Oh, let me tell you, black-eyed peas are a powerhouse of nutrition! They’re packed with protein, fiber, and a good dose of vitamins, making them a fantastic choice for a healthy meal. This black-eyed pea salad is especially dear to my heart because it’s not just delicious, it’s so colorful and refreshing! I remember the first time I made it for a summer picnic; everyone raved about it! The combination of sweet cherry tomatoes and zesty lemon dressing really brings the peas to life. Trust me, once you try this salad, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen. It’s perfect for meal prep too—just let it sit and soak up all those flavors!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
How to Prepare Black-Eyed Pea Salad
Making this black-eyed pea salad is a breeze! I promise, it’ll take you no time at all, and the results are so rewarding. Let’s dive right into it!
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl—something nice and roomy! Toss in your 2 cups of cooked black-eyed peas, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup of diced red onion, and 1/4 cup of chopped parsley. Give everything a gentle stir to combine. You want those vibrant colors to shine through, so mix it just enough to incorporate all the ingredients without breaking up the peas. Trust me, the fresh aroma is already so inviting!
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
Now, let’s whip up the dressing. In a separate small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. I usually start with about half a teaspoon of each and adjust as needed. Give it a good whisk, and you’ll end up with a bright, zesty dressing that perfectly complements the salad!
Step 3: Toss Salad with Dressing
Pour that delicious dressing over your salad mixture and toss everything together. It’s important to mix thoroughly so that every little black-eyed pea gets coated in that tangy goodness. You’ll want to take your time here—this step is key to bringing all those flavors together!
Step 4: Rest Before Serving
Here’s my secret: let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, making every bite taste even better! You can either keep it in the fridge or let it chill at room temperature—either way, it’s going to be amazing!
Tips for Success
To really elevate your black-eyed pea salad, here are a few of my go-to tips! First, if you have time, try soaking your black-eyed peas overnight before cooking—this makes them even creamier. For a crunchier texture, add diced cucumbers or bell peppers to the mix. And don’t be shy with the herbs! Fresh herbs like cilantro or dill can add an extra layer of flavor.
Serving suggestions? This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. You can also serve it as a refreshing side at barbecues or potlucks. As for storage, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days—just give it a good stir before serving again to re-distribute those flavors!
Nutritional Information
It’s always good to know what you’re putting into your body, right? Just keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. For each serving of this delightful black-eyed pea salad, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
This salad is not only delicious but also a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, making it a smart choice for a healthy diet!
FAQ Section
Can I use canned black-eyed peas?
Absolutely! Canned black-eyed peas are a great time-saver and can be just as tasty. Just make sure to rinse them well under cold water to remove any excess sodium and canning liquid. This will also help keep the salad nice and fresh!
What can I add to this salad?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can really customize this salad to suit your taste. I love adding diced avocado for a creamy texture, or even some chopped bell peppers for a bit of crunch. You could throw in some corn, shredded carrots, or even a handful of arugula for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition. Get creative!
How long can I store this salad?
You can store this black-eyed pea salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just keep in mind that the longer it sits, the more the flavors will meld together, which can be a bonus! Give it a good stir before serving again to refresh it. It’s such a great make-ahead dish for meal prep!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious and Wholesome: Black-eyed peas are a fantastic source of protein and fiber, helping you feel fuller for longer while providing essential vitamins and minerals.
- Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Vibrant and Flavorful: The combination of fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes and parsley, along with the zesty lemon dressing, creates a bright and refreshing flavor that’s irresistible!
- Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or herbs to make this salad your own. It’s a great base for experimenting!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and let the flavors develop; it’s just as delicious (if not better!) the next day!
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a picnic, potluck, or a simple dinner at home, this salad fits right in and impresses everyone!
Serving Suggestions
This black-eyed pea salad is so versatile, it can be the star of the show or the perfect sidekick! I love serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. It also pairs beautifully with some warm cornbread or a slice of crusty baguette to soak up all that delicious dressing. Planning a barbecue? This salad is a hit as a side dish, bringing a refreshing contrast to smoky flavors. Don’t forget to serve it at potlucks—everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of this black-eyed pea salad is super easy! Just transfer any unconsumed salad into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to three days. Just remember to give it a good stir before you serve it again; the flavors meld together beautifully as it sits!
As for reheating, this salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so there’s really no need to heat it up. If you do prefer it warm, you can gently microwave it for about 15-20 seconds, but I suggest sticking to the cold version to keep that refreshing taste intact. Trust me, it’s delightful straight from the fridge!
Drucken
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- Gesamtzeit: 45 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegan
Beschreibung
A healthy and delicious black-eyed pea salad.
Zutaten
- 2 cups black-eyed peas, cooked
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- Combine black-eyed peas, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- This salad can be made a day in advance.
- Add avocado for extra creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 0 minutes
- Kategorie: Salad
- Methode: Mixing
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 serving
- Kalorien: 200
- Zucker: 2g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 1g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 25g
- Faser: 8g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterin: 0mg
Keywords: black-eyed pea recipes, black-eyed pea salad
