If you want a tasty snack that’s quick to make and good for any occasion, easy cowboy caviar is a great choice. It’s a fresh mix of beans, corn, and veggies with a simple dressing you can whip up in minutes.
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Easy cowboy caviar is a no-fuss dish that offers a healthy, flavorful option whether you’re serving it as a dip or a side. You just combine basic ingredients you might already have in your kitchen.
This recipe is perfect for when you need something satisfying but don’t want to spend a lot of time cooking. Plus, it’s colorful and packed with good stuff that everyone will enjoy.
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Cowboy Caviar Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup red red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Serve: Serve chilled or at room temperature with tortilla chips, as a topping for grilled chicken or fish, or as a side salad.
Prepare the vegetables and beans: In a large bowl, combine the black beans, black-eyed peas, corn, cherry tomatoes, red and green bell peppers, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, honey, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Combine: Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to combine everything evenly.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Add avocado: Just before serving, gently fold in the diced avocado to avoid browning.
Related Recipe: Easy Mango & Black Bean Salad for Summer
Tips for Serving and Storing
You can serve cowboy caviar with different snacks and keep it fresh by storing it the right way. Knowing how to pair it with other foods and how to store leftovers will help you enjoy it longer and tastier.
Related Recipe: Southwestern Black Bean and Corn Salad
Serving Suggestions
Try serving cowboy caviar with tortilla chips for a classic snack. It also goes well on top of grilled chicken or fish as a fresh, zesty topping.
You can use it as a salad dressing by spooning some over greens. Another option is to mix it with cooked rice or quinoa for a quick side dish.
If you want to add more crunch, serve it alongside celery sticks or carrot sticks. The mix of textures makes it more interesting to eat.
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Storing for Freshness
Keep cowboy caviar in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days.
If you notice the liquid separating, just stir it before serving again. The flavors might blend better after sitting in the fridge.
Avoid freezing cowboy caviar. The texture of beans and vegetables can become mushy once thawed.
Label your container with the date you stored it so you don’t forget how long it’s been inside the fridge.
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