Southern Black Eyed Pea Salad

Deliciously fresh and seductively smoky, the flavor and varied textures in this phenomenal Southern Black Eyed Pea Salad recipe will wow your taste buds! Quick and easy to make, serve it as a side or enjoy it as a salsa with chips!

The South has a tradition that goes back to the mid-19th century that says black-eyed peas bring good luck. Specifically, they bring good luck if they’re eaten on New Year’s Day. Now I realize I’m a few months late in the good luck game, but if the luck-bringing powers of the black-eyed pea work on a prorated basis, there should still be a little left to go around. In any case you have everything to win by making this delicious Southern Black Eyed Pea Salad! Black-eyed peas have always been a favorite of mine. They have a flavor unlike any other legume that’s simply fantastic. Today I’m featuring the black eyed pea in a delicious Southern-style salad that takes just minutes to prepare. The beans and chopped veggies are allowed to marinate in a wonderfully smoky-spicy vinaigrette and enjoyed cold. It’s a perfect make-ahead dish and is easy to transport to your next barbecue, picnic or potluck. It also makes great leftovers and is a healthy and satisfying option to take to work for lunch. Serve this delicious salad as a side dish or enjoy it as a show-stopping salsa with corn chips!

Southern Black Eyed Pea Salad Recipe

Let’s get started! Place the beans, corn and chopped vegetables in a large mixing bowl.

Whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients. (The smoked paprika in this salad rocks!)

Pour the vinaigrette over the salad, stir to coat, cover and refrigerate for at least two or more hours before serving, giving it an occasionally stir.

Serve cold with some grilled chicken or meat, enjoy it on its own as a light lunch, or serve as a salsa with corn chips. Enjoy!