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Lucky Black Eyed Pea Salad with Zesty Lemon Dressing

A vibrant, nutritious salad combining protein-rich black-eyed peas with colorful fresh vegetables and a tangy honey-lemon dressing. Perfect for New Year's celebrations or any day you need a refreshing, healthy dish!  
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American Southern
Calories: 160

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can 15 oz / 400 g black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained (or 1½ cups / 230 g cooked beans)
  • 1 medium bell pepper finely chopped
  • ½ red onion finely diced
  • 2 medium vine-tomatoes chopped and seeded
  • 1 small cucumber diced
  • ½ cup corn canned (drained) or frozen
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • Dressing
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice or any vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon mustard yellow or Dijon
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt or more to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, add extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, honey, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk all ingredients together until smooth and well combined. This zesty dressing forms the flavor foundation of your salad, bringing together tangy, sweet, and savory notes.
  2. Add the Black-Eyed Peas: Add your rinsed and well-drained black-eyed peas to the bowl with the dressing. Gently stir them so they are completely coated in the dressing. Allow them to sit while you prepare the vegetables—this resting time helps the peas absorb the flavors and removes any canned taste.
  3. Add the Vegetables: Finely chop your bell pepper, red onion, tomatoes, cucumber, and parsley. Make sure the corn is well-drained if using canned. Add all the prepared vegetables to the bowl with the seasoned peas. Mix everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and coated with dressing.
  4. Taste and Serve: Give your finished salad a taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. The salad can be served immediately at room temperature or chilled for later. Enjoy it as a standalone dish or pair with cornbread or pita bread. For an optional flavor boost, sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.

Notes

  • Black-eyed peas are traditionally eaten on New Year's Day in Southern United States for good luck in the coming year.
  • This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
  • For best flavor, allow the salad to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
  • To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the honey with maple syrup.
  • Adding avocado just before serving provides additional creaminess and healthy fats.