Description
Cowboy caviar dip brings southwestern flair to any gathering with its colorful medley of fresh vegetables and zesty seasonings. Crisp corn, black beans, and tangy dressing create an irresistible appetizer that sparks conversation and delights palates at parties and potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels (canned, frozen, or fresh)
Vegetables and Fresh Produce:
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 avocado, diced (optional, added just before serving)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Dressing Ingredients:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon honey (or sugar for a vegan option)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Create a vibrant base by combining black beans, black-eyed peas, corn, red and green bell peppers, red onion, tomatoes, and cilantro in a spacious mixing vessel.
- Craft a zesty dressing by vigorously whisking olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, honey, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a compact container until thoroughly blended.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the vegetable and bean mixture, gently folding to ensure each ingredient is evenly coated with the tangy marinade.
- Seal the bowl with a protective cover and nestle in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to harmonize and intensify.
- Moments before presentation, carefully incorporate diced avocado to introduce a luxurious, creamy dimension to the dish.
- Present the cowboy caviar chilled or at ambient temperature, accompanied by crispy tortilla chips, pita chips, or as a dynamic topping for tacos, grilled chicken, or succulent fish.
Notes
- Swap black beans or black-eyed peas with other legumes like chickpeas or kidney beans for variety and nutrition customization.
- Choose fresh, ripe tomatoes and bell peppers for maximum flavor intensity and crisp texture.
- Add extra protein by incorporating diced grilled chicken, shrimp, or crumbled queso fresco to transform this dip into a complete meal.
- Make it spicy by including diced jalapeños or increasing chili powder for heat lovers who want an extra kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg