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Cowboy Caviar Recipe

4.4 from 102 reviews

Cowboy Caviar is a vibrant and refreshing no-cook salad featuring a colorful mix of fresh vegetables, beans, and a tangy dressing. Perfect as a side dish or a light snack, this wholesome recipe combines diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, avocados, bell peppers, onions, jalapeño, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a zesty lime and red wine vinegar dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 6 Roma tomatoes (seeded and diced, about 3½ cups)
  • 14.5 ounces yellow corn (drained)
  • 15.25 ounces black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 2 avocados (peeled, seeded, and diced)
  • 1 red bell pepper (seeded and diced, about 1½ cups)
  • 1 orange bell pepper (seeded and diced, about 1½ cups)
  • 1 jalapeño (seeded and finely diced)
  • ½ cup red onion (finely diced, about ½ medium-sized red onion)
  • ½ cup sweet yellow onion (finely diced, about ½ medium-sized onion)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh garlic (minced)
  • 4 tablespoons lime juice

Dressing Ingredients

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced tomatoes, drained corn, rinsed black beans, diced avocados, diced red and orange bell peppers, finely diced jalapeño, red and yellow onions, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, and lime juice. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly combined, being careful not to mash the avocados.
  2. Make the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and fresh cracked pepper until the mixture is well incorporated and slightly emulsified.
  3. Toss the Salad with Dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Gently stir just until everything is well coated and combined, ensuring the flavors meld without breaking down the ingredients.

Notes

  • For best flavor, chill the Cowboy Caviar for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to marinate.
  • Adjust the jalapeño quantity to control the heat level according to your preference.
  • Serve as a dip with tortilla chips, a topping for grilled meats, or as a side salad.
  • Use fresh, ripe avocados to ensure creamy texture.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days; however, texture might soften over time due to the avocado.

Keywords: cowboy caviar, black bean salad, no-cook salad, avocado salad, healthy side dish, southwestern salad, bean dip