Welcome to a fresh, zesty, and satisfying take on a salad that holds a place of honor in Southern tradition. Lucky Black Eyed Pea Salad with Lemon Dressing combines nutritious black eyed peas with ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes, crispy cucumbers, and fragrant herbs. Tossed in a tangy lemon and olive oil dressing, this salad is both refreshing and fulfilling, perfect as a side dish for any meal or as a wholesome lunch on its own.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) black eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the black eyed peas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley. If using, add the crumbled feta cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the lemon dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light meal.
Variation
- Add chopped bell peppers for a crunchier texture and more color.
- Include diced avocado for a creamy element and extra nutrition.
- Replace parsley with cilantro for a different flavor profile.
Cooking Notes
- Rinse canned peas thoroughly to reduce sodium content.
- Dice vegetables uniformly for even flavor distribution.
- Consider using a mild onion if the flavor of red onion is too strong.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
- Serve over a bed of mixed greens for added bulk.
- Top with toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
Tips
- Make the salad a few hours ahead to enhance the blend of flavors.
- Use a high-quality olive oil for the best taste in the dressing.
- Taste the dressing before adding to adjust seasonings if needed.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 250mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- What can I substitute for feta cheese if I’m avoiding dairy?
Answer: You can use a dairy-free cheese alternative or simply omit the cheese. - How long can the salad sit before it becomes soggy?
Answer: It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few hours, but it can be kept in the fridge up to a day without losing too much texture. - Can I use a different bean type?
Answer: Certainly! Chickpeas or kidney beans can be good substitutes. - Is it okay to use bottled lemon juice?
Answer: Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
Conclusion
Lucky Black Eyed Pea Salad with Lemon Dressing is a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a dish as nourishing as it is tasty. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal solution or a delightful side dish, this salad delivers on all fronts with its vibrant presentation and zesty flavors. Enjoy it on its own or alongside your favorite main dish for a complete dining experience.
Print
Lucky Black Eyed Pea Salad with Lemon Dressing
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Welcome to a fresh, zesty, and satisfying take on a salad that holds a place of honor in Southern tradition. Lucky Black Eyed Pea Salad with Lemon Dressing combines nutritious black eyed peas with ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes, crispy cucumbers, and fragrant herbs. Tossed in a tangy lemon and olive oil dressing, this salad is both refreshing and fulfilling, perfect as a side dish for any meal or as a wholesome lunch on its own.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) black eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the black eyed peas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley. If using, add the crumbled feta cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the lemon dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light meal.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
- If preparing in advance, wait to add the dressing until just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste after combining all ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: black eyed pea salad, lemon dressing, healthy salad, Southern cuisine, vegetarian salad
