The crunch of fresh veggies mingled with the creamy texture of black-eyed peas creates a symphony of flavors that dances on your taste buds. Picture this: bright bell peppers, crisp cucumbers, and zesty herbs all coming together in a bowl bursting with color and life.
I remember the first time I tried black-eyed pea salad at a summer picnic. The sun was shining, laughter filled the air, and each bite felt like a celebration. It’s the kind of dish that instantly transports you to carefree days spent under blue skies.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delicious black-eyed pea salad combines quick preparation with incredible flavors
- Customize it to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand
- Its vibrant colors create an eye-catching presentation on any table setting
- Perfect for potlucks or casual meals with family and friends
Sharing this dish at our last family reunion led to rave reviews and second helpings from everyone present!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Black-Eyed Peas: Use canned or cooked black-eyed peas; they add creaminess and protein while being super easy to work with.
- Bell Pepper: Choose red or yellow bell peppers for sweetness; they add crunch and color!
- Cucumber: Fresh cucumbers provide a refreshing crunch; opt for English cucumbers if possible.
- Red Onion: Finely chopped red onion gives a nice bite; soak in water briefly to mellow its sharpness.
- Fresh Herbs (Cilantro or Parsley): Use fresh herbs to brighten up flavors; chop them finely for even distribution.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds tang; adjust according to your tartness preference.
- Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances richness; drizzle generously over the salad.
- Salt & Pepper: Season according to taste; simple seasoning elevates all the other flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by rinsing canned black-eyed peas under cold water until well-drained. Dice bell pepper and cucumber into small pieces while finely chopping red onion.
Toss Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the black-eyed peas with diced vegetables and chopped herbs. Add lemon juice and olive oil next for that delicious dressing.
Season Generously: Sprinkle salt and pepper over your mixture according to taste preferences. Give everything a good stir until evenly coated.
Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serve & Enjoy: Once chilled, give your salad another quick toss before serving. Enjoy this delightful dish as a side or main course!
This black-eyed pea salad is not just food; it’s an experience waiting to happen!
You Must Know
- This Black-Eyed Pea Salad is not just a dish; it’s a celebration on your plate
- The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients bring life to any meal
- Plus, it’s packed with flavor and nutrition, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious foodies
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To get the best results, rinse the black-eyed peas thoroughly before cooking. Then, mix the vegetables while they cook for flavor harmony.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in seasonal veggies like corn or bell peppers. Add herbs like cilantro for an extra kick of freshness.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Black-Eyed Pea Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy chilled or let it rest at room temperature before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To elevate your Black-Eyed Pea Salad, be sure to use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor
- Always taste as you go; seasoning can make or break this dish
- Lastly, allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for optimal flavor melding
Sharing my first attempt at this salad brings back memories of my friends’ surprised faces when I told them it was a healthy dish!
FAQ
What are black-eyed peas?
Black-eyed peas are legumes that are small, round, and have a distinctive black spot.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours.
How can I add protein to this salad?
Consider adding diced grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein boost.
Refreshing Black-Eyed Pea Salad
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
This vibrant Black-Eyed Pea Salad combines fresh veggies and creamy peas for a delicious, nutritious dish perfect for gatherings or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup diced bell pepper (red or yellow)
- 1 cup diced cucumber (preferably English)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the black-eyed peas under cold water and drain well.
- In a large bowl, combine the black-eyed peas, diced bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and herbs.
- Add lemon juice and olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
- Toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve chilled as a side dish or main course.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute seasonal vegetables like corn for added variety.
- For extra protein, consider adding chickpeas or cooked chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg