Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Black-Eyed Pea Salad is a vibrant, refreshing side dish that brings together nutritious ingredients with zesty flavor. It’s perfect for warm weather meals, a light lunch, or as a colorful companion to your barbecue spread. Packed with protein, fiber, and freshness, it’s easy to make and keeps well for days.
Zesty Black-Eyed Pea Salad (Vegan, Protein-Packed)
This Black-Eyed Pea Salad is a healthy, flavorful, and refreshing dish perfect for summer meals, BBQs, or meal prep. Packed with plant protein and fiber!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas (or canned, rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook or Prep Peas: If using dried black-eyed peas, soak overnight and boil until tender. For canned, rinse and drain.
- Chop Vegetables: Dice the cucumber, onion, tomatoes, and bell pepper. Chop parsley.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together peas, chopped vegetables, and parsley.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour over salad and toss well.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving cold.
Notes
- Make it spicy with jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Try a Mediterranean twist with olives and feta.
- Great as a make-ahead lunch or picnic salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: black eyed pea salad, vegan salad, protein salad, gluten-free, picnic, healthy beans
Ingredients for a Classic Black-Eyed Pea Salad
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2 cups cooked black-eyed peas (or canned, rinsed and drained)
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cucumber, diced
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1/2 red onion, finely chopped
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1 bell pepper (any color), diced
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Cook or Prep Peas
If using dried black-eyed peas, soak overnight and boil until tender. For canned, simply rinse and drain well. -
Chop Vegetables
Dice the cucumber, onion, tomatoes, and bell pepper. Chop parsley. -
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together peas, chopped vegetables, and parsley. -
Make the Dressing
Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pour over salad and toss to coat evenly. -
Chill and Serve
Let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve cold for best flavor.
Notes
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Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy version.
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Toss in feta or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
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Serve in pita pockets for a quick vegan wrap.
Variations
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Tex-Mex Style: Add corn, black beans, and cilantro with a lime vinaigrette.
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Protein-Packed: Add grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp.
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Low-Carb Option: Replace peas with more chopped veggies or cauliflower rice.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal. It’s also a great option for potlucks and picnics due to its robust flavors and ease of preparation.Garlic & Zest
Storage Tips
Store the black-eyed pea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For best results, add delicate ingredients like fresh herbs just before serving to maintain their flavor and texture.
Health Benefits
In addition to being delicious, black-eyed pea salad offers numerous health benefits:
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Rich in Fiber: Aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
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High in Protein: Supports muscle growth and repair.
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Low in Fat: A heart-healthy choice that fits into various dietary plans.recipes.heart.org
Nutrition (Per Serving)
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Calories: 220
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Protein: 8g
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Fat: 11g
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Carbohydrates: 22g
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Fiber: 6g
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Sugar: 3g
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Sodium: 320mg
Recipe Variations
Looking to switch up your black eyed pea salad recipe? There are plenty of ways to customize this dish to your liking. Here are a few recipe variations to try:
Resources :
- a Salad Recipe is a colorful and tasty mix of vibrant fruits, vegetables, and black-eyed peas tossed together in a vinaigrette dressing. You can serve it right away, but giving this dish a little extra time to marinate in the dressing can make a world of difference when it comes to flavor.
- The Country Cook provides a Black Eyed Pea Salad recipe that is such a light but flavorful salad. Creamy black eyed peas and fresh veggies all tossed in a refreshing homemade vinaigrette! It’s perfect for New Year’s Day celebration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this recipe is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re looking for a healthy side dish, a light lunch.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. For example, you can add or remove ingredients, adjust the seasoning, or swap out the dressing.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
💬 Can I use canned black-eyed peas?
✅ Yes! Canned black-eyed peas work great. Just rinse and drain them well to reduce sodium.
💬 How long does the salad last in the fridge?
✅ Up to 3 days in an airtight container. The flavor improves after a few hours.
💬 Can I make it ahead of time?
✅ Absolutely. It’s ideal for meal prep, and the taste improves with time in the fridge.
💬 Is this salad gluten-free?
✅ Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free. Just double-check all packaged ingredients to be sure.
💬 What proteins can I add to make it a full meal?
✅ Grilled chicken, tofu, shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs are excellent additions.
💬 Can I make it spicy?
✅ Definitely. Add diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or hot sauce for a kick.
💬 What dressings work well besides lemon and olive oil?
✅ Try red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or lime juice for different flavors.
💬 Can I freeze this salad?
✅ Freezing isn’t recommended as it affects the texture of the vegetables.
💬 Is this recipe vegan?
✅ Yes, it’s 100% plant-based.
💬 What herbs can I use instead of parsley?
✅ Cilantro, basil, or mint can all work well as substitutes.