This Pioneer Woman Black-Eyed Pea Salad is a refreshing and tangy recipe, which is made with black-eyed peas and red bell pepper. It’s the perfect party dip, ready in about 20 minutes plus chilling time.
Pioneer Woman Black-Eyed Pea Salad Recipe Ingredients
FOR THE DRESSING:
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil
- 1/3 cup White Wine Vinegar
- 2 to 3 Tbsp. Sugar
- 1 tsp. Celery Seed
- 1/2 tsp. Dry Mustard
- 1/2 tsp. Salt
- Freshly Ground Pepper, to taste
FOR THE VEGGIES:
- 3 stalks Celery, Finely Chopped
- 3 stalks Green Onions, Sliced
- 1 whole Red Bell Pepper, chopped
- 1 whole Cucumber, Peeled, Seeded, And Chopped
- 1 whole Jalapeno (optional), Seeded And Chopped
- 1 cup (or More If Desired) Chopped Cilantro
- 2 cans Black-eyed Peas, Drained
How To Make Pioneer Woman Black-Eyed Pea Salad
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, combine the olive oil, vinegar, sugar, celery seed, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until well combined.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained black-eyed peas, chopped celery, green onions, red bell pepper, cucumber, and optional jalapeno.
- Dress, Chill, and Serve: Pour the dressing over the top of the vegetable mixture and stir gently to combine. Add the chopped cilantro and stir again. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to marinate. Serve chilled with tortilla chips.

Recipe Tips
- How long should this salad marinate? It needs at least one hour in the refrigerator for the vegetables to soak up the tangy dressing. However, the flavor is even better if you can let it marinate for several hours or even overnight.
- Can I use fresh black-eyed peas? Yes, but you will need to cook them according to package directions and let them cool completely first. Using canned beans is a significant time-saver for this recipe.
- What else can I add to this salad? This recipe is very similar to Cowboy Caviar and is highly customizable. Canned corn (especially fire-roasted), black beans, and diced avocado (added just before serving) are all popular and delicious additions.
- How can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing? The amount of sugar is flexible. Start with 2 tablespoons and taste the dressing. If you prefer it sweeter, add the third tablespoon.
What To Serve With This Black-Eyed Pea Salad
This dish is most famously served as a dip or salsa, but it’s also a fantastic side salad.
- As a dip: with sturdy tortilla chips or corn chips (like Fritos).
- As a side dish: for grilled chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, burgers, or barbecue ribs.
- As a topping: for baked potatoes or grilled fish.
How To Store Black-Eyed Pea Salad
- Refrigerate: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for 3 to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld and deepen over time.
Black-Eyed Pea Salad Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Sugar: 8g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Is this the same as Cowboy Caviar?
Yes, this is a classic version of what is widely known as Cowboy Caviar or Texas Caviar. It’s a marinated bean salad that’s often served as a dip.
Do I have to use celery seed?
Celery seed adds a unique, slightly savory, and aromatic flavor that is characteristic of many classic Southern salads. If you don’t have it, you can omit it, but it does add a special touch.
Can I make this salad less spicy?
The jalapeno is listed as optional. For a completely mild version, simply leave it out. For just a hint of spice, make sure you remove all the seeds and white membranes from the jalapeno before chopping it.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Raspberry Pretzel Jello Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Instant Pot Potato Salad Recipe
Pioneer Woman Black-Eyed Pea Salad Recipe
Description
A refreshing and tangy marinated vegetable and bean salad, perfect as a dip with tortilla chips or as a side for a barbecue.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a small bowl; set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained black-eyed peas and all chopped vegetables (except cilantro).
- Pour the dressing over the pea and vegetable mixture and stir gently.
- Stir in the fresh cilantro.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Serve chilled with tortilla chips.
Notes
- u003cliu003eFor the best flavor, let this salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least a few hours.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis is a perfect make-ahead dish for parties as it gets better with time.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eIf adding avocado, fold it in gently just before serving to prevent it from browning.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThe amount of cilantro can be adjusted to your personal preference; some like more, some like less.u003c/liu003e
