If you’re looking for a dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrition, let me introduce you to my go-to black eyed pea salad! This vibrant, refreshing salad is a wonderful mix of flavors and textures, making it a perfect side dish or a light meal on its own. Black eyed peas are a great source of protein and fiber, which means you’re not just enjoying something tasty, but also something that fuels your body. I love whipping this up on warm days or when I need a quick, healthy option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your meal rotation too!
Ingredients for Black Eyed Pea Salad
Getting the ingredients together for this black eyed pea salad is super simple! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked black eyed peas (drained and rinsed if from a can)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh and juicy, please!)
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber (for that refreshing crunch)
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion (adds a nice bite)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for color and flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin is my favorite!)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed, if you can)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with the seasoning!)
With these fresh ingredients, you’re just a mix away from a delightful salad! Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go—it makes the assembly process a breeze!
How to Prepare Black Eyed Pea Salad
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to whip up this delightful black eyed pea salad! The steps are straightforward, and you’ll have a fresh, vibrant dish in no time. Ready? Let’s go!
Step 1: Combine the Vegetables
First things first, grab a large mixing bowl. In it, combine your cooked black eyed peas, diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley. Make sure to give those tomatoes a good chop—nobody wants big chunks here! I like to mix the peas and veggies gently with a spatula so they stay intact and beautiful. This is where the magic starts to happen, and the colors just pop! It’s like a little rainbow of freshness!
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
Now, let’s make the dressing! In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This is a simple step, but oh-so-important. You want to whisk until it’s well combined, and the oil and lemon juice play nice together. The dressing should have a nice balance—tangy from the lemon but smooth from the oil. Give it a taste, and adjust the seasoning if you’d like! Trust me, this simple dressing ties everything together beautifully.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
Here comes the fun part! Pour the dressing over your salad mixture in the large bowl. Now, using a spatula or tongs, toss everything together gently but thoroughly. You want every pea and piece of vegetable to be coated in that zesty dressing. This step is crucial because it’s where all the flavors meld together! Plus, it’s a great workout for your arms—who knew salad making could be a mini workout?
Step 4: Serve or Chill
Finally, you can serve your salad right away if you’re feeling impatient (totally get that!). But if you have the time, I recommend letting it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to deepen and mingle even more, making each bite even more delicious. Whether you serve it immediately or let it chill, I promise it’ll be a hit at your table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 15 minutes!
- Made with fresh, wholesome ingredients that burst with flavor.
- Nutritious and filling, thanks to the protein and fiber from black eyed peas.
- Versatile enough to serve as a side dish or a light meal.
- Perfect for meal prep—make it ahead of time for busy days.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or herbs for added variety.
- Great for potlucks or gatherings—everyone loves a colorful, tasty salad!
Tips for Success
To make sure your black eyed pea salad turns out perfect every time, here are some of my top tips that I swear by:
- Use fresh ingredients: The fresher your veggies, the better your salad will taste! Try to pick ripe, juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers for that crunch.
- Don’t skip the chill: Chilling the salad not only enhances the flavor but also makes it super refreshing, especially on warm days. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
- Experiment with herbs: While parsley is great, feel free to mix it up with cilantro or basil for a different flavor profile. Each herb brings its own unique taste to the salad!
- Ingredient swaps: If you’re not a fan of red onion, try green onions or shallots for a milder flavor. You can also add bell peppers or corn for extra texture and sweetness.
- Season to taste: Always start with less salt and pepper, then adjust as you go. Everyone’s palate is different, and you want to find that perfect balance!
- Add a kick: If you love a little heat, throw in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. It adds a spicy twist that some guests will rave about!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this delightful black eyed pea salad. Enjoy being creative and making it your own!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this black eyed pea salad! Each serving is not only delicious but also loaded with nutrients that your body will love. Here’s a typical breakdown per serving, though keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
This salad is not only a great source of protein and fiber, but it also keeps things light and fresh. It’s perfect for those looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor! Remember, these values are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your specific ingredients. Enjoy nourishing your body with this wholesome dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
Got some questions about making the perfect black eyed pea salad? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear, along with my answers to help you out:
Can I use canned black eyed peas?
Absolutely! Canned black eyed peas are a great time-saver. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well to get rid of any excess sodium. They’ll work perfectly in this salad!
What can I substitute for parsley?
If parsley isn’t your thing, no worries! You can swap it out for fresh cilantro or even basil. Each herb brings a unique flavor, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite!
How long will the salad last in the fridge?
This black eyed pea salad will stay fresh in an airtight container for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving, and you’re good to go!
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! This salad is super versatile. Bell peppers, corn, or even avocado can be fantastic additions. Just make sure to chop them up so they mix well with the other ingredients.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch at the start of the week, and you’ll have a healthy lunch or side ready to go. Just remember to give it a little stir before digging in!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of this black eyed pea salad is super easy, and it keeps well in the fridge! Just place any uneaten salad in an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days, so you can enjoy those delicious flavors throughout the week. Just make sure to give it a good stir before serving again, as the dressing might settle a bit.
Now, let’s talk reheating! While I typically recommend enjoying this salad cold—after all, it’s so refreshing—I know some folks like to warm it up. If you do want to reheat it, I suggest using the microwave. Just place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in short increments, about 30 seconds at a time. Stir in between to ensure it warms evenly. But remember, this salad is meant to be served chilled for the best flavor and texture, so don’t feel pressured to heat it up!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got this delicious black eyed pea salad ready to go, let’s talk about how to elevate your meal experience! This salad is super versatile, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:
- Grilled Chicken or Fish: The light, refreshing nature of the salad complements grilled proteins perfectly. Try serving it alongside some lemon-herb grilled chicken or a flaky piece of grilled salmon—yum!
- Tacos: Use the salad as a vibrant topping for tacos! Whether you’re making chicken, fish, or veggie tacos, a scoop of this salad adds crunch and a burst of flavor.
- Quinoa or Rice Bowls: Serve the black eyed pea salad over a bed of quinoa or brown rice for a filling and nutritious meal. It’s a great way to incorporate whole grains into your diet!
- Sandwiches or Wraps: Add a generous scoop of this salad to your favorite sandwich or wrap. It’s a fantastic way to enhance the flavor and add a nutritious twist!
- As a Side Dish: This salad shines as a side dish at any meal. Whether you’re having a barbecue, picnic, or just a cozy dinner at home, it brings color and health to your table!
- With Hummus and Pita: Create a fun appetizer platter with this salad, some creamy hummus, and warm pita bread. It’s perfect for sharing with friends or family!
These serving suggestions not only complement the black eyed pea salad but also enhance your overall meal experience. Get creative and mix and match to find what works best for you. Enjoy your culinary adventures!
Print
Black Eyed Pea Salad: 7 Reasons You’ll Love This Delightful Dish
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and nutritious black eyed pea salad.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked black eyed peas
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine black eyed peas, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This salad can be made a day in advance.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: black eyed pea salad
