Confetti Black-eyed Pea Salad

Confetti Black-eyed Pea Salad Recipe - Delicious and Colorful Summer Side Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Confetti Black-eyed Pea Salad is a colorful and flavorful dish that is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish for any meal. This salad is packed with protein and fiber from the black-eyed peas, as well as a variety of vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables.

History

Black-eyed peas have been a staple in Southern cuisine for centuries, and this salad is a modern twist on a classic dish. The addition of colorful vegetables and a tangy dressing gives this salad a fresh and vibrant flavor.

Ingredients

0.33 cup olive oil
2.5 tbsp cider vinegar
1 tbsp spicy brown mustard
2 tsp finely grated yellow onion
0.5 tsp each salt and ground pepper
2 cans (15.5 oz or 439 g each) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
1 yellow bell pepper, finely diced
1 large tomato, seeded and diced
4 ribs celery, thinly sliced
2 carrots, peeled and finely diced
2 tbsp chopped parsley

How to prepare

In a bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, mustard, onion, salt, pepper, and honey. Add peas, bell pepper, tomato, celery, carrots, and parsley. Stir well to combine.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 24 hours before serving.

Variations

Add diced avocado for a creamy texture.
Mix in some cooked quinoa or brown rice for added protein and fiber.
Top with crumbled feta cheese or chopped nuts for extra flavor and crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse the black-eyed peas thoroughly before adding them to the salad to remove any excess salt or preservatives.

- For a more intense flavor, you can roast the bell pepper and tomato before adding them to the salad.

- Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite vegetables or herbs for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

Confetti Black-eyed Pea Salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or as a main dish on its own. It is also great for topping a bed of mixed greens for a light and refreshing salad.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe requires minimal cooking and is mostly a matter of chopping and mixing the ingredients together. The key is to let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of vinegar in place of cider vinegar.

- Dijon mustard can be used instead of spicy brown mustard.

- Feel free to swap out the vegetables for whatever you have on hand, such as cucumbers, radishes, or green onions.

Make Ahead Tips

Confetti Black-eyed Pea Salad can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Confetti Black-eyed Pea Salad in a large bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. You can also sprinkle some extra black pepper on top for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or tofu. It also goes great with cornbread or crusty bread on the side.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Confetti Black-eyed Pea Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is best served cold, so there is no need to reheat it before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Confetti Black-eyed Pea Salad contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Confetti Black-eyed Pea Salad contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Confetti Black-eyed Pea Salad contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Confetti Black-eyed Pea Salad contains approximately 8 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Confetti Black-eyed Pea Salad is rich in vitamins A and C from the bell pepper, tomato, and carrots. It also contains iron and potassium from the black-eyed peas.

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free. However, it does contain mustard, so be cautious if you have a mustard allergy.

Summary

Confetti Black-eyed Pea Salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in fiber, protein, and vitamins. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Summary

Confetti Black-eyed Pea Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this salad is a delicious way to enjoy fresh vegetables and legumes. Serve it as a side dish or a main course for a healthy and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to visit the local farmers market in search of fresh ingredients for a new dish. As I wandered through the stalls, my eyes were drawn to a vibrant display of colorful vegetables. Among them was a small basket of black-eyed peas, their shiny skins glistening in the sunlight.

I had never cooked with black-eyed peas before, but something about them intrigued me. I struck up a conversation with the farmer, an elderly woman with a twinkle in her eye, who told me all about the health benefits of black-eyed peas and how they were a staple in Southern cuisine. She also mentioned a recipe for Confetti Black-eyed Pea Salad that she had learned from her own grandmother many years ago.

Intrigued, I begged her to share the recipe with me. She laughed and handed me a faded index card with handwritten instructions. As I read through the ingredients and steps, I could almost taste the flavors in my mind. I thanked the farmer profusely and headed home with a bag of fresh black-eyed peas in hand.

That evening, I set to work in my kitchen, carefully following the instructions on the index card. I boiled the black-eyed peas until they were tender but still firm, then mixed them with diced bell peppers, tomatoes, and red onions. The colors of the vegetables reminded me of confetti, hence the name of the dish. I tossed everything together with a tangy vinaigrette made from olive oil, vinegar, and a hint of Dijon mustard.

As I took my first bite of the Confetti Black-eyed Pea Salad, I was transported back in time to the farmer's market, surrounded by the sights and sounds of summer. The flavors danced on my tongue, a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. I knew I had stumbled upon a gem of a recipe, one that would become a favorite in my kitchen for years to come.

Since that day, I have made the Confetti Black-eyed Pea Salad countless times, each batch slightly different from the last. Sometimes I add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. Other times, I swap out the bell peppers for crunchy cucumbers or spicy jalapeños. No matter how I tweak the recipe, it always brings me joy to share it with friends and family.

Over the years, I have passed the recipe down to my own children and grandchildren, along with the story of how I discovered it on that fateful day at the farmers market. They too have fallen in love with the Confetti Black-eyed Pea Salad, making it a tradition at family gatherings and potlucks.

As I look back on all the recipes I have collected and mastered over the years, the Confetti Black-eyed Pea Salad stands out as a shining example of how a simple dish can bring people together and create lasting memories. I am grateful to the farmer who shared her grandmother's recipe with me, and I hope to continue spreading the joy of this delicious salad for years to come.