some hearty soba noodles for longevity and prosperity, and indulge in juicy pork for good fortune. Add some smashed ripe pomegranates to your menu for an extra dose of good luck, or break a wishbone with your loved ones for a playful tradition. And why not enjoy some flavorful lentils for extra success and prosperity in the year ahead? These dishes will not only impress your guests, but they will also bring a meaningful touch to your New Year’s celebration.
What are 3 foods that are eaten on new year’s Day?
This dish comprising of black-eyed peas, leafy greens and cornbread with a side of ham is a Southern favorite that’s widely enjoyed not just within the region but across the country. The combination is also believed to bring good luck and fortune, with the peas symbolizing pennies, the greens representing dollars, and the cornbread standing in for gold.
What is traditional new year’s Day dinner for good luck?
Different cultures around the world have their own unique ways of ushering in the new year with symbolic foods. In the American South, some of the customary dishes include black-eyed peas, greens, pork, and cornbread. Meanwhile, other countries opt for foods like longevity noodles, dumplings, or grapes to represent good luck in the year ahead. As a home chef who loves throwing parties, it’s always fun to incorporate these traditions into my menus and celebrate the new year with delicious dishes that have a deeper meaning.
What is the traditional new year’s Day food?
Pork is a popular food choice for New Year’s Day due to its association with bringing good luck. Despite being commonly associated with holiday meals, ham and other pork dishes have a special significance when it comes to ringing in the new year.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, there’s no better way to start off the New Year than with a good luck salad recipe. This salad is easy to make and perfect for those who are looking to add a little Southern charm and tradition to their New Year’s Day meal.
The combination of the black-eyed peas, collard greens, and bacon dressing not only makes for a delicious salad but one that is steeped in food traditions. Whether you’re having this salad for lunch, dinner or adding it to your New Year’s Day menu, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone.
So why not add this good luck salad recipe to your year 2023 meal plans? It’s a great way to bring in the New Year, eating black-eyed peas, collard greens and bringing good luck on this day. Trust me; you’ll love it!
New Year’s Day Good Luck Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb yukon gold potato
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 3/4 cup chopped celery
- 3/4 cup chopped red onion
- 3/4 lb turkey kielbasa, diced and lightly sauteed
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- salt
- pepper
- 1/2 cup sliced radish
Dressing
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 4 tablespoons sherry wine vinegar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
Instructions
- In a saucepan (big enough to accomodate the potatoes without crowding), add potatoes, water to cover, and 1 teaspoon salt per quart of water.
- Cover partially and bring to a boil; cook about 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced.
- Drain the potatoes in a collander; return potatoes to the warm saucepan and toss them over low heat to dry them.
- When cool enough to handle, peel and cut into 1/4-inch cubes.
- Put potatoe cubes in a large bowl and sprinkle with the cider vinegar while still warm.
- To make the dressing: in a bowl, whisk the canola oil, sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper, and Tabasco until well blended.
- To the potatoes add the black-eyed peas, bell peppers, celery, onion, sausage, and cilantro.
- Pour the dressing over all and mix gently to coat thoroughly.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and refrigerate.
- May serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Right before serving, garnish with radish slices.
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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!