This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
WW Recipe of the Day: WW Hoppin’ John Salad with Quinoa
Are you eating black-eyed peas on New Years Day? It’s a generations-old Southern tradition thought to bring good luck and prosperity that I adopted back in 2012, with my inaugural batch of Slow Cooker Vegetarian Black-Eyed Peas.
The traditional meal also includes mustard, turnip, or collard greens, ham and cornbread.
But, this year, I’m opting for this Weight Watchers Hoppin’ John Salad with Quinoa, a modern interpretation of a southern classic, that is as delicious as it is nutrient rich.
Table of Contents
What is Hoppin John?
Traditional Hoppin’ John is a rich bean dish made of black-eyed peas simmered with spicy sausages, ham hocks, or fat pork, and rice. This recipe is a lighter variation perfect for ringing in the new year in a healthier way.
Recipe Notes
Quick and easy to prepare, this colorful, flavorful side dish calls for canned black-eyed peas so it can be assembled in less than 30 minutes.
No Quinoa? No quinoa or not a fan? You could always substitute the same amount of rice.
How Many Calories and WW Points in this Black Eyed Pea and Quinoa Salad?
According to my calculations each generous 1 cup serving has 202 calories and 4 Points.
To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
5 *PointsPlus (Old plan)
Ingredients
- Quinoa – a protein-rich, whole grain that is high in fiber and provides essential nutrients like iron and magnesium. It has a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a fluffy texture when cooked. Quinoa is an excellent source of plant-based protein, making it a healthy and satisfying base for the salad. You could substitute already cooked quinoa if you prefer. You’ll need 3 cups of cooked quinoa.
- Water – to cook your quinoa
- Fresh lime juice – tangy and bright, adding a refreshing and zesty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the salad.
- Honey – adds a touch of natural sweetness, balancing out the acidity of the lime juice and enhancing the depth of flavors in the salad. You could substitute agave or maple syrup if you prefer.
- Olive oil – provides healthy fats and a mild, fruity flavor that helps to bind the ingredients together while adding richness to the dressing.
- Salt – enhances the natural flavors of the salad, bringing out the sweetness of the other ingredients and balancing the acidity.
- Canned black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained – a hearty, protein-packed legume with a creamy texture and mild, earthy flavor. They add bulk and heartiness to the salad.
- Lean ham, chopped – adds a savory, salty flavor and a boost of protein. It contributes richness and a satisfying texture to the salad.
- Red bell pepper, chopped – crunchy and slightly sweet, providing a vibrant pop of color and a refreshing crunch to the salad.
- Yellow bell pepper, chopped – add a sweeter flavor and a crisp texture, complementing the red bell pepper and adding more color and crunch.
- Scallions, chopped – provide a mild, slightly oniony flavor that adds freshness and a slight bite to this salad.
- Chopped fresh cilantro leaves – adds a bright, citrusy, and herbaceous flavor that enhances the freshness of the salad and complements the other ingredients. If you are not a cilantro fan, chopped fresh parsley would be a good substitute.
- Small jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely minced – bring a hint of heat and spice, adding a subtle kick to balance the sweetness and acidity in the salad.
How to Make Hoppin’ John Quinoa Salad Step by Step
Step 1: Gather and prep your ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Quinoa. Combine the quinoa and water in a medium saucepan set over high heat. Bring to a boil and then lower the heat, cover the pot and simmer, covered, until most of the water has been absorbed, about 10 minutes. Drain and then scrape the quinoa into a large bowl and let it cool slightly. (Alternatively you can cook you quinoa in the Instant Pot.)
Step 3: Make the dressing. In a small bowl (affiliate link), whisk together the lime juice, honey, oil and salt. Pour mixture over the quinoa and toss to coat.
Step 4: Add the black-eyed peas, ham, bell peppers, scallions, cilantro and jalapeno. Toss to combine.
If you like this recipe, be sure to check out these other lightened up recipes for WeightWatchers: Slow Cooker Vegetarian Black-Eyed Peas, Hearty Black Eyed Pea Slow Cooker Soup with Vegetables & Sausage, Instant Pot Quinoa, How to Make Quinoa on the Stovetop
If you’ve made this Gluten-Free Hoppin’ John Salad with Quinoa, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.
Weight Watchers Hoppin’ John Salad with Quinoa
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 can (about 15 ounces) black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 pound lean ham, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 4 scallions, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely minced
Instructions
- Combine the quinoa and water in a medium saucepan set over high heat. Bring to a boil and then lower the heat, cover the pot and simmer, covered, until most of the water has been absorbed, about 10 minutes.
- Drain and then scrape the quinoa into a large bowl and let it cool slightly.
- In a small bowl (affiliate link), whisk together the lime juice, honey, oil and salt. Pour mixture over the quinoa and toss to coat.
- Add the black-eyed peas, ham, bell peppers, scallions, cilantro and jalapeno. Toss to combine.
- Serve at room temperature.
Notes
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) 5 PointsPlus (Old plan) Quick and easy to prepare, this colorful, flavorful side dish calls for canned black-eyed peas so it can be assembled in less than 30 minutes. No Quinoa? No quinoa or not a fan? You could always substitute the same amount of rice.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Source: adapted from Weight Watchers Momentum Healthy and Happy Celebrations
More Quinoa Recipes for WeightWatchers
- Lemony Lentil Quinoa Salad
- Quinoa Tabbouleh
- Southwest Quinoa & Black Bean Skillet
- Vegetarian Greek Quinoa Salad
- Southwest Stoplight Quinoa Salad
Articles and Tips for WeightWatchers
- A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding the WeightWatchers Program
- A Comprehensive List of Articles & Tips for WeightWatchers
- What Foods Should I Eat in a Day on WeightWatchers
- WeightWatchers Zero Points Foods List
- WeightWatchers Friendly Meal Plans
- Why We Are More Motivated the Closer We Get to Our Goals – Another powerful WW Weekly Workshop Topic.
This is a fantastic recipe. I added a bit more fresh squeezed lime juice. ButI needed a bit more substance to my salad so I added jumbo shrimp and served over iceberg lettuce. This is a great healthy summer salad
Excellent!
Easy to make and is a colorful salad.