Black-Eyed Bean Salad

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: Mediterranean

A vibrant, protein-packed salad featuring tender black-eyed beans, crisp peppers, and fresh tomatoes, all tossed in a tangy cider vinegar dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side, it offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures suited for summer gatherings or healthy weekday meals.

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Ingredients

  • 3 medium red peppers
  • 1 small red onion
  • 4 (15 to 19 oz.) cans black-eyed beans
  • 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen peas, thawed
  • 1/3 cup cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup oil
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 2 large tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Dice the red peppers.
  2. Chop the red onion.
  3. Rinse the black-eyed beans.
  4. In a large bowl, toss the diced peppers, chopped onion, rinsed beans, thawed peas, chopped tomatoes, cider vinegar, oil, sugar, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Cover and refrigerate before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider substituting red onion with green onions or shallots. If you prefer a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can also enhance the freshness. You can replace cider vinegar with lemon juice for a tangy twist. This salad is versatile and can be adapted to your taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Black-Eyed Bean Salad as a refreshing side dish at barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a light lunch on its own. For a heartier option, serve it alongside Chicken Jerusalem or incorporate it into a meal with Mediterranean recipes for a balanced plate.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture, avoid reheating the salad, as it is best served cold. If desired, you can mix in a little more oil or vinegar before serving to refresh the flavors.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Black-Eyed Bean Salad contains roughly 810 calories, with 6g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (76% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and iron (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1988mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).

810 kcal 41% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.3g 13% DV
Total Fat 76.2g 98% DV
Carbs 33.1g 12% DV
Fiber 11g 39% DV
Sugar 6.9g 14% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1988.4mg 86% DV
Potassium 695.4mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 196.4mcg 22% DV
Vitamin C 68.4mg 76% DV
Calcium 168mg 13% DV
Iron 6.4mg 36% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

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 use dried black-eyed beans instead of canned?

Yes, you can use dried black-eyed beans. Soak them overnight and then cook until tender before adding them to the salad. This will require additional time but can enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad stores well and can be made a day in advance. The flavors will develop as it sits, making it even more delicious. Just be sure to give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Definitely! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables such as cucumbers, corn, or carrots. Just ensure that they are chopped into similar sizes for even mixing. This salad is a great way to use up any leftover veggies you have on hand.

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).

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