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Black Eyed Pea Salad

Zesty Black Eyed Pea Salad (Cowboy Caviar)

This vibrant and healthy Black Eyed Pea Salad (often called Cowboy Caviar) is tossed in a bright lime vinaigrette and loaded with fresh vegetables. It's perfect as a potluck side dish, a dip with tortilla chips, or a refreshing light lunch.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 7 servings
Course: Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southwestern
Calories: 295

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 3 cans (15 oz) Black Eyed Peas drained and thoroughly rinsed
  • 1 1/2 cup Corn frozen (thawed) or canned (drained)
  • 1 large Red Bell Pepper finely diced
  • 1 medium Cucumber seeded and diced
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion very finely diced
  • 2 stalks Celery diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh Cilantro chopped (or parsley, if preferred)
For the Zesty Lime Vinaigrette
  • 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/3 cup fresh Lime Juice about 3-4 limes
  • 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tsp ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional, for a little heat)

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Liquid Measuring Cup

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare and Combine the Salad Base
  1. Thoroughly drain and rinse the three cans of black eyed peas under cool running water until the water runs clear. Transfer the rinsed peas to a large mixing bowl.
  2. If using frozen corn, ensure it is completely thawed. If using canned corn, drain it well. Add the corn to the mixing bowl.
  3. Add the diced red bell pepper, diced cucumber, finely diced red onion, diced celery, and chopped cilantro to the bowl with the black eyed peas and corn. Gently toss the ingredients together using a large spatula or spoon, being careful not to mash the peas. Set the bowl aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Vinaigrette Dressing
  1. In a separate small bowl or liquid measuring cup, pour in the olive oil, fresh lime juice, and red wine vinegar.
  2. Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the liquid mixture. Using a fork or a small whisk, vigorously whisk the dressing ingredients together for about 30 to 60 seconds until the dressing is well combined and slightly emulsified. Taste the dressing and adjust the salt or lime juice as needed.
Step 3: Dress and Chill the Salad
  1. Pour the prepared Zesty Lime Vinaigrette over the black eyed pea and vegetable mixture in the large bowl.
  2. Gently fold all the ingredients together until every piece of the salad is lightly coated with the dressing. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and transfer it to the refrigerator. Allow the salad to chill for a minimum of 1 hour (2 to 4 hours is highly recommended for best flavor).
Step 4: Final Serve
  1. Before serving, remove the Black Eyed Pea Salad from the refrigerator and give it one final gentle toss. Taste the salad one last time and add a pinch more salt or pepper if desired. Serve chilled.

Notes

For a richer flavor profile, make this salad 4 hours ahead of time. This salad is versatile: try adding avocado right before serving for a creamy element, or a finely minced jalapeƱo for extra heat. If you plan to serve this as a dip, reduce the size of the vegetable dice slightly for easier scooping.