Save Cowboy Caviar is a vibrant and zesty salad that brings a fiesta of flavors to any table. Packed with protein-rich beans and a rainbow of fresh vegetables, this dish is as beautiful as it is delicious, making it a standout choice for parties and gatherings.
Save The combination of black beans and black-eyed peas provides a hearty base, while the crisp bell peppers and sweet corn add a satisfying crunch. Tossed in a tangy lime and cumin dressing, every bite is a refreshing explosion of Tex-Mex goodness.
Ingredients
- Beans & Legumes
- 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- Vegetables
- 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup (150 g) sweet corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen)
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (15 g) fresh cilantro, chopped
- Dressing
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a large bowl, combine black beans, black-eyed peas, tomatoes, corn, red onion, bell peppers, jalapeño, and cilantro.
- Step 2
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Step 3
- Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture. Gently toss to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Step 4
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 5
- Serve chilled or at room temperature with tortilla chips or as a side salad.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To prepare this recipe, you will need a large mixing bowl, a small bowl or jar for the dressing, a whisk, a cutting board, a knife, and a spoon or spatula. Ensure you rinse the beans thoroughly to keep the salad colors bright. If using canned ingredients, check labels for possible cross-contamination with gluten to maintain the recipe's gluten-free status.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add a dash of hot sauce. Substitute parsley for cilantro if preferred. This recipe is naturally vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making it easy to adapt for various dietary needs.
Serviervorschläge
Add diced avocado just before serving for extra creaminess. This dish goes well with grilled chicken, fish, or as a taco topping. It is equally delicious when served chilled or at room temperature with a side of crunchy tortilla chips.
Save This Cowboy Caviar yield 8 servings, with each serving containing approximately 180 calories, 7g of fat, 24g of carbohydrates, and 6g of protein. It is the perfect easy, 20-minute recipe for your next gathering.
Kitchen Help
- → Can I make Cowboy Caviar ahead of time?
Yes, this salad actually tastes better when made ahead. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. The flavors will meld beautifully as it sits. If adding avocado, wait until just before serving to prevent browning.
- → What can I serve with Cowboy Caviar?
Serve it as a dip with tortilla chips, as a side salad for BBQ or grilled meats, or as a topping for tacos, burritos, or grilled fish. It also pairs wonderfully with quesadillas and nachos.
- → Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Absolutely. Cook 1 cup of dried black beans and 1 cup of dried black-eyed peas until tender, then drain and cool before using. This gives you more control over texture and sodium content.
- → How long does Cowboy Caviar last in the refrigerator?
When stored in an airtight container, it will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The vegetables may release some liquid over time, so drain excess before serving if needed.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, easily customize the heat by adjusting the jalapeño. Remove all seeds for mild, leave some seeds for medium heat, or add diced serrano peppers for extra kick. A dash of hot sauce also works well.
- → Is Cowboy Caviar the same as Texas Caviar?
They're very similar. Both feature beans, vegetables, and tangy dressing. Texas Caviar traditionally emphasizes black-eyed peas, while Cowboy Caviar often includes a mix of beans and more colorful vegetables.