Are you ready to transform your culinary experience with a dish that's not just a salad, but a Southern tradition packed with flavor and folklore? The Lucky Black-Eyed Pea Salad is more than just a recipe—it's a cultural celebration that promises prosperity, good fortune, and a taste sensation that will leave your guests begging for more. Rooted in deep Southern traditions, this simple yet magical dish is believed to bring luck and wealth when eaten on New Year's Day, making it the perfect addition to your recipe collection that blends delicious cuisine with time-honored superstition.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cans of black-eyed peas, 1 cup of diced bell pepper, 1/2 cup of diced red onion, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Open the cans of black-eyed peas and pour them into a colander. Rinse them under cold running water to remove excess sodium and any canning liquid. Allow them to drain well.
- While the black-eyed peas are draining, prepare the fresh vegetables. Dice the bell pepper into small, even pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Next, dice the red onion and add it to the mixing bowl with the bell pepper. The combination of these vegetables will add a nice crunch and flavor to the salad.
- Chop the fresh parsley finely and add it to the bowl. This will provide a fresh, herbal note to the dish.
- Once the black-eyed peas are well-drained, add them to the mixing bowl with the diced vegetables and parsley.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil and apple cider vinegar until well combined. This will serve as the dressing for your salad.
- Pour the dressing over the black-eyed pea mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together using a spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring that the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference.
- Once everything is well combined, let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is optional but recommended for enhanced flavor.
- Serve the Lucky Black Eyed Pea Salad chilled or at room temperature. This dish can be enjoyed on its own, as a side dish, or as a topping for grilled meats or fish.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Rinse Canned Peas Thoroughly: Always drain and rinse canned black-eyed peas to reduce sodium and remove any metallic taste.
- Chop Vegetables Uniformly: Ensure bell peppers and onions are diced to similar sizes for a consistent texture and even flavor distribution.
- Let Flavors Marinate: Allow the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes after dressing to let the ingredients absorb the vinaigrette's flavors.
- Customize Your Dressing: Experiment with different vinegars like red wine or balsamic for unique flavor profiles.
- Make Ahead: This salad tastes even better after chilling in the refrigerator for a few hours, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Add Extra Crunch: Consider adding toasted sunflower seeds or crispy bacon bits for additional texture.
- Keep It Fresh: Use fresh parsley for the brightest, most vibrant flavor possible.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
