Refreshing Black-Eyed Pea Salad for Summer Gatherings

Black-eyed peas, vibrant and full of life, are the stars of the show in this delightful Black-Eyed Pea Salad. Imagine the crunch of fresh vegetables mingling with the earthy goodness of these tiny legumes, topped off with a zesty dressing that dances on your taste buds. This salad is not just a dish; it’s an experience that sings of summer picnics and family gatherings.

Picture yourself at a backyard barbecue, laughter filling the air as you take a bite of this colorful creation. Each forkful bursts with flavor, reminding you of those cherished moments spent with loved ones. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon or a cozy evening, this salad is perfect for any occasion. You’ll find yourself dreaming about its refreshing taste long after the last bite.

Ingredients for Black-Eyed Pea Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Black-Eyed Peas: Canned or cooked from dry beans, these legumes are the heart of this salad and add protein and fiber.

• Red Bell Pepper: Choose firm peppers for sweetness and color; they make your salad pop visually.

• Cucumber: Fresh cucumbers provide a crunchy texture that balances the creaminess of the dressing.

• Red Onion: A subtle kick of flavor that adds depth; soak it in cold water to mellow its sharpness if desired.

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley brings a burst of freshness; opt for flat-leaf parsley for more flavor.

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and zest—bottled lemon juice just won’t cut it!

• Olive Oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil enriches the dressing with healthy fats and a fruity aroma.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Black-Eyed Pea Salad

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Rinse and Drain

Start by rinsing the black-eyed peas under cold water to remove any excess salt from canned beans. Drain them well to ensure your salad doesn’t become too soggy.

Step 2: Chop Your Veggies

Dice the red bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion into small pieces. Make sure they are bite-sized so they mix well with the peas while providing an enjoyable crunch.

Step 3: Mix It Up

In a large mixing bowl, combine the black-eyed peas and chopped vegetables. Toss them gently to avoid smashing those lovely peas while ensuring everything is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Prepare the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to get creative here—add some garlic powder or cumin if you want an extra kick!

Step 5: Combine Everything

Pour the dressing over your pea and veggie mixture. Stir everything together until all ingredients are coated beautifully in that zesty goodness.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Let your salad chill in the refrigerator for at least thirty minutes before serving—this helps all those fabulous flavors meld together beautifully! Serve it chilled on its own or as a side alongside grilled meats.

Enjoy every bite knowing you’ve crafted something not just nutritious but also bursting with personality! Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by rinsing the black-eyed peas thoroughly before cooking them. While they cook, chop up all the vegetables and whip together the dressing. This way, everything is ready when the peas are done, making your assembly seamless!

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your taste. You can use black beans instead of black-eyed peas or add diced avocados for creaminess. Want some heat? Toss in jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for fun!

Storing & Reheating

Store the black-eyed pea salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to reheat, do so gently on low heat while adding a splash of olive oil to keep it moist.

Sometimes I wonder if my friends love this salad more than me because every time I make it, their compliments flow faster than wine at a wedding!

FAQs:

What ingredients are needed for Black-Eyed Pea Salad?

To make a delicious Black-Eyed Pea Salad, you will need canned black-eyed peas, diced bell peppers, chopped red onion, cherry tomatoes, corn, and fresh parsley. For the dressing, gather olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This combination of ingredients adds both flavor and nutrition to your salad. Feel free to customize it by adding avocado or cucumber for extra crunch.

How long can Black-Eyed Pea Salad be stored in the fridge?

You can store Black-Eyed Pea Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, for the best taste and texture, enjoy it within 24 hours of preparation. As the salad sits, the flavors meld together beautifully; just give it a good stir before serving to refresh its vibrant look.

Can I make Black-Eyed Pea Salad ahead of time?

Yes! Making Black-Eyed Pea Salad ahead of time is a great idea for meal prep or gatherings. Prepare the salad up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This way, you ensure that your salad remains fresh and crunchy when it’s time to enjoy.

Is Black-Eyed Pea Salad healthy?

Absolutely! Black-Eyed Pea Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It is high in protein and fiber from the black-eyed peas and loaded with vitamins from the colorful vegetables. This makes it a wholesome choice for lunch or as a side dish at dinner. Plus, it’s naturally low in calories, making it ideal for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.

Conclusion for Black-Eyed Pea Salad:

In summary, Black-Eyed Pea Salad offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love. With simple ingredients like black-eyed peas and fresh vegetables, this dish is both nutritious and easy to prepare. Perfect for meal prep or gatherings, it stays fresh in the fridge for several days. Enjoy this vibrant salad as a main dish or side option any day of the week!

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Black-Eyed Pea Salad

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Black-Eyed Pea Salad is a vibrant and healthy dish that perfectly captures the spirit of summer. This refreshing salad combines earthy black-eyed peas with crunchy vegetables and a zesty dressing, creating a delightful explosion of flavors in every bite. Ideal as a side dish or light main course, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress at barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings. Enjoy this colorful salad chilled for the best taste experience!

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Ingredients

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• 1 can (15 oz) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium cucumber, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Rinse and drain black-eyed peas under cold water.
2. Chop red bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion into small pieces.
3. In a large bowl, combine black-eyed peas and chopped vegetables; toss gently.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper.
5. Pour dressing over salad mixture; stir until well coated.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: N/A
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (180g)
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 0mg