Black-Eyed Pea Salsa
A vibrant, hearty black-eyed pea salsa packed with fresh vegetables and bold flavors, perfect for snacking, parties, or as a healthy side dish for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 cans black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped ⓘ
- jalapeno pepper to taste, chopped ⓘ
- 1 can corn or hominy, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 to 3 cans Ro-Tel tomatoes ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. sugar
- 1 (16 oz.) bottle oil and vinaigrette dressing ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Serve chilled with Fritos, tortilla chips, or pour into jars as gifts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, add more jalapeno or include some diced serrano peppers. You can substitute canned black-eyed peas with cooked dried peas for a fresher taste. If you prefer a sweeter salsa, consider adding diced mango or pineapple. Using fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can enhance the flavor. This recipe can also be made ahead for gatherings, allowing the flavors to develop even further.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Black-Eyed Pea Salsa chilled, accompanied by Fritos or tortilla chips for a delightful crunch. It also pairs beautifully with Gene's Sizzling Salsa for a tasty appetizer spread. For a heartier dish, consider serving it alongside Brown Rice and Black Beans to create a filling meal, or use it as a topping for grilled meats.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will continue to meld as it sits. If you want to enjoy it warm, gently heat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid overheating to preserve the texture of the vegetables.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black-Eyed Pea Salsa contains roughly 393 calories, with 12g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (228% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (153% of the Daily Value), and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2028mg per serving (88% 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 salsa ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container, and it will be ready to serve when you are.
What can I substitute for the vinaigrette dressing?
If you prefer a homemade option, mix equal parts olive oil and vinegar, adding a teaspoon of mustard, honey, or your favorite herbs for flavor. This will give you a similar tangy dressing that works great in this salsa.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! You can adjust the heat level by adding more jalapeno or including crushed red pepper flakes. For an even spicier kick, try adding diced habanero or serrano peppers, but be cautious as they can pack a punch!
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).