Easy Cowboy Caviar Recipe
Discover how to make the best Easy Cowboy Caviar with this simple recipe! Packed with fresh veggies, beans, and a zesty lime dressing, it's the perfect appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 15-ounce can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 – 1 ½ cups corn canned, frozen and thawed, or fresh
- 1 red bell pepper finely diced
- 1 yellow or orange bell pepper finely diced (optional, for color)
- 1/2 medium red onion finely diced
- 2-3 Roma tomatoes seeded and diced (or 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved/quartered)
- 1 jalapeño pepper seeded and finely minced (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1-2 ripe avocados diced (optional, add just before serving)
- For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice from about 2 limes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 - 1 teaspoon sugar or honey optional, to taste
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, ground cumin, chili powder, sugar/honey (if using), salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Prep Beans and Corn: Rinse and drain the black-eyed peas and black beans. If using canned corn, drain it. If using frozen corn, ensure it is thawed.
- Chop Vegetables: Finely dice the bell peppers, red onion, and tomatoes. Seed and finely mince the jalapeño (if using). Roughly chop the cilantro. Aim for vegetable pieces similar in size to the beans.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained black-eyed peas, black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, red onion, tomatoes, jalapeño (if using), and chopped cilantro.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients in the large bowl. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Chill (Recommended): For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 20-30 minutes, or up to a few hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add Avocado (Optional): If using avocado, dice it and gently fold it into the Cowboy Caviar just before serving.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve chilled or at room temperature with tortilla chips, as a salad, or as a topping.