Cowboy Caviar

Colorful bowl of Cowboy Caviar salad made with black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, red onion, and cilantro, served with tortilla chips. — Cowboy Caviar – a fresh, zesty salad with black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, and herbs. Perfect as a dip or side for any gathering!

Cowboy Caviar: A Vibrant, Flavorful Favorite for Any Occasion

Cowboy Caviar is as colorful as it is delicious. Packed with fresh vegetables, hearty beans, and a tangy homemade dressing, this versatile dish is perfect for barbecues, game-day snacks, or a healthy side.

Its beauty lies in simplicity. With just black beans, corn, and bell peppers, you get bold flavor that’s easy to customize. Add jalapeño for spice or extra lime juice for zest—the options are endless.

Visually stunning, this salad’s mix of red, green, and yellow veggies makes it as eye-catching as it is tasty. It brightens any table and sparks conversation at every gathering.

Best of all, it takes only 15 minutes to prepare and stores well, making it an excellent make-ahead recipe. Serve with tortilla chips, over a salad, or as a side dish—Cowboy Caviar always delivers fresh flavor and crowd-pleasing appeal.

INGREDIENTS

For the Cowboy Caviar:
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
One can (15 oz) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
1 cup sweet corn (fresh or canned, drained if canned)
2 bell peppers (1 red and 1 green, about 1 1/2 cups, diced)
1 small red onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered (use colorful varieties for a vibrant dish)
1 large avocado, diced (firm yet ripe)
For the Dressing:
1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
3 tbsp red wine vinegar (adjust to taste)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground cumin
3/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
1/2 tsp chili powder (optional for a mild kick)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prep vegetables: Dice bell peppers, onion, and cherry tomatoes. Place in a large mixing bowl.

2. Add beans and corn: Drain and rinse black beans and black-eyed peas. Add them with the corn to the bowl.

3. Fold in avocado and cilantro: Gently stir in diced avocado and chopped cilantro without smashing the avocado.

4. Make dressing: Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

5. Combine: Pour dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients.

6. Chill and serve: Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors blend. Serve with tortilla chips, over salads, or as a colorful appetizer.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

Choose Fresh and Vibrant Ingredients: To make this Cowboy Caviar truly stand out, use the freshest vegetables like crisp bell peppers, sweet cherry tomatoes, and ripe avocados. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor, so avoid skipping it. If possible, opt for fresh corn instead of canned for a naturally sweet crunch.
Prepare the Dressing with Care: The dressing brings all the flavors together, so whisk it thoroughly until smooth and emulsified. Adding fresh lime juice enhances the tangy taste, while a pinch of sugar can balance the acidity if needed. Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, but be careful not to overpower the dish.
Allow the Flavors to Marinate: For the best results, chill the Cowboy Caviar for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step ensures the dressing fully soaks into the beans and vegetables, creating a cohesive and flavorful dish. Serve it with tortilla chips or as a topping for salads and enjoy!

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