Black Eyed Pea Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with protein and fiber from black beans and black-eyed peas
• Fresh, zesty, and colorful – perfect for game days, BBQs, or light lunches
• Great as a dip, side dish, or light meal
• Make-ahead friendly and even better the next day!

What Is Black Eyed Pea Salad?

Black Eyed Pea Salad is a hearty, protein-packed bean salad made with black-eyed peas, black beans, fresh chopped vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette-style dressing. It’s closely related to recipes like cowboy caviar or Texas caviar, but due to recent discussions about cultural sensitivity, I’m opting to call this dish what it truly is, a vibrant and satisfying black-eyed pea salad. It’s just as bold, scoopable, and perfect for tortilla chips, but with a name that respects its ingredients and its Latin roots.

Salad Ingredients

This salad is full of fresh vegetables and frozen ones so it’s quick to assemble! Each ingredient brings flavor, texture, or balance to this fresh salad:

Frozen or Canned Veggies:

• 2 cups (1 12oz bag) frozen black-eyed peas – Creamy texture and earthy flavor, the heart of this recipe
• 1 (15oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed – Adds richness and a firmer bite
• 2 cups (1 12oz bag) fire-roasted frozen corn kernels – Smoky-sweet and slightly charred for added depth

Fresh Veggies:

• 1½ cups diced fresh bell peppers – Sweet, colorful crunch from red, yellow, or green peppers. These can include green bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, or  red bell pepper. 
• ½ cup finely diced red onion – Sharp bite to cut through the richness
• 1 cup diced cherry tomatoes – Juicy bursts of sweetness
• 1 jalapeño pepper, finely diced – Adds subtle heat and Tex-Mex flair
• ½ cup chopped cilantro – Bright, citrusy flavor that lifts the whole dish
• 1 cup (5oz) feta cheese – Salty, creamy contrast to the veggies and beans

Dressing Ingredients

This homemade dressing is easy to make, zesty, and slightly sweet. You can make this quickly by tossing all ingredients into a blender or food processor.

• ⅓ cup olive oil – Smooth base for the vinaigrette
• ⅓ cup rice vinegar – Mild acidity that’s less harsh than white vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Deep flavor and a little bite
• 1¼ teaspoons ground cumin – Earthy warmth to complement the beans
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Adds background savory notes
• Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons) – Brightens and lifts the dressing
• 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama Cajun seasoning – A punch of bold, spicy flavor
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste) – Enhances all the flavors
• 1 tablespoon honey – Just a touch of sweetness for balance

How to Make Black Eyed Pea Salad

This black eyed peas salad comes together in just four simple steps:

STEP 1: Prep the Veggies – Wash and dice the bell peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, jalapeño, and cilantro.

STEP 2: Mix the Salad – In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 (15oz) can of black beans (drained and rinsed), 2 cups of frozen black-eyed peas (from a 12oz bag), 2 cups of fire-roasted frozen corn (from a 12oz bag), 1½ cups of diced fresh bell peppers, ½ cup of finely diced red onion, 1 cup of diced cherry tomatoes, 1 finely diced jalapeño pepper, ½ cup of chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 cup (5oz) of feta cheese.

STEP 3: Make the Dressing – In a small blender, add 3 cloves of minced garlic, ⅓ cup of rice vinegar, 1¼ teaspoons of ground cumin, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, the juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons), 1 teaspoon of Slap Ya Mama Cajun seasoning, ½ teaspoon of salt (or to taste), and 1 tablespoon of honey. Blend until smooth. Slowly stream in ⅓ cup of olive oil and blend again until emulsified.

STEP 4: Toss & Chill – Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors marry. Serve cold with tortilla chips or as a side. Enjoy!

Storage & Freezing Tips

• Store: In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Freeze: I do not recommend. Your veggies can lose texture and become watery.
• Make Ahead: Absolutely! You can be make this salad the night before for best flavor.

What to Serve With Black Eyed Pea Salad

This simple side dish pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled Chicken Wings
• Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken
• Southern-Style Green Beans 
• Cornbread Muffins with Honey Butter
• Southern Fried Fish

FAQ

Craving More?

If you make this Black Eyed Pea Salad, tag me on Instagram @elicitfolio so I can see your creations! You can also follow me on Pinterest or leave a comment below to tell me what salad recipes you’d love to see next. Let’s keep the flavor going!