Description
This vibrant, zesty Cowboy Caviar is loaded with black beans, black-eyed peas, sweet corn, fresh veggies, and tossed in a tangy lime dressing. It’s the perfect appetizer or side dish for any occasion!
Ingredients
- For the Cowboy Caviar:
- 1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-oz) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup sweet corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
- ⅓ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced (optional)
- For the Zesty Dressing:
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the black beans and black-eyed peas. Dice the tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, and jalapeño (if using). Chop the cilantro and cube the avocado.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, honey, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- In a large bowl, toss together the beans, corn, tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
- Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Gently fold in the diced avocado just before serving to keep it fresh.
- Let the Cowboy Caviar sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve with tortilla chips, as a taco topping, or as a fresh side salad.
Notes
- For added heat, include the seeds from the jalapeño or use more chili powder.
- This dish can be made ahead of time, but fold in the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
- Use any type of corn, such as fresh or frozen, depending on availability.
- If you prefer a sweeter taste, add a little extra honey or maple syrup to the dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150-200
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
