Description
Cowboy Caviar is a vibrant, fresh, and colorful salsa-like salad packed with nutritious ingredients like tomatoes, bell peppers, black beans, corn, avocado, and a zesty lime dressing. This no-cook recipe is perfect as a healthy appetizer or a side dish, served best with tortilla chips for scooping. It’s easy to prepare and full of bold Southwestern flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Beans
- 6 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), seeded and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely diced
- 1 large avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 15 oz can of corn, drained (or from 1 cooked cob)
- 15 oz can of black beans, well rinsed and drained
- 1/2 bunch of cilantro, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
Dressing and Seasoning
- 3-4 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/2 cup light Italian dressing
- 4 medium garlic cloves, pressed
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
Instructions
- Combine Vegetables and Beans: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced Roma tomatoes, finely diced onion, diced bell pepper, finely diced jalapeño peppers, diced avocado, drained corn, rinsed and drained black beans, and chopped cilantro. Mix gently to evenly distribute all ingredients without mashing the avocado.
- Mix Dressing: Add the fresh lime juice, light Italian dressing, pressed garlic cloves, and sea salt into the bowl with the vegetables and beans. Stir thoroughly so that the dressing coats all the ingredients, enhancing the flavor with a bright, tangy, and garlicky taste.
- Serve: Let the Cowboy Caviar sit for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld, then serve chilled or at room temperature with crispy tortilla chips for dipping. Enjoy as a fresh appetizer or a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, keep the seeds in the jalapeños or add extra jalapeños.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor impact.
- You can prepare this a few hours ahead and refrigerate; make sure to stir before serving.
- Substitute light Italian dressing with a homemade vinaigrette for a fresher taste.
- If avoiding avocado, you can add extra bell pepper or cucumber for crunch.
