Description
Simple Cowboy Caviar is a fresh, colorful, and nutritious bean salad packed with black beans, black-eyed peas, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro, all tossed in a zesty lime and olive oil dressing. This no-cook recipe is perfect as a snack with tortilla chips or as a flavorful addition to tacos.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Vegetables
- 1 can (15 oz) Black Beans (Drained and rinsed)
- 1 can (15 oz) Black-Eyed Peas (Drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (Halved)
- 1 small Red Onion (Finely chopped)
- 1 medium Bell Pepper (Diced)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro (Chopped)
- 1 small Jalapeño (Finely chopped, optional)
Dressing and Seasoning
- 1/4 cup Lime Juice (Freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all the ingredients and prepare them by draining and rinsing the beans and peas, halving the tomatoes, finely chopping the onions and jalapeño, dicing the bell pepper, and chopping the cilantro.
- Combine Beans: In a large mixing bowl, add the drained black beans and black-eyed peas. Gently stir to mix.
- Add Cherry Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the beans and distribute them evenly throughout the bowl.
- Add Red Onion: Incorporate the finely chopped red onion into the mixture, spreading it evenly.
- Add Bell Pepper: Add the diced bell pepper to the bowl and mix gently.
- Add Cilantro: Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the bowl’s contents.
- Add Jalapeño (Optional): If you want some heat, add the finely chopped jalapeño and mix gently.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lime juice and extra virgin olive oil until well combined.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the lime and olive oil dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture and fold it gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, mixing gently again to incorporate the seasoning.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Final Stir: Before serving, stir gently and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Serve the cowboy caviar chilled as a dip with tortilla chips or as a flavorful topping for tacos.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Adjust jalapeño quantity or omit entirely to control spice level.
- Can be made a few hours ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the freshest taste.
- Serve as an appetizer or side dish with Mexican-inspired meals.
