Marinated Black-Eyed Pea Salad

Adapted from allrecipes.com Submitted by:  SugarBear

Ingredients:
1 yellow bell pepper, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
1/2 onion, finely chopped
2 jalapeno chiles, seeded and finely chopped (or a pinch of red pepper flakes)
4 (15 oz) cans black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
2 T chopped fresh parsley
1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
1/2 c red wine vinegar
2 T balsamic vinegar
1/4 c olive oil
1/2 t ground cumin
1/2 t salt
1 t ground black pepper
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)


Directions:
1.  Mix yellow and red peppers, onion, jalapenos, black-eyed peas, parsley and garlic together in a large bowl.
2. Whisk red wine vinegar and balsamic vinegar together in a small bowl.  Gradually add the olive oil, whisking constantly to thoroughly blend with the vinegars.
3.  Stir in cumin, salt, and black pepper.  Pour over the vegetable mixture, tossing to coat evenly.
4.  Cover and refrigerate 3 to 4 hours.
5.  Just before serving, stir in bacon.
 
Notes:
This is a great side dish or as a dip served with tortilla chips. 
The bacon is completely optional.  While it adds a great flavor and different dimension, the dish without it is just as great!