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Home » Recipes » Salads and Salad Dressings

Black Eyed Pea Salad

Published: Jun 14, 2024 · Modified: May 24, 2025 by Marisa Franca

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Pinterest share image with title overlay for Marinated Black-eyed Peas recipe.

This Black Eyed Pea Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that's perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family gathering, a potluck, or just a quick lunch. This salad is packed with nutritious ingredients like black-eyed peas, colorful bell peppers, and zesty jalapeños, all tossed in a tangy and flavorful dressing.

The best part is it's incredibly easy to make and gets even better after spending some time in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Bean salad made with black-eye peas is placed in a clear glass-footed serving bowl.
If you're craving a vibrant and tantalizing salad, this Marinated Black-Eyed Pea Salad is what you're looking for.
Jump to:
  • 🗝️ Recipe's key points
  • 🛒 Ingredients
  • 🗒 Instructions
  • 🥫 Storage
  • 📚 Variations
  • 👩🏻‍🍳 Tips
  • 🤔 FAQs
  • 📗 Related Recipes
  • 🍽 What to serve with Black Eyed Pea Salad
  • 🔪 All Our Way recommends the following
  • 📞 Chiacchierata (chat)
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

🗝️ Recipe's key points

  • The combination of black-eyed peas, bell peppers, celery, red onion, and jalapeños creates a perfect mix of textures and flavors.
  • The tangy dressing, made with red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil, brings all the ingredients together.
  • Allowing the salad to chill in the fridge for 3 to 4 hours enhances the flavors and makes it even more delicious.
  • Tossing in crumbled bacon just before serving adds a nice crunch and a black eyed pea salad.

Black Eyed Pea Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side or even a light main course. It's a great way to sneak more vegetables and legumes into your diet while still enjoying a tasty and satisfying meal. Give this recipe a try, and you'll find yourself making it again and again!

🛒 Ingredients

This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

Image of the ingredients needed for the marinated black-eyed peas recipe.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Black-eyed peas - we recommend using canned black-eyed peas for convenience, but you can also cook them from scratch if you prefer. Be sure to rinse and drain them well before using in the salad.
  • Red and yellow bell pepper - choose a firm, brightly colored peppers for the best flavor and texture.
  • Celery - opt for crisp, fresh stalks of celery to add a nice texture to the salad.
  • Red onion - You can also use white or yellow onion if you prefer a milder, slightly sweeter flavor.
  • Jalapeño chiles - if you prefer a milder salad, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before chopping. For a spicier kick, leave them in.
  • Fresh cilantro - this herb adds a bright, fresh flavor to the salad. If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute with fresh parsley.
  • Garlic - fresh garlic cloves provide the best flavor, but you can use pre-minced garlic from a jar if you're short on time.
  • Red wine vinegar - this type of vinegar adds a nice tangy flavor to the dressing. You can also use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar if that's what you have on hand.
  • Balsamic vinegar - choose a good quality balsamic vinegar for the best flavor in the dressing.
  • Olive oil - extra virgin olive oil is ideal for the dressing, as it has a fruity, slightly peppery taste that complements the other ingredients.
  • Salt and pepper - kosher salt or sea salt works well in this recipe and freshly ground black pepper provides the best flavor.
  • Ground cumin - this spice adds a warm, earthy note to the dressing.
  • Bacon - choose your favorite brand of bacon and cook it until crispy before crumbling it into the salad.

🗒 Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

The collage features the first four steps to making the marinated pea salad.
  1. In a large bowl, add the black-eyed peas, bell peppers, celery, red onion, jalapenos, cilantro, and combine.
  2. Toss all the salad ingredients to combine.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk the vinegars together. Pour the olive oil in slowly, whisking to combine. Add the salt, pepper, and cumin and stir to combine.
  4. Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss to coat all the vegetables evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 3-4 hours.
The collage shows the last two steps to preparing the bean salad.
  1. When you are ready to serve, add the crumbled bacon to your black eyed pea salad.
  2. Toss to combine all the ingredients and serve!

🥫 Storage

This Black Eyed Pea Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

In fact, the flavors will continue to develop and improve as the salad sits, making it a great make-ahead dish.

If you're planning to store the salad for more than a day, you may want to hold off on adding the bacon until just before serving to maintain its crispness. Give the salad a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.

📚 Variations

  • Add some diced tomatoes or cherry tomatoes to the salad for a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
  • Swap out the black-eyed peas for another type of bean, such as chickpeas, kidney beans, or black beans, for a different twist on the salad.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or replace it with a plant-based bacon alternative.
  • Add some crumbled feta cheese or cubed avocado for a creamy element and extra protein.
  • Toss in some cooked quinoa or bulgur wheat to make the salad more substantial and hearty.
  • For a Southwestern flair, add some corn kernels, diced jicama, and a sprinkle of chili powder to the dressing.
Marinated bean salad is made with black-eyed peas and colored peppers.
Watch everyone dive into the flavorful mix of colors and textures at your next gathering with this vibrant Marinated Black-Eyed Peas Salad recipe.

👩🏻‍🍳 Tips

  • To save time, you can chop the vegetables and prepare the dressing a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them with the black-eyed peas just before serving.
  • If you're using canned black-eyed peas, be sure to rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove any excess salt or starch.
  • For a milder onion flavor, soak the chopped red onion in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding it to the salad. This will help mellow out the raw onion taste.
  • If you have fresh herbs like basil, mint, or oregano, go ahead and add them to the salad. They’ll give it an extra layer of flavor!
  • To make the salad spicier, keep some or all of the seeds in the jalapeños. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper to the dressing.

🤔 FAQs

Are black-eyed peas healthy?

Yes, black-eyed peas are incredibly nutritious! They're packed with fiber, protein, and an array of vitamins and minerals, such as folate, copper, thiamine, and iron. Black-eyed peas are low in fat. They also have helpful plant compounds. These compounds may reduce inflammation and lower the risk of some chronic diseases.

Can people with diabetes eat black-eyed peas?

Absolutely! Black-eyed peas have a low glycemic index, meaning they don't cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. They're also high in fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar and improve overall diabetes management. But like with any food, it's important to watch your portions. It's also a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice.

Can you eat raw black-eyed peas?

It's not recommended to eat raw black-eyed peas. Like other legumes, black-eyed peas have compounds called lectins. These can cause digestive discomfort and other issues if eaten raw. Always cook black-eyed peas thoroughly to ensure they're safe to eat and to improve their digestibility.

What are some good bean dishes to make with black-eyed peas?

Black-eyed peas are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of delicious dishes. Some popular choices are Hoppin' John, a classic Southern dish with rice and pork. You can also try black-eyed pea soup or stew, and black-eyed pea curry. You can even make hummus with them!

Can you freeze black-eyed pea salad?

While you can freeze black-eyed pea salad, keep in mind that the texture of the vegetables may change after thawing. The bell peppers, celery, and onion may become softer and less crisp.

Close up the bean salad made with black-eyed peas and peppers.
This pea salad is so flavorful that it will steal the show at your next gathering.

📗 Related Recipes

Looking for more bean and pea recipes? Try our Tuscan White Bean Soup, Italian Baked Beans, or Crockpot Green Bean Casserole next!

If you love hearty salads like this one, check out our Three Bean Salad, Dill Pickle Pasta Salad, and Greek Orzo Salad.

When you're craving a salad but also need an ego boost, Superfood Green Goddess Salad with Goddess Dressing is there for you. Try it and see if we aren't 100% correct.

Elevate your Mesclun salad game with this extraordinary Roasted Beet Goat Cheese Salad. It features perfectly roasted beets, smooth goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts, which add great texture and flavor to every bite.

If you like Southern-inspired salads, you'll love this Zesty Shrimp Pasta Salad. It's refreshing, colorful, and bold—perfect for your next potluck!

🍽 What to serve with Black Eyed Pea Salad

I love to serve this salad with grilled or smoked meat like Lime Adobo Rubbed Pork Chops or grilled fish like Lime Herb Halibut.

It also goes great with Southwestern dishes like Mahi-Mahi Tacos, Shrimp Enchiladas, and Fajita Chicken Quesadillas.

You can also serve it alongside sandwiches or wraps like Italian Pinwheels and Spicy Tuna Salad Sandwich Wraps.

Southern-style black-eyed peas are marinated in a salad with colored bell peppers and marinated in a wine vinegar vinaigrette.
The salad is tasty on its own, but we've done more. We've topped it off with crispy, crumbled bacon for the perfect balance of salt and savory.

🔪 All Our Way recommends the following

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

You’ll need the following items to make this recipe successfully.

  • A large mixing bowl is key for tossing all the ingredients together. It helps make sure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
  • Colander - you'll need a colander to rinse and drain the canned black-eyed peas thoroughly.
  • Sharp knife and cutting board - a good, sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board make chopping the vegetables a quick and easy task.
  • Small whisk or fork - you'll need a whisk or fork to blend the dressing ingredients together until they're well combined.
  • Measuring cups and spoons are essential in the kitchen. Having a set helps you use the right amount of each ingredient. This way, you achieve the perfect balance of flavors in your dishes.
  • Airtight container - you'll need a container with a tight-fitting lid to store any leftover salad in the fridge.

📞 Chiacchierata (chat)

You're going to love this incredible Black Eyed Pea Salad that's bursting with vibrant colors, textures, and flavors. The combination of black-eyed peas, crisp veggies, and a zesty dressing will have everyone coming back for seconds.

The best part is that this insalata (salad) is a breeze to make and only gets better with time. You can prepare it ahead and let the flavors meld together in the fridge. Before you know it, you'll have a delicious and nutritious salad that's perfect for any occasion.

This salad is a festa (party)by itself. Don't miss out on all the fun; grab the recipe now and get ready to impress your friends and family at your next gathering. Andiamo a cucinare (let's get cooking)!

Tutti a tavolo, è pronto!

Bowl of black eye peas marinated with peppers and surrounded by three smaller bowls of the salad dish.
Dive into a flavorful mix of colors and textures with this vibrant Marinated Black-Eyed Pea Salad - a perfect blend of freshness and crunch!

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

What's new? Check out my All Our Way Store on Amazon. We'll be adding more items we love and use or wish we had to make cooking fun and easy.

📖 Recipe

Black-eyed pea salad with colored bell peppers and onions in a savory marinade.

Marinated Black-Eyed Pea Salad

This versatile marinated black-eyed pea salad, packed with fresh ingredients, is a crowd-pleaser that only gets better with time in the fridge. This dish will impress, whether it's a potluck or a casual get-together.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes
Marinating time in fridge: 3 hours hours
Total Time: 3 hours hours 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 14 servings
Calories: 110kcal
Author: Marisa Franca @ All Our Way
As An Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Colander
  • Sharp knife
  • Non-skid cutting board
  • Whisk
  • Dry measuring cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Liquid measuring cup
  • Air-tight container For storing leftovers

Ingredients

  • 4 (15-oz) Oz. cans black-eyed peas rinsed and drained
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 yellow bell pepper chopped
  • 1 stalk celery chopped
  • ½ medium red onion finely chopped
  • 2 jalapeño chiles seeded and finely chopped
  • 4 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or more if you like cilantro
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 6 slices of cooked bacon crumbled
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

  • Mix together black-eyed peas, bell peppers, celery, red onion, jalapeño chiles, cilantro, and garlic in a large bowl.
  • Whisk together red wine vinegar and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl. Gradually pour in olive oil, whisking constantly to thoroughly blend with vinegars. Stir salt, black pepper, and cumin into the dressing until combined.
  • Pour dressing over vegetable mixture, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours. Just before serving, stir in bacon until incorporated.

Nutrition

Calories: 110kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 273mg | Potassium: 94mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 319IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.3mg

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    1. Marisa Franca

      June 14, 2024 at 4:23 pm

      5 stars
      We don't have a picnic or summer gathering without this delicious southern salad -- the spicy southwest touch is perfect.

      Reply
    5 from 1 vote

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