I must be on a copy cat recipe kit recently because this is my second one in just a matter of weeks. I think it has to do with some confidence that I am gaining in the kitchen recently. I love finding new recipes that I love at restaurants and trying to recreate them. This particular recipe hails from Disney's Animal Kingdom. The Harambe Market in the Africa section of this park has started serving a black eyed pea and corn salad that is just to die for. It hits all the right notes. Here is my take and my version that you can now enjoy from the comfort of your home. 

Ingredients: 

2 cans black eyed peas, rinsed

1 ear corn, cooked 

1/4 cup roma tomato, diced

1/4 cup celery stalk, diced

1/4 cup red onion, diced

2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar

2 tablespoons safflower oil

1/2 tsp sugar 

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

fresh lemon zest

Directions: mix all ingredients together, chill then serve. 

This can be stored for several days and makes a wonderful make ahead side dish. This salad is refreshing and good for you. It's got a great depth of flavor and a wonderful crunch. 

Enjoy!

My husband has been making this black bean salad recipe for us for years. Its a perfect addition to any outdoor barbecue, picnic, or even just a fresh dinner at home. It has a great fresh crisp somewhat text mex flavor to it. There is no cooking involved, just a little washing and chopping. Go ahead and try this easy healthful salad out tonight. 

Ingredients: 

2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed 

2 ears of fresh corn, removed from cob

1/4 cup bell pepper, diced to about 1/2 the size of one black bean

1/4 cup red onion, diced to 1/4 the size of one black bean

2 roma tomatoes, diced to about 1/2 the size of one black bean

1/4 cup pineapple tidbits, chopped in half

1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped

3 tablespoons lavender honey

4 tablespoons red wine vinegar

juice from 1/2 of a lime

1/2 tsp cumin

1 tablespoon lavender salt

1 tsp fresh ground pepper

Directions: 

Chop ingredients as directed above, mix together. Eat. 

So simple!

One thing I love about this recipe is that if you have some left over, if its left to sit overnight the flavors are even better the next day! So if you ever need a great make ahead dish, this is a real winner. 

Enjoy!