New Years Hoppin John Salad (Print Version)

Protein-rich salad with black-eyed peas, chickpeas, and fresh vegetables in creamy tahini dressing for a healthy start to the year.

# What You'll Need:

→ Legumes

01 - 1 cup dried black-eyed peas or 1 can (15 oz) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 cup cooked long-grain rice, cooled
04 - 1 small red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 small celery stalk, diced
06 - 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
07 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
08 - 2 green onions, sliced
09 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

→ Tahini Dressing

10 - 1/4 cup tahini
11 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
12 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
13 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
14 - 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave nectar
15 - 1 clove garlic, minced
16 - 2 to 3 tablespoons water
17 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
18 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
19 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional

# How to Prepare:

01 - If using dried black-eyed peas, rinse and soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain, then cook in simmering water for 30 to 40 minutes until tender. Drain and cool completely. If using canned peas, simply drain and rinse.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine black-eyed peas, chickpeas, rice, red bell pepper, celery, red onion, cherry tomatoes, green onions, and parsley.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Add water one tablespoon at a time until the dressing reaches a creamy, pourable consistency.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
05 - Serve immediately or refrigerate for 1 hour to allow flavors to meld together. Mix gently once more before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Its packed with protein and fiber, so you actually stay satisfied instead of hungry an hour later.
  • The tahini dressing is silky and addictive without being heavy, and somehow tastes even better the next day when the flavors meld together.
02 -
  • If your dressing breaks or looks separated after sitting, whisk in a splash more water and it will come back together without any drama.
  • Don't skip cooling the rice and peas; warm ingredients will cause the dressing to split and the vegetables to soften too quickly.
03 -
  • Make your tahini dressing first and taste it on its own before adding it to the salad; this way you know exactly how much seasoning you need.
  • Toast your black-eyed peas in a dry skillet for two minutes after cooking and cooling them, it deepens their flavor in a way that feels subtle but unmistakable.
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