Bacon

Smoked Bacon And Black Eyed Pea Salad

Name: Smoked Bacon And Black Eyed Pea Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 6 slices of smoked bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 cup of black eyed peas, fresh or frozen; 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley; 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh thyme; 2 tablespoons of olive oil; 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese, optional; 1/4 cup of chopped fresh scallions, optional; 2 cloves of garlic, minced

By Clara Kingsley · June 19, 2026 · Bacon

Prep20 min

Cook20 min

Total60 min

Serves6

I still remember the first time I made a Smoked Bacon And Black Eyed Pea Salad. It was a warm summer evening, and I was looking for a dish that would be perfect for a backyard barbecue. I had some smoked bacon, black eyed peas, and a few other ingredients on hand, so I decided to throw them together and see what happened.

The result was a salad that was both familiar and excitingly new. The smoky flavor of the bacon paired perfectly with the creamy black eyed peas, and the addition of some fresh herbs and a tangy dressing brought everything together.

Since that first batch, I've made this salad countless times, and it's become a staple in my household. It's easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to bring to a potluck, this Smoked Bacon And Black Eyed Pea Salad is sure to please.

One of the things I love about this salad is its versatility. You can serve it as a main course, a side dish, or even as a topping for a bed of greens. And because it's made with ingredients that are readily available, you can make it any time of the year.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to make a Smoked Bacon And Black Eyed Pea Salad that's sure to become a favorite in your household. With its perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors, this salad is a must-try for anyone who loves good food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's perfect for any occasion, whether it's a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The smoky flavor of the bacon pairs perfectly with the creamy black eyed peas.
You can customize the salad to your taste by adding your own personal touches.
It's a great way to use up leftover ingredients and reduce food waste.
The salad is healthy and nutritious, making it a great option for a quick and easy meal.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making a great Smoked Bacon And Black Eyed Pea Salad is to balance the flavors and textures. The smoky bacon provides a rich, savory flavor, while the black eyed peas add a creamy texture. The fresh herbs, such as parsley and thyme, add a bright, freshness to the salad, while the tangy dressing brings everything together.

Another important aspect of this salad is the use of high-quality ingredients. Using smoked bacon that's been smoked to perfection, and black eyed peas that are fresh and tender, makes a big difference in the final product. And don't forget to use a good-quality dressing, such as a homemade vinaigrette, to bring all the flavors together.

Finally, the way you assemble the salad is important. You want to make sure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed, so that each bite has a little bit of everything. And don't be afraid to add your own personal touches, such as a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese or a handful of chopped fresh herbs.

By following these tips, you'll be able to make a Smoked Bacon And Black Eyed Pea Salad that's sure to impress your friends and family. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors and textures of this amazing salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Smoked Bacon And Black Eyed Pea Salad, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The key players are smoked bacon, black eyed peas, and a few fresh herbs, such as parsley and thyme. You'll also need some basic pantry staples, like olive oil, salt, and pepper.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality smoked bacon that's been smoked to perfection. You can find this at most grocery stores or butcher shops. For the black eyed peas, look for fresh or frozen peas that are tender and have a good texture.

6 slices of smoked bacon, cut into 1-inch piecesSmoked bacon is the key to this salad, so be sure to choose a high-quality brand that's been smoked to perfection. You can find smoked bacon at most grocery stores or butcher shops.
1 cup of black eyed peas, fresh or frozenBlack eyed peas are a staple in many Southern dishes, and they add a creamy texture to this salad. Look for fresh or frozen peas that are tender and have a good texture.
1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley adds a bright, freshness to this salad, and it pairs perfectly with the smoky bacon. Be sure to choose fresh parsley that's been washed and dried thoroughly.
2 tablespoons of chopped fresh thymeThyme is a classic herb that pairs perfectly with the smoky flavor of the bacon. Be sure to choose fresh thyme that's been washed and dried thoroughly.
2 tablespoons of olive oilOlive oil is a staple in many kitchens, and it's the perfect choice for this salad. Look for a high-quality olive oil that's been cold-pressed and has a good flavor.
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegarApple cider vinegar adds a tangy flavor to this salad, and it pairs perfectly with the smoky bacon. Be sure to choose a high-quality apple cider vinegar that's been made with real apples.
1 teaspoon of Dijon mustardDijon mustard adds a creamy texture to this salad, and it pairs perfectly with the tangy flavor of the apple cider vinegar. Be sure to choose a high-quality Dijon mustard that's been made with real ingredients.
Salt and pepper to tasteSalt and pepper are staples in many kitchens, and they're the perfect choice for seasoning this salad. Be sure to taste the salad as you go and add more salt and pepper if needed.
1/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese, optionalBlue cheese is a classic ingredient that pairs perfectly with the smoky flavor of the bacon. If you're a fan of blue cheese, be sure to add it to this salad for an extra burst of flavor.
1/4 cup of chopped fresh scallions, optionalScallions are a great addition to this salad, and they add a fresh, oniony flavor. Be sure to choose fresh scallions that have been washed and dried thoroughly.
2 cloves of garlic, mincedGarlic is a staple in many kitchens, and it's the perfect choice for adding flavor to this salad. Be sure to choose fresh garlic that's been minced thoroughly.

Ingredients for Smoked Bacon And Black Eyed Pea Salad

Equipment You’ll Need

Large skillet or sauté panCutting boardSharp knifeMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerWooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Smoked Bacon And Black Eyed Pea Salad

1
Start by cooking the smoked bacon in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Cook the bacon until it's crispy and golden brown, stirring occasionally. This should take about 10-12 minutes, or until the bacon reaches an internal temperature of 145 F.
2
While the bacon is cooking, prepare the black eyed peas according to the package instructions. If using fresh peas, cook them in boiling water until they're tender. If using frozen peas, thaw them according to the package instructions.
3
Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave the grease in the skillet, as it will be used to cook the garlic and scallions.
4
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly become bitter.
5
Add the chopped scallions to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until they're softened. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
6
In a large bowl, combine the cooked black eyed peas, crispy bacon, garlic, and scallions. Stir to combine, making sure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
7
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste the dressing as you go and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8
Pour the dressing over the black eyed pea mixture and stir to combine. Make sure that all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
9
If using blue cheese or chopped scallions, sprinkle them over the top of the salad and stir to combine.
10
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
11
Before serving, give the salad a good stir and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the salad chilled, garnished with additional chopped scallions or blue cheese if desired.

Expert Tips

Be sure to choose high-quality smoked bacon that's been smoked to perfection. This will make a big difference in the final product.
If using fresh black eyed peas, be sure to cook them until they're tender. If using frozen peas, thaw them according to the package instructions.
Don't overcook the garlic and scallions, as they can quickly become bitter. Cook them until they're softened and fragrant.
Use a high-quality olive oil that's been cold-pressed and has a good flavor. This will make a big difference in the final product.
If using blue cheese, be sure to crumble it over the top of the salad just before serving. This will help preserve the texture and flavor of the cheese.
Consider adding other ingredients to the salad, such as diced onions or chopped bell peppers. This will add more flavor and texture to the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using low-quality smoked bacon that's not been smoked to perfection. This will result in a salad that's lacking in flavor and texture.
Overcooking the garlic and scallions. This will result in a bitter flavor that's unpleasant to eat.
Not using high-quality olive oil. This will result in a salad that's lacking in flavor and texture.
Not refrigerating the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will result in a salad that's not as flavorful as it could be.
Not tasting the salad as you go and adjusting the seasoning if needed. This will result in a salad that's not balanced in terms of flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Adding diced onions or chopped bell peppers to the salad for extra flavor and texture.
Using different types of cheese, such as cheddar or feta, instead of blue cheese.
Adding some heat to the salad by incorporating diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes.
Using different types of herbs, such as parsley or basil, instead of thyme.
Adding some crunch to the salad by incorporating chopped nuts or seeds.
Using different types of vinegar, such as balsamic or white wine vinegar, instead of apple cider vinegar.

What to Serve With Smoked Bacon And Black Eyed Pea Salad

This Smoked Bacon And Black Eyed Pea Salad is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's a great side dish or main course, and it's also perfect for potlucks or picnics.

Consider serving the salad with some crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying snack. You could also serve it as a topping for a bed of greens or as a side dish for a grilled meal.

Serve the salad as a side dish or main courseUse the salad as a topping for a bed of greensServe the salad as a side dish for a grilled mealUse the salad as a filling for a sandwich or wrap

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

If you want to freeze the salad, consider freezing the individual components separately. For example, you could freeze the cooked black eyed peas, the crispy bacon, and the garlic and scallions separately. Then, simply thaw the components and combine them in a bowl when you're ready to serve.

To reheat the salad, simply microwave it for 30-60 seconds or until warmed through. You could also reheat it in a skillet on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Be sure to taste the salad as you reheat it and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may need to add a bit more olive oil or vinegar to bring the flavors back together.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of smoked bacon should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of smoked bacon you like, but thick-cut bacon works best for this recipe. Look for bacon that's been smoked to perfection and has a good balance of flavor and texture.

Can I use canned black eyed peas for this recipe?

Yes, you can use canned black eyed peas for this recipe. Simply drain and rinse the peas, then add them to the salad as instructed.

How long can I store this salad in the refrigerator?

This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Can I freeze this salad?

Yes, you can freeze this salad. Consider freezing the individual components separately, such as the cooked black eyed peas, the crispy bacon, and the garlic and scallions. Then, simply thaw the components and combine them in a bowl when you're ready to serve.

How do I reheat this salad?

To reheat the salad, simply microwave it for 30-60 seconds or until warmed through. You could also reheat it in a skillet on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Simply prepare the individual components, such as the cooked black eyed peas and the crispy bacon, then combine them in a bowl when you're ready to serve.

What type of cheese can I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of cheese you like for this recipe, but blue cheese works best. Look for a high-quality blue cheese that's been aged to perfection and has a good balance of flavor and texture.

Can I add other ingredients to this salad?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to this salad. Consider adding diced onions or chopped bell peppers for extra flavor and texture. You could also add some heat to the salad by incorporating diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes.

The Full Recipe

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