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Black-Eyed Pea and Mustard Green Salad

THIS IS A PASTA & CO RECIPE that’s been a customer favorite for years. Inspired by the classic Southern ingredient black-eyed peas, this healthy salad has the sharp flavor of mustard greens, while fresh tarragon adds an extra zing. For a heartier salad, add a few slices of leftover grilled, roasted, or poached chicken.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4 to 6

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and picked over, or 2 15-ounce cans, drained and rinsed
2 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons minced fresh tarragon, or 2 teaspoons dried
2 teaspoons ground fennel seed
1/4 cup sherry wine vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons honey
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh tarragon
1 bunch mustard greens (leaves only), sliced
1 bunch green onions (white and green parts), thinly sliced
12 ounces semihard cheese (page 23), grated (3 cups)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    If using dried peas, put them in a medium saucepan and add enough cold water to cover by 2 inches. Bring the peas to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are tender but not too soft. Add 2 teaspoons of the salt, and continue to cook for 5 minutes. Drain well. While the peas are cooking, prepare the dressing. Whisk the 2 tablespoons tarragon, fennel, vinegar, mustard, honey, 3/4 teaspoon salt, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and olive oil together in a large bowl.

    Step 2

    Combine the cooked or canned peas with the dressing. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

    Step 3

    Add the 1/4 cup tarragon, mustard greens, and green onions to the peas, and toss to combine. Top with the cheese. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

  2. Make Ahead

    Step 4

    You can prepare this salad up to 2 days in advance, but add the greens no more than 1 hour before serving. Otherwise, the greens will wilt.

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