New Years Hoppin John Salad (Print Version)

Protein-rich salad with black-eyed peas, chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and creamy tahini dressing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Legumes

01 - 1 cup dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and soaked, 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 fresh 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 Make It:

01 - If using dried black-eyed peas, rinse and soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and cook in simmering water for 30 to 40 minutes until tender. Drain and cool. If using canned peas, drain and rinse thoroughly.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled black-eyed peas, chickpeas, cooked rice, diced bell pepper, diced celery, chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced green onions, and fresh 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 tahini dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
05 - Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 1 hour to allow flavors to develop. Mix gently before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes even better the next day, so meal prep becomes something you're actually excited about.
  • You get all the protein and fiber without feeling like you're eating something virtuous.
  • The tahini dressing is silky enough to make you forget you skipped the mayo entirely.
02 -
  • Tahini tastes nothing like mayo, but it has a similar richness that keeps this salad from tasting like you're punishing yourself for your January resolutions.
  • Cold rice mixed with warm ingredients will reheat them slightly; if you want everything cold, use truly cold rice or let the whole salad chill before serving.
03 -
  • Make the dressing first and taste it before adding it to the salad—it's easier to adjust seasoning in a small bowl than to rescue a whole batch.
  • Keep the salad components separate until serving if you're making this more than a few hours ahead, then toss everything together right before eating so the vegetables stay crisp.
Go Back