Black-Eyed Pea Salad Recipe

Many people feel that eating black-eyed peas for New Year will ensure success and prosperity. This tradition started in the South, but is now common throughout the United States. While many will just heat up a can of black-eyed peas, why not go all out this year with this black-eyed pea salad recipe.

Black-Eyed Pea Salad Recipe

What You’ll Need:

• 2 Cans of Black-Eyed Peas - Drained
• ½ Cup Onion - Minced
• ½ Cup Celery - Minced
• 1 Red Bell Pepper - Minced
• ½ Green Bell Pepper – Minced
• Parsley and Basil for Garnish
• Salt to taste
• Basil, Italian or Balsamic Vinaigrette (There is no right or wrong type of dressing to use, this is personal preference.)

How to Make Black-Eyed Pea Salad

1. In a serving bowl, combine the drained black-eyed peas, minced onion, celery, red and green bell peppers. Stir well and add salt to taste. Some people prefer to add the salad dressing before the salt to make sure it doesn’t become to salty. Check the sodium content of the dressing being used and if in doubt, just taste the salad and adjust as needed.
2. Add the salad dressing and toss with a fork until well coated with salad dressing. Cover and place in the refrigerator for two to four hours. Garnish with basil or parsley and serve well chilled.

How to Make Homemade Basil Dressing

Adventurous cooks might want to make their own salad dressing as well. It isn’t hard to do, but it’s sure to impress dinner guests! This salad dressing goes well with black-eyed peas, but is also great for a fresh garden salad.

• ½ Cup Cold-Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• ¼ Cup Red Wine Vinegar
• 2 ½ Teaspoons Dry Basil (3 Tablespoons of Chopped Fresh Basil Can be Substituted)
• 2 Cloves Garlic - Finely Minced or Pressed
• Black Pepper to Taste

Directions:

1. Combine the minced or pressed garlic with the dry basil in a small dish and mash it together with a spoon or fork. Add the black pepper, oil and vinegar and blend well. This can be done by hand with a whisk, by vigorously shaking it in a container or by pulsing it in a blender.
2. This can be stored for later use, simple cover and refrigerate. Remember to stir or shake it before use.
3. Black-eyed peas might be a New Year tradition, but why not enjoy them throughout the year! There are so many ways to make them, you’ll never run out of recipes to try! Black-eyed pea salad makes a great side dish any time of the year! It might not bring good luck and prosperity, but it will be delicious!