Black-Eyed Pea Salsa

Black-eyed pea salsa is more than just a bowl of beans and veggies. The sharp, punchy mixture lands somewhere between a party-friendly dip and a dense bean salad, making it a refreshing snack or side. Black-eyed peas are a sturdy base for crunchy, juicy bits of tomato, green pepper, red onion and a handful of green onions. What pulls it all together is a tangy, creamy and lightly herbaceous dressing made from a combination of bottled Italian dressing, sour cream and chopped parsley. The whole thing gets better as it sits, soaking up more flavor with every passing hour.

This is the kind of recipe you want on hand when you’ve got a crowd coming over or just need something fast and satisfying but light to pull together. Open a couple of cans, chop a few fresh vegetables and you’re done. Serve it with chips and call it a dip, or pile it onto a healthy grilled chicken recipe and call it dinner.

Black-Eyed Pea Salsa Ingredients

• Black-eyed peas
• Tomatoes
• Green pepper
• Red onion
• Green onions
• Garlic
• Italian salad dressing
• Sour cream
• Fresh parsley
• Tortilla chips

Directions

Step 1: Combine the peas and vegetables

In a bowl, combine the black-eyed peas, tomatoes, green pepper, red onion, green onions and garlic.

Step 2: Add the dressing

In a separate bowl, combine the salad dressing, sour cream and parsley. Add it to the pea mixture and toss to coat the peas and veggies in the dressing.

Step 3: Chill the salsa

Cover and refrigerate the salsa for at least four hours. Serve with tortilla chips.

How to Store Black-Eyed Pea Salsa

Store any leftover black-eyed pea salsa in an airtight food storage container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for three to four days. Give it a quick stir before serving, since the dressing will settle at the bottom.

Black-Eyed Pea Salsa Tips

Can you omit the sour cream in black-eyed pea salsa?

You can omit the sour cream in black-eyed pea salsa if you prefer a dairy-free version. The salsa will still taste bright and tangy with just the Italian dressing.

What can you use instead of Italian salad dressing in black-eyed pea salsa?

Instead of Italian salad dressing in black-eyed pea salsa, use homemade red wine vinaigrette or a citrus-based dressing, which are both acidic enough to marinate the salsa ingredients. A mix of oil, vinegar and seasonings will give you a similar flavor without using bottled dressing.

Can you swap in a different bean for black-eyed peas in black-eyed pea salsa?

You can swap in black beans or pinto beans for black-eyed peas in this salsa since they are similar in terms of size, and the flavor complements the other ingredients. Just be sure to rinse and drain them well to remove the excess starch from the can.

What can you serve with black-eyed pea salsa besides tortilla chips?

You can serve black-eyed pea salsa spooned over tacos, added to a grain bowl or alongside grilled meats and fish. Its bold, tangy flavor works well with hearty, savory dishes.