Description
This vibrant Black Eyed Peas Salad is a quick, nutritious, and refreshing dish packed with colorful vegetables and a tangy, slightly sweet dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side, this salad combines black eyed peas with fresh bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumber, corn, and mixed baby greens, dressed in a flavorful apple cider vinegar and maple syrup dressing. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s an easy way to enjoy a wholesome, plant-based meal.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) black eyed peas (drained and rinsed) or 1 1/2 cups cooked black eyed peas
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved (or quartered if large)
- 1/2 English cucumber, diced
- 1 cup fresh or thawed frozen corn kernels
- 5-6 cups baby greens (mix of kale, chard, and spinach)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- Dash or two of liquid smoke (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, unsweetened applesauce, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional liquid smoke until smooth and well combined.
- Add Vegetables and Beans: Add the drained and rinsed black eyed peas, diced red bell pepper, halved grape tomatoes, diced cucumber, and corn kernels to the bowl with the dressing. Toss well to coat all ingredients evenly in the dressing.
- Incorporate Greens: Add the baby greens mixture of kale, chard, and spinach to the bowl. Gently toss the salad to combine the greens with the other ingredients and dressing thoroughly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning as needed by adding more salt and/or black pepper according to your preference.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest texture and flavor. Enjoy this nutritious and colorful dish as a light meal or a side.
Notes
- Use fresh vegetables for the best texture; if using frozen corn, ensure it is thoroughly thawed and drained.
- For added protein, consider mixing in some cooked quinoa or grilled chicken if not keeping vegan.
- The liquid smoke is optional but adds a subtle smoky depth to the dressing.
- This salad is best eaten the same day but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day; greens may wilt if stored longer.
- Adjust the maple syrup amount depending on your preference for sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
