# Components:
→ Salad
01 - 1.5 cups cooked black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 cup cooked brown rice, cooled
03 - 0.5 small red onion, finely diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, finely diced
05 - 0.25 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
→ Lemon Vinaigrette
06 - 0.25 cup extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
08 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - 0.5 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
# Directions:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine black-eyed peas, cooled brown rice, diced red onion, diced celery, and chopped mint.
02 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
03 - Pour lemon vinaigrette over salad ingredients and toss gently to coat evenly.
04 - Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
05 - Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop.
06 - Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional fresh mint if desired.