Description
Cowboy Caviar is a vibrant, fresh, and zesty dip or salad featuring a colorful medley of tomatoes, beans, corn, bell peppers, and jalapenos tossed in a tangy and slightly sweet dressing. Perfect as a party appetizer or a healthy snack served with tortilla chips, this no-cook dish combines bold flavors and crisp textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Beans
- 4 large Roma tomatoes (seeded and diced)
- ½ red onion (diced)
- 15 oz can black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 15 oz can black eyed peas (rinsed and drained)
- 10 oz package frozen corn kernels (thawed)
- 1 green bell pepper (seeded and diced)
- 1-2 jalapenos (seeded and diced)
- 1 bunch cilantro (chopped)
Dressing
- â…“ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 lime (juiced)
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for more spice)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: Add all dressing ingredients—olive oil, white wine vinegar, sugar, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper—to a small bowl. Whisk thoroughly until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed to balance the tanginess and spice.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced Roma tomatoes, red onion, black beans, black eyed peas, thawed corn kernels, green bell pepper, jalapenos, and chopped cilantro. Gently mix to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the combined ingredients. Toss carefully to coat everything evenly with the flavorful dressing, ensuring all components are well coated but not crushed.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled with tortilla chips as a refreshing appetizer or side dish.
Notes
- For extra spice, keep the seeds in the jalapenos or add an additional pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Make sure to seed the tomatoes and bell peppers to avoid excess water making the dip watery.
- This dish can be made a few hours ahead and kept covered in the fridge; flavors improve with time.
- Feel free to substitute black eyed peas with chickpeas or kidney beans as preferred.
- Serve as a dip with chips or as a vibrant topping for grilled meats or salads.
