Chicken And Black-Eyed Pea Salad
A vibrant, protein-packed salad combining tender chicken, smoky pimento, fresh herbs, and crunchy vegetables, perfect for a light lunch or summer gathering.
Ingredients
- 3 (16 oz.) cans black-eyed peas ⓘ
- 2 (12 oz.) cans chunk chicken
- 3/4 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sweet red bell pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped small green onion top ⓘ
- 1/3 cup minced cilantro ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz.) jar sliced pimento ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine black-eyed peas, chunk chicken, chopped celery, red bell pepper, chopped green onion tops, minced cilantro, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, and sliced pimento in a large bowl.
- Add Italian dressing and Dijon mustard to the mixture.
- Toss well to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using grilled or rotisserie chicken instead of canned chicken. If you prefer a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can substitute black-eyed peas with canned chickpeas for a different texture. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also enhance the freshness of the salad, similar to the flavors in Keelia's Baked Chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken And Black-Eyed Pea Salad chilled as a light main dish or as a side at barbecues and potlucks. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed alongside a fresh garden salad. For a heartier meal, serve it with crusty bread or over a bed of greens.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld over time, making it even tastier the next day. If the salad becomes too thick after chilling, you can add a splash of Italian dressing to loosen it up before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Black-Eyed Pea Salad contains roughly 974 calories, with 13g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 74g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (331% of the Daily Value), iron (119% of the Daily Value), and potassium (55% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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. In fact, chilling it overnight allows the flavors to develop more fully. Just give it a good stir before serving and adjust the dressing if needed.
What can I use instead of Italian dressing?
If you don't have Italian dressing, you can easily make a homemade version using olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs. This will give your salad a fresh and zesty taste, similar to the dressing used in many American recipes.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep as it holds up well in the refrigerator. Portion it into meal prep containers for easy lunches throughout the week, and enjoy it as a quick and nutritious option.
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).