Lemony Black-Eyed Pea and Cilantro Salad ๐ฅ
Overview:
Delicious, low-fat, and super-easy to whip up, this Lemony Black-Eyed Pea and Cilantro Salad is a refreshing dish that’s perfect for lunch or as a snack. Loaded with the vibrant flavors of cilantro, tomatoes, and zesty lemon juice, it’s a delightful treat for your taste buds. Plus, it’s vegan, low in cholesterol, and requires no cooking at all! Let’s dive into the recipe and savor every bite of this nutritious salad.
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this flavorful salad:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 can | Black-eyed peas |
| 1 clove | Garlic |
| 2 | Onions |
| 1 | Tomato |
| 1/4 cup | Cilantro |
| 1 tsp | Dried oregano |
| 2 tbsp | Lemon juice |
| 1 tbsp | Olive oil |
| 3/4 tsp | Salt |
| 1/2 tsp | Black pepper |
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the black-eyed peas (drained and rinsed), finely chopped garlic, diced onions, chopped tomatoes, freshly chopped cilantro, dried oregano, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
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Blend Flavors: Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined, ensuring that the flavors meld together beautifully. This step is crucial for allowing the flavors to develop and intensify.
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Chill in Refrigerator: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to marry and infuse into the salad, resulting in a more vibrant and delicious dish.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, take the salad out of the refrigerator and give it a quick toss. Serve it at room temperature for the best flavor experience.
Serving Suggestions:
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Main Dish: Enjoy this Lemony Black-Eyed Pea and Cilantro Salad as a satisfying vegetarian main dish. The protein-packed black-eyed peas make it a hearty and nutritious meal option.
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Side Dish: Serve this flavorful salad as a side dish alongside grilled or roasted pork, ham, or any other favorite protein. Its refreshing taste complements meat dishes perfectly.
Tips and Variations:
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Extra Cilantro and Tomatoes: For an extra burst of freshness and flavor, feel free to load up the salad with additional cilantro and tomatoes according to your preference.
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Lime Juice Variation: Switch things up by substituting lime juice for lemon juice for a slightly different yet equally delicious flavor profile. Lime adds a tangy twist that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
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Make Ahead: You can prepare this salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the flavors.
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Customize to Taste: Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon/lime juice as needed to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 238 kcal
- Fat: 8.1g
- Saturated Fat: 1.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 1470.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 33.1g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 2.6g
- Protein: 10.4g
Final Thoughts:
With its vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and nutrient-packed ingredients, this Lemony Black-Eyed Pea and Cilantro Salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether enjoyed as a main dish or served as a side, it’s a versatile and satisfying option for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients and let’s make this delightful salad that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious to eat!
