Hearty Black-Eyed Pea Salad Recipe
Overview:
This Hearty Black-Eyed Pea Salad recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for a quick and nutritious meal or a side dish for your next gathering. Packed with wholesome ingredients and tossed in a tangy dressing, this salad is not only delicious but also low in cholesterol, making it a healthy choice for any occasion. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total time of 15 minutes, it’s a breeze to whip up and can be stored in the refrigerator, making it a convenient option for busy days.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked black-eyed peas
- 1/2 cup diced cooked ham
- 3 tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup chopped green onion
- 1 carrot, grated
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
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Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked black-eyed peas, diced ham, diced tomatoes, chopped green onion, and grated carrot. Set aside while you prepare the dressing.
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Make the Dressing: In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried basil, soy sauce, dried oregano, sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the ingredients are well combined.
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Toss and Coat: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Gently toss the salad until the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients.
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Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the taste of the salad.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 235.7 per serving
- Fat Content: 11.6g
- Saturated Fat Content: 2.6g
- Cholesterol Content: 21.3mg
- Sodium Content: 457.7mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 20.6g
- Fiber Content: 5.1g
- Sugar Content: 1.7g
- Protein Content: 12.8g
Serving Suggestions:
This Hearty Black-Eyed Pea Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it as a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood for a complete meal. You can also enjoy it as a light lunch or dinner on its own, or even as a filling topping for a bed of fresh salad greens. Pair it with some crusty bread or crackers for added crunch and satisfaction.
Tips for Success:
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings according to your taste preferences. Add more or less of any ingredient to suit your liking.
- Make-Ahead Option: This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.
- Enhance Flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding additional fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Healthier Options: To make this salad even healthier, you can swap the ham for cooked chicken breast or turkey, or omit it altogether for a vegetarian version. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of olive oil in the dressing for a lighter option.
Conclusion:
With its vibrant colors, hearty ingredients, and zesty dressing, this Hearty Black-Eyed Pea Salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight dinner, packing it for a picnic, or bringing it to a potluck, this salad is bound to impress with its delicious flavor and nutritious profile. Give it a try and let its wholesome goodness brighten up your meals!
