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Quick Cowboy Caviar with Zesty Lime Dressing

Quick Cowboy Caviar with Zesty Lime Dressing - featured image
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A fresh and flavorful dip or salad made with beans, corn, bell peppers, and a zesty lime dressing. Ready in 15 minutes, it’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a quick snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed (or use pinto beans)
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained (or 1½ cups frozen corn, thawed)
  • 1 large red bell pepper, diced small (about 1 cup)
  • 1 large green bell pepper, diced small (about 1 cup)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • ½ cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (leave seeds in for extra heat)
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 avocado, diced (add just before serving)
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave nectar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse the black beans and black-eyed peas in a colander under cold water. Let them drain well. Do the same with the corn if using canned. If using frozen corn, let it thaw in the colander and pat dry with a paper towel.
  2. Dice the bell peppers into small, even pieces (about ¼-inch). Quarter the cherry tomatoes. Finely dice the red onion. Mince the jalapeño (remove seeds unless you like heat). Chop the cilantro.
  3. In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the olive oil, fresh lime juice, red wine vinegar, honey, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Whisk vigorously until the honey dissolves and everything is well combined. Alternatively, shake in a jar for about 30 seconds. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add the drained beans, corn, diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over the top. Gently fold everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  5. Let the cowboy caviar sit at room temperature for at least 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Just before serving, dice the avocado and gently fold it in.
  7. Serve with tortilla chips, as a side dish, or over greens.

Notes

For best flavor, let the caviar rest for 15-20 minutes before serving. Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning. If making ahead, keep dressing separate and add avocado later. The recipe doubles well for parties.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy caviar, bean dip, lime dressing, easy appetizer, potluck, vegan, gluten-free

Find it online: https://livelybite.com/quick-cowboy-caviar-with-zesty-lime-dressing/