A good black eyed peas recipe can be hard to find. This Black Eyed Pea Salad is so simple to put together and bursting with flavor. With no refined sugar, a GAPS diet option and a quick version using Italian dressing, it is an easy to adjust, win-win salad recipe.

Black eyed peas grow well here in our garden in west Texas. Since good black eyed peas recipe can be difficult to find, one of the easiest ways to use them up is by making a black eyed pea salad.

I love how quick and simple this black eyed peas recipe is to put together. And, it is especially good in our hot west Texas summer weather! It is a cool and easy lunch!

The How-to's of Cooking Black Eyed Peas

How to cook black eyed peas depends on what type of peas you use.

For this black eyed peas recipe, you can use either fresh, dried and canned peas. So, let's look at cooking black eyed peas no matter which type you use.

Cooking Fresh Black Eyed Peas

When I get fresh black eyed peas from the garden here is how I cook them:

Shell the peas first
Optional - Add a ham bone, 3 - 4 slices of bacon or salt pork.
Cover with a couple of inches of water.
Boil them until tender. This normally takes about 20 minutes.

Cooking Dried Black Eyed Peas

To cook dried black eyed peas on the stove top:

Rinse dried peas in a colander removing any stones or discolored peas.
Soak them for 12 hours or overnight covered in water.
Drain peas and cover with fresh water plus 2 inches.
Optional - Add a ham bone, 3 - 4 slices of bacon or salt pork.
Bring to a boil and then simmer until tender - about 1 - ½ hours.

To cook dried black eyed peas in the Instant Pot:

Place rinsed peas (1 lb) in the Instant Pot with about 6 ½ cups water or chicken broth.
Place lid on and lock
Seal and press "Manual" for about 25 mins.
Allow steam to release steam naturally - this will take another 10 - 15 mins.

To cook dried black eyed peas in the slow cooker:

Rinse dried peas in a colander removing any stones or discolored peas.
Soak them for 12 hours or overnight covered in water.
Drain peas and cover with fresh water plus 2 inches.
Optional - Add a ham bone, 3 - 4 slices of bacon or salt pork.
Cook on low for 8 hours.

Cooking Canned Black Eyed Peas

Canned black eyed peas are already cooked so you do not need to cook them. I do like to rinse the peas after opening the cans.

How to Make The Black Eyed Pea Salad Dressing

The dressing couldn't be easier and it's packed full of delicious herbs and spices, here's what's in it:

Oregano
Basil
Cumin
Rosemary
Sage
Garlic
Raw apple cider vinegar
Olive oil and salt and pepper

Mix all the wonderful flavors together with your black-eyed peas and you have one delicious salad in the making. This is extra delicious at barbecues!

Variation to Make Black Eyed Pea Salad GAPs Diet Legal

Black eyed peas are not GAPS diet legal. But, you can use the dressing and substitute white beans for a delicious GAPS diet legal salad.

Other Salad Dressing Suggestions and Variations

You don't have to limit yourself to these flavors though, try mixing it up with whatever herbs and spices you have on hand. See How to Make Salad Dressing the Easy Way.

This Black-Eyed Pea Salad is so adaptable and easy that way.

Here are a few of my favorite dressings you might like to try:

Best Ever Homemade Ranch Dressing
Green Goddess Dressing Recipe (GAPS, Keto, Refined Sugar Free)
Italian Dressing (store-bought) - This makes the Black Eyed Pea Salad even easier and faster!

Tips For Making This Black Eyed Pea Salad

While this black eyed peas recipe works great with canned peas and even dried ones, it is especially good with fresh-from-the-garden peas.
To make the recipe GAPS legal, substitute white or navy beans.

Other Salads to Try For a Cool Quick Meal

Summer months especially call for cool meals - the kind that don't heat up your kitchen. Here are a few of our family favorites:

If you’ve tried my Black Eyed Pea Salad or any other recipe on Cultured Palate please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, YouTube and TWITTER.

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