Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the most addictive summer salad that'll make your ordinary meals extraordinary! This Zesty Black Eyed Pea Salad is not just another side dish - it's a flavor explosion that combines Southern comfort with fresh, vibrant ingredients. Imagine a salad so refreshing and packed with protein that it'll become your new go-to recipe for picnics, potlucks, and quick weeknight meals. In just 15 minutes, you'll create a dish that's both nutritious and incredibly delicious, proving that healthy eating can be exciting and mouthwatering!
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 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by thoroughly rinsing the canned black eyed peas under cool running water and allowing them to drain completely in a colander.
- Dice the red onion into small, uniform pieces approximately 1/4 inch in size to ensure even distribution throughout the salad.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes by cutting them vertically, creating consistent bite-sized pieces that will blend well with the other ingredients.
- Peel and dice the cucumber into small cubes, maintaining a similar size to the other chopped vegetables for balanced texture.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the drained black eyed peas, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and diced red onion.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil and fresh lemon juice to create a light, zesty dressing.
- Pour the olive oil and lemon juice mixture over the vegetable and bean combination, gently tossing to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly to distribute the seasoning.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop before serving.
- Before serving, give the salad a final gentle stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish.
Tips
- Pro Tips for Making the Perfect Zesty Black Eyed Pea Salad: • Rinse the canned black eyed peas thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve texture • Use fresh lemon juice for the most vibrant, zesty flavor - bottled juice just can't compare • Dice your vegetables uniformly to ensure each bite is perfectly balanced • Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together • For an extra kick, consider adding some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro • If you prefer a bit more heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños • This salad tastes even better the next day, so don't be afraid to make it in advance • For added protein, you can mix in some crumbled feta cheese or diced grilled chicken
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 140kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
