Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to the heart of Southern cuisine! This Mushroom and Black Eyed Pea Salad is not just a recipe—it's a vibrant, nutritious masterpiece that combines earthy mushrooms, protein-packed black-eyed peas, and a zesty dressing that will make your palate dance with joy. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or a flavor enthusiast, this dish promises to be your new go-to recipe that's both incredibly easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 can (15 oz) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the mushrooms and dice the bell pepper. Rinse and drain the black-eyed peas thoroughly to remove any excess sodium.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about a minute.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté the mushrooms for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and tender. This will enhance their flavor and texture.
- Once the mushrooms are cooked, add the diced bell pepper to the skillet. Continue to sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the bell pepper is slightly softened but still retains some crunch.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the mushroom and bell pepper mixture cool for a few minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers with the drained and rinsed black-eyed peas.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This will be your dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the mushroom and black-eyed pea mixture. Gently toss everything together until well combined, ensuring that the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This can be served warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
- Serve the Mushroom and Black Eyed Pea Salad in bowls, garnished with additional diced bell pepper or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious Southern-inspired dish!
Tips
- Mushroom Selection: Choose fresh, firm mushrooms like cremini or button mushrooms for the best texture and flavor. Avoid using mushrooms that look soft or have dark spots.
- Sautéing Secrets: Make sure your skillet is properly heated before adding mushrooms. This ensures a beautiful golden-brown color and rich, caramelized flavor.
- Vinegar Variation: While apple cider vinegar works wonderfully, feel free to experiment with other vinegars like red wine vinegar or balsamic for different flavor profiles.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad tastes even better after sitting for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld. It's perfect for meal prep or potluck gatherings.
- Customization is Key: Add extra protein like grilled chicken or tofu, or sprinkle some toasted nuts for additional crunch and nutrition.
- Temperature Flexibility: Enjoy this salad warm immediately after preparation or chill it for a refreshing cold side dish—it's delicious either way!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
