Black eyed Pea Salad - the perfect summer salad and healthy soul food fare. It's got it all - texture, crunch, bite, tanginess, sweetness, and savory.
Typical Black eyed Pea Salad Ingredients
Deep in the Lone Star State, we, not to be like other states/regions refer to black eyed pea salad as "Texas Caviar." There are many variations, but the core ingredients are:
- Canned black eyed peas
- Red onions
- Bell Pepper (any color)
- Jalapenos
- Apple
- Fresh Cilantro
- Rice Wine Vinegar
- Limes
- Olive Oil
- Sugar
- Sea or Kosher Salt
- Pepper
Growing up black eyed pea salad was almost as common as "sweet" tea during the hot summer months. Keep in mind Texas summers are about 8 months long! However I didn't eat it much, primarily because my grandmother made the world's best potato salad.
During our barbecues I'd have a plate that consisted of only potato salad and grilled meats. There was no room for beans, black-eyed peas, nor slaw. If I did eat them back then it was mainly as leftovers. What I remembered about her black eyed pea salad was that it was refreshing and could be eaten on for days. As a matter of fact it got even better after sitting a day or two undisturbed afterwards.
During my time in Chicago, my chef partner in crime, George Outlaw came up with his own version and to say it was a hit would be an understatement. George has the magic touch, and I have no interest in trying to replicate something that's damn near perfect. It'd be like all these movie directors and music artists who remake those classic great songs.
Now I will say if you going to remake a classic do it like Meshell Ndegeocello. You can choose any or all of recent covers of 80's soul music on her Ventriloquism. It's a genius album and though I don't have a favorite (too hard to choose) "Don't Disturb This Groove" is most apt to my current moment. Life is good...
How to make Texas Caviar (step by step)
This recipe is too easy for instructions, but I'll list out a few steps
Step 1: Combine the onions, peppers, apples, cilantro and black eyed peas in a bowl
Step 2: In a separate bowl whisk together the rice wine vinegar, lime juice, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper
Step 3: Add the vinaigrette to the vegetables mix. Stir well and let marinate undisturbed in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
Serving Suggestions
This is your quintessential barbecue side. Serve with your normal bbq fare or be inspired by a few options below:
Smoked Pork Ribs with African Spice Rub
Black Eyed Pea Salad Making Tips
- This salad need not be complicated, so keep things simple and just focused on quality ingredients.
- I used canned peas, but fresh or frozen work fine.
- Recipe calls for jalapenos, but feel free to sub in your favorite sweet or spicy chili. Heat can throw the balance off so be careful. I prefer to remove seeds and veins personally
- I like honeycrisp apples which are extra crispy, sweet and juicy.
- Pears are alternatives to apples
- Acid options beyond rice wine vinegar include champagne vinegar, red wine vinegar or any other milder vinegars. I like the milder profile of rice wine vinegar, just be sure to use unseasoned version
- Other ingredients that work well in this dish include diced cucumbers, parsley, oregano, and spices like a nice smoky paprika
For similar recipes you might like, try any of these:
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Ingredients
- ½ medium red onion finely chopped
- 1 small red bell pepper finely chopped
- 1 jalapeno seeded and finely chopped
- 1 apple diced
- 15 oz black-eyed peas canned, drained
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro leaves chopped
- 2 tbsp unseasoned rice wine vinegar
- 1 medium lime juiced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the first 6 ingredients in a bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rice wine vinegar, lime juice, olive oil, sugar, and salt and pepper.
- Combine vegetables and herbs then add the vinaigrette. Mix together well and let marinate up to 8 hours in the refrigerator before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to use frozen, fresh or canned black-eyed peas. If you choose to fresh/dried just be sure not to cook too long as you want the peas to tight with a crunch.
- This salad need not be complicated, so keep things simple and just focused on quality ingredients.
- Recipe calls for jalapenos, but feel free to sub in your favorite sweet or spicy chili. Heat can throw the balance off so be careful. I prefer to remove seeds and veins personally
- I like honeycrisp apples which are extra crispy, sweet and juicy.
- Pears are alternatives to apples
- Acid options beyond rice wine vinegar include champagne vinegar, red wine vinegar or any other milder vinegars. I like the milder profile of rice wine vinegar, just be sure to use unseasoned version
- Other ingredients that work well in this dish include diced cucumbers, parsley, oregano, and spices like a nice smoky paprika
Ohhh this seems simple but turns out beautifully colorful so it looks like you put some true effort in. These are my favorite types of recipes!
I wasn’t a fan of black eyed peas when I was younger but now I love them. I love be how refreshing this salad looks. Adding it to my list of recipes to try. Now I’m off to jam to the song because it’s one of my favorites!!!!
You're spot on! It's almost like cheating on the test
Black-eyed peas can be an acquired taste lol. I've had my issues with them over the years, but today we're on great terms.
As a Bonafide Southerner, I can greatly appreciate the versatility that comes with black-eyed peas! This looks delicious! I'm definitely adding this to my list of dishes to try!
Lovely recipe!! I feel like black eyed peas are such an underrated legume and they need more exposure. This salad is on for the summer season.
I love this combination and it's not something I would have thought of.
Thanks bro. Black-eyed peas get slept on, but you are right, they are versatile.
I agree wholeheartedly and it's my goal to shine some light on them.
Thanks. Funny thing is you cn substitute many different legumes and greens for that matter and the dish works.
The simplicity and freshness is amazing here. I'm so in love with this recipe!
I love black eyed peas, they are so underrated! Glad to have found this recipe, a delicious summer alternative to the classic black eyed pea stew I normally eat.
Thanks you Mila!
Thank you. Enjoy it
I keep zooming in on the photo and rereading the recipe. Is there a fruit in the salad like an apple that is diced in the recipe? Thanks!
Apples are used. Looks like it got cut-off in the recipe. I've used any red variety. Pears work too. Thanks for catching this and enjoy the recipe.
Black eyes peas ,my favorite I think I am going to try this recipe .
Simple and easy. I think you'll enjoy it
I made this last night as a side for steak. My husband and I both loved it. I've been making a version of this salad for years, but really loved the addition of apple. Will definitely make this again! Looking forward to trying more of your recipes.
Good deal! Glad you both liked the dish.