Description
A vibrant and refreshing Cowboy Caviar recipe featuring a colorful mix of black beans, black-eyed peas, corn, bell peppers, and avocado tossed in a zesty lime and spiced vinaigrette. Perfect as a dip with tortilla chips or a fresh, flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large avocado, diced (1 piece, approximately 200g)
- Juice of 2 limes (4 tablespoons, 60mL)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (15 ounces/425g)
- 1 can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed (15 ounces/425g)
- 1 ½ cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen and thawed, or canned and drained – 225g)
- 1 small red onion, finely diced (100g)
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced (160g)
- 1 large orange bell pepper, diced (160g)
- 1 jalapeño pepper, finely minced, seeds removed for less heat (10g)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced (150g)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (10g)
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (45mL)
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (30mL)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (15mL)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (6g)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin (1.5g)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (1.5g)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (1g)
Instructions
- Prepare the avocado: Add the diced avocado to a large mixing bowl and gently toss with the lime juice. This helps prevent browning and adds brightness to the dish.
- Add beans and vegetables: Add the black beans, black-eyed peas, corn, red onion, red bell pepper, orange bell pepper, jalapeño, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro to the bowl. Mix gently to avoid mashing the avocado.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, maple syrup, sea salt, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and black pepper until well combined.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture. Toss everything gently until evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and meld flavors: Refrigerate the Cowboy Caviar for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Alternatively, serve immediately if desired.
- Serve: Enjoy the Cowboy Caviar with tortilla chips as a delicious dip or as a fresh side dish for your meals.
Notes
- For less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeño before mincing.
- The dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated to enhance flavor melding.
- Use fresh corn kernels in season or canned/frozen corn depending on availability.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- This recipe is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free.
- Adjust the maple syrup quantity to control sweetness based on preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American Southwestern
