Avocado Black Eyed Pea Salsa

The new year means one thing: resolutions. We have the rest of the year to stick to them, so why not get the projects started on the right foot with a helping of health and luck. Ring in a fresh year with always-in-season Avocados From Mexico, and lucky black-eyed peas for a salsa sure to bring a serving of success to everyone’s plate.

Black-eyed peas are a long-established New Year’s Eve dish eaten for luck and prosperity. This tradition goes back to ancient times and is still carried out today. As for the salsa? Black-eyed peas are a lovely, healthful ingredient that pair beautifully with avocados!

This delicious and versatile dish is great as a dip with corn chips, as a side dish to beef, fish, or poultry, or even as a stand-alone salad. Just add a scoop of salsa to a bed of greens like butter lettuce, arugula, or watercress. This salsa lends itself to creative adaptations, so each guest can eat it as they please.

Start with perfectly ripe avocados. This video shows how to pick them at the grocery store by holding one in the palm of your hand and gently squeezing. If it gives slightly, you have a ripe one! You will need 2 ripe and firm Avocados From Mexico, peeled and diced as shown in this video, plus a 1/2 cup chopped green onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 cup diced tomato, 1 can black-eyed peas (rinsed and drained), 1 jalapeño pepper (seeded and diced) or 1/3 cup chopped green bell pepper, and 1 can sweet corn (drained). Mix all the ingredients well in a big bowl.

For the dressing, whisk 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, salt to taste, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon ground cumin. Add to the salsa and allow flavors to meld before bringing to the table.

Serve with a bowl of corn chips, tortillas, lean protein, and a bowl of greens to please everyone at the table. Happy eating, and Happy New Year!