Are you ready to transform a simple can of black eyed peas into a mouthwatering culinary masterpiece that'll have your family begging for seconds? This Southern-style Black Eyed Pea and Ham Salad is not just a recipe—it's a quick, delicious journey through classic Southern comfort food that can be whipped up in just 15 minutes! Packed with protein, tangy Dijon mustard, and a creamy dressing, this salad is the perfect blend of hearty and refreshing that will elevate your meal game instantly.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can black eyed peas, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, drain and rinse the canned black eyed peas thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess sodium and canning liquid.
- Dice the ham into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/4 inch in size to ensure even distribution throughout the salad.
- Finely chop the celery and red onion into small, consistent pieces to provide balanced texture and flavor in each bite.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined, creating a creamy dressing base.
- Add the diced ham, chopped celery, and red onion to the bowl with the black eyed peas.
- Pour the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard dressing over the ingredients and gently fold everything together, ensuring all components are evenly coated.
- Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly to distribute the seasonings.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled as a side dish or light lunch.
Tips
- Rinse Thoroughly: Always drain and rinse canned black eyed peas to reduce sodium and remove any canning liquid, ensuring a fresher taste.
- Uniform Chopping: Take time to dice ham, celery, and onions into consistent, small pieces for an even distribution of flavors and textures.
- Flavor Melding: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the dressing and ingredients to blend and develop a more complex taste.
- Customize Your Kick: Feel free to add a dash of hot sauce or some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to personalize the recipe.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks. Pro tip: For an extra Southern touch, serve chilled on a bed of crisp lettuce or alongside some cornbread!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg
