Lemony Black Eyed Pea and Cilantro Salad

Brighten up your table with this refreshing Lemony Black Eyed Pea and Cilantro Salad—a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dish that bursts with flavor and wholesome ingredients. Tender black-eyed peas are the heart of this recipe, complemented by juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and zesty red onion, all tossed in a zippy lemon dressing infused with garlic and cumin. Fresh cilantro adds a herby touch, while optional crumbled feta cheese provides a delightful creaminess. Perfect as a light lunch, a colorful side dish, or a crowd-pleasing potluck option, this salad comes together in just 15 minutes and can be served immediately or prepped ahead for even deeper flavor. Healthy, gluten-free, and packed with plant-based protein, it's the ultimate go-to for a quick, nutritious meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 medium cucumber
• 0.25 cup red onion
• 0.5 cup fresh cilantro
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 0.5 teaspoons ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoons sea salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.25 cup optional: crumbled feta cheese

Directions

Step 1

If using dried black-eyed peas, cook them in advance according to package instructions, or use canned black-eyed peas and rinse them thoroughly in a colander.

Step 2

Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to a large mixing bowl.

Step 3

Peel and dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces, then add it to the bowl.

Step 4

Finely dice the red onion and add it to the bowl. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the diced onion in cold water for 5 minutes before adding.

Step 5

Roughly chop the fresh cilantro and add it to the salad bowl. Adjust quantity to taste if desired.

Step 6

In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, sea salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.

Step 7

Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined.

Step 8

If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for added creaminess and tang.

Step 9

Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with more lemon juice, salt, or pepper if needed.

Step 10

Serve immediately or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld. This salad can also be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1015.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	877.3

Total Fat 42.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 12.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 50mg	0%
Sodium 1834.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 95.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.2g	0%
Total Sugars 22.2g
Protein 24.9g	0%

Vitamin D 24IU	0%
Calcium 494.4mg	0%
Iron 9.4mg	0%
Potassium 1711.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.4%

Protein: 11.6%

Carbs: 44.1%