Ingredients
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen & thawed, or canned & drained)
1 large red bell pepper, diced
1 large green bell pepper, diced
1 small red onion, finely diced
2 ripe Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
1–2 jalapeños, seeded and minced (adjust to taste)
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 large avocado, diced (added just before serving)
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from 2–3 limes)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar (optional, for sweetness)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare your vegetables. Dice the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, tomatoes, and jalapeños into small, uniform pieces. Finely chop the fresh cilantro.
Step 2: Rinse and thoroughly drain the canned black beans and black-eyed peas under cold water. If using frozen corn, ensure it is thawed.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced bell peppers, red onion, tomatoes, jalapeños, chopped cilantro, rinsed black beans, black-eyed peas, and corn. Gently toss to combine.
Step 4: In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing. Whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, apple cider vinegar, honey (if using), minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 5: Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable and bean mixture. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
Step 6: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 1-2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
Step 7: Just before serving, dice the avocado and gently fold it into the chilled cowboy caviar. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or as a side dish.
Notes
For the best flavor, allow the cowboy caviar to chill for at least an hour before serving, which helps the dressing permeate all the ingredients. If preparing ahead, add the avocado just before serving to maintain its fresh color and texture. For extra heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeño or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers & Snacks
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 185 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cowboy caviar, texas caviar, black bean dip, corn dip, easy dip recipe, party appetizer, healthy dip, vegetarian dip, gluten-free recipe, summer recipe, potluck food
