Lightly Fried Plantain and Black-Eyed Pea Salad with Spicy Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fresh and colorful Ghanaian-inspired salad featuring caramelized fried plantains, protein-rich black-eyed peas, and a tangy, spicy vinaigrette. This African-inspired salad recipe (vegan), ready in about 20 minutes, pairs ripe plantains, black-eyed peas (cooked), red bell pepper into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 African cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 medium peeled and sliced plantains (1/2-inch rounds) in a single layer and fry for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups cooked black-eyed peas, 1 medium diced red bell pepper, 1 small finely chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp honey, 1 small finely minced scotch bonnet pepper (if using), 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well combined.
  4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the black-eyed pea mixture and gently toss to coat.
  5. Step 5: Add the fried plantain slices to the salad and fold carefully to combine without breaking the plantains.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately as a side dish or light meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lightly Fried Plantain and Black-Eyed Pea Salad with Spicy Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Lightly Fried Plantain and Black-Eyed Pea Salad with Spicy Dressing?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ripe plantains from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lightly Fried Plantain and Black-Eyed Pea Salad with Spicy Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Lightly Fried Plantain and Black-Eyed Pea Salad with Spicy Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Lightly Fried Plantain and Black-Eyed Pea Salad with Spicy Dressing vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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