Cowboy Caviar Bean Salad (Print View)

Zesty bean and vegetable medley with tangy lime dressing. Perfect dip, side, or topping for any occasion.

# Ingredient List:

→ Beans & Legumes

01 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 (15 oz) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
04 - 1 cup sweet corn kernels, fresh or thawed
05 - 1/2 red onion, finely diced
06 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
07 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
08 - 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
09 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Dressing

10 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
11 - 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
12 - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
13 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
14 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
16 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# Directions:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine black beans, black-eyed peas, diced tomatoes, corn kernels, red onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, jalapeño, and fresh cilantro.
02 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, ground cumin, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper until well blended.
03 - Pour the prepared dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture. Gently toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
04 - Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and develop.
05 - Serve chilled or at room temperature with tortilla chips, as a side salad, or as a topping for grilled meats.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It tastes better the longer it sits, so you can make it hours or even a day ahead and let the fridge do the work.
  • Every bite is crunchy, tangy, and satisfying without feeling heavy or complicated.
02 -
  • Drain and rinse your canned beans well or the salad will taste metallic and cloudy.
  • Dice everything small and uniform so each bite has a little bit of everything instead of big chunks of one thing.
03 -
  • Taste the dressing before you pour it over everything and adjust the lime or salt to your liking, it's easier to fix it now than after it's mixed.
  • Let the salad sit at room temperature for fifteen minutes before serving if it's been in the fridge, the flavors open up and taste brighter.
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