"Bilodi" Black-Eyed Pea Salad
A vibrant and hearty black-eyed pea salad featuring fresh vegetables and tangy Italian dressing, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or light summer meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak dried black-eyed peas for 6 hours, then cook with fresh water for 45 minutes, or use canned black-eyed peas drained.
- Add all ingredients except the dressing to a large bowl: cooked or canned black-eyed peas, diced green bell pepper, diced onion, diced green onion, drained pimentos, garlic salt, pepper, and optional seeded jalapeno.
- Toss the mixture well to combine.
- Add Italian salad dressing and toss lightly to coat evenly.
- Chill the salad before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, soak the black-eyed peas overnight instead of just 6 hours. If you're short on time, canned black-eyed peas are a great shortcut. You can substitute the Italian dressing with a homemade vinaigrette for a fresher taste. Adding other fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can enhance the dish even further.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Black-Eyed Pea Salad as a refreshing side dish at barbecues or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with Pat'S Venison Pot Roast for a hearty meal. Additionally, consider topping it with avocado or serving alongside tortilla chips for a delightful appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld as it sits. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. This salad can also be enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Bilodi" Black-Eyed Pea Salad contains roughly 273 calories, with 5g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (145% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 553mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to add the dressing right before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp. Chilling it overnight allows the flavors to deepen, making it even more delicious.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! The ingredients in this Black-Eyed Pea Salad are all plant-based, making it perfect for vegan diets. Just ensure that the Italian dressing you choose is vegan-friendly, or use a homemade dressing for full control over the ingredients.
What can I substitute for green bell pepper?
If you're not a fan of green bell pepper, you can use red or yellow bell peppers for a sweeter flavor. Alternatively, diced cucumber or celery can add a nice crunch and freshness to the salad.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).