This vibrant black-eyed pea salad is a delightful Southern bean salad that combines the earthy flavors of black-eyed peas with a zesty hot sauce honey vinaigrette. It’s a perfect picnic salad recipe that embodies soul food traditions, making it a great addition to any summer gathering.
Inspired by Carla Hall’s recipe, this dish is not only refreshing but also versatile, serving as a satisfying sitting salad or a side dish that complements a variety of meals.
Vibrant Ingredients for a Summer Delight
This colorful black-eyed pea salad is a celebration of fresh produce and bold flavors.
With tender black-eyed peas as the base, the dish is elevated by the addition of vibrant diced bell peppers, crisp cucumber, and finely chopped red onion.
Each ingredient contributes not only to the visual appeal but also to the overall taste, creating a refreshing experience perfect for summer gatherings.
Hot Sauce Honey Vinaigrette: A Flavorful Twist
The star of this salad is undoubtedly the hot sauce honey vinaigrette.
This glossy dressing combines olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and your choice of hot sauce, creating a balance of sweetness and heat that complements the earthy black-eyed peas beautifully.
The vinaigrette not only enhances the flavors of the salad but also ties all the ingredients together, making every bite a delightful experience.
Perfect for Picnics and Gatherings
This black-eyed pea salad is an ideal picnic salad recipe, embodying the essence of soul food traditions.
Its vibrant colors and refreshing taste make it a hit at barbecues, family gatherings, or any outdoor event.
As a sitting salad, it can be prepared in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together, making it even more enjoyable when served chilled or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions and Presentation
To create an inviting presentation, serve the salad in a rustic bowl, garnished with fresh parsley.
This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the overall appeal of the dish.
Placing the bowl on a picnic table surrounded by summer greenery evokes a cheerful outdoor dining atmosphere, making it a centerpiece for any gathering.
Nutrition and Serving Size
This Southern bean salad is not only delicious but also nutritious.
With approximately 150 calories per serving, it offers a healthy option that is rich in protein and fiber, thanks to the black-eyed peas.
Each serving is designed to satisfy, making it a perfect addition to any meal or as a stand-alone dish during the warmer months.
Versatility of the Black-Eyed Pea Salad
This salad is incredibly versatile, allowing for various adaptations based on personal preferences.
Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or adjust the level of heat in the vinaigrette to suit your taste.
Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a main attraction, this black-eyed peas recipe is sure to impress and satisfy, making it a staple for summer dining.
Refreshing Black-Eyed Pea Salad Recipe

This black-eyed pea salad features tender peas mixed with fresh vegetables and dressed in a tangy hot sauce honey vinaigrette. The recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and serves 6 people, making it an ideal summer side dish for barbecues or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas (canned or boiled)
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the black-eyed peas, bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, hot sauce, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the vinaigrette over the black-eyed pea mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 18g