This black-eyed peas salad recipe is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. It's easy to throw together and makes a refreshing side dish or light lunch.
If you are using frozen corn, make sure they are thawed fully. If you are using canned corn, rinse them before adding them to the salad.
Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, combine the black-eyed peas, corn, bell pepper, red onion, most of the chopped cilantro (reserve some for garnish), pomegranate seeds, and chopped cucumber.
Make the Orange-Smoked Paprika Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, olive oil, vinegar, sugar, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Assemble and serve: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor. Before serving, garnish with remaining chopped cilantro.
Notes
Avoid overcooking, as you want them to hold their shape and not become mushy. If using canned peas, rinse them thoroughly to remove excess salt and improve their flavor.
Dice the bell pepper, shallots, and cucumber into similar-sized pieces. Uniform cuts ensure an even distribution of flavors and a more visually appealing dish.
For an added depth of flavor, lightly char or grill the corn before adding it to the salad. This will bring a smoky sweetness that complements the other ingredients.