Black-Eyed Chicken Salad
A vibrant, protein-packed salad combining black-eyed peas, cooked chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy mayonnaise, perfect for leftovers or a quick, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 15 oz. can black-eyed peas ⓘ
- 2 cups diced cooked chicken or turkey ⓘ
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 red pepper, finely chopped
- 1 cup cooked sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup pimento stuffed olives ⓘ
- 1 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup grapes, halved (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain the black-eyed peas.
- Add all ingredients including drained peas, diced cooked chicken, chopped red onion, green pepper, celery, red pepper, sliced mushrooms, pimento stuffed olives, mayonnaise, and salt.
- Gently blend everything together until well combined.
- Serve on a lettuce cup.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more mayonnaise or some Greek yogurt. You can substitute the black-eyed peas with canned chickpeas or kidney beans if needed. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can add a burst of flavor. If you prefer a crunchier salad, incorporate diced cucumbers or shredded carrots. This dish is also great served chilled, making it perfect for summer gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
This Black-Eyed Chicken Salad is delightful served in lettuce cups for a light meal. Pair it with whole-grain crackers or fresh vegetable sticks for a satisfying lunch. It also makes a great side dish for summer barbecues or picnics. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a bowl of Chicken And Cheddar Cheese Soup And Tomato Sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you find the salad has become too thick after refrigeration, stir in a splash of mayonnaise or a bit of olive oil before serving. It’s best not to freeze this salad as the texture of the ingredients may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black-Eyed Chicken Salad contains roughly 515 calories, with 8g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (159% of the Daily Value) and vitamin D (157% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2284mg per serving (99% 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, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until you're ready to serve. However, it's best to add ingredients like grapes just before serving to maintain their freshness and texture.
What can I use instead of chicken?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can replace the chicken with diced tofu or more vegetables, such as artichoke hearts or extra mushrooms. For a different protein, try canned tuna or even chickpeas for a hearty alternative.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep since it stays fresh for a few days in the fridge. Just portion it into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Pair it with some whole-grain bread or a side of fruit for a balanced meal.
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).