Cowboy Caviar is a vibrant and fresh dip that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer picnic, potluck, or a casual party. With a medley of beans, corn, tomatoes, and a zesty dressing, it’s a versatile dish that doubles as a dip, a salad, or a side. Not only is it easy to throw together in just under 20 minutes, but it also takes advantage of fresh produce, making it a healthy and flavorful option everyone will love!
Ingredients
For the Cowboy Caviar:
– 3 Roma tomatoes, seeds removed, diced
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 80 g (1/3 cup) red onion, diced
– 425 g (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
– 425 g (15 ounces) black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
– 225 g (1 1/2 cups) frozen sweet corn, thawed
– 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed, finely diced
– 20 g (1/3 cup) cilantro, finely chopped
For the Dressing:
– 80 ml (1/3 cup) olive oil
– 30 ml (2 tablespoons) lime juice, fresh preferred
– 30 ml (2 tablespoons) red wine vinegar
– 5 g (1 teaspoon) sugar
– 3 g (1/2 teaspoon) salt
– 3 g (1/2 teaspoon) pepper
– 1 g (1/4 teaspoon) garlic powder
Serving:
– Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced Roma tomatoes, avocado, red onion, black beans, black-eyed peas, corn, bell pepper, jalapeño pepper, and cilantro. Toss or stir gently to mix all the ingredients well.
2. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until the dressing is well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the vegetable and bean mixture in the large bowl. Stir gently until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Cowboy Caviar until you are ready to serve. If not serving immediately, give the mixture another good toss before serving to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.
5. Serve chilled with tortilla chips or as a side dish to your favorite grilled meats or seafood.
Cooking Tips
1. **Freshness Matters**: Use ripe but firm avocados to prevent them from becoming mushy when tossed.
2. **Customizable Heat**: For more heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add a second pepper.
3. **Vary the Veggies**: Feel free to substitute or add more veggies like cucumbers, zucchini, or red cabbage for added crunch and color.
Storing Recommendations
– Store Cowboy Caviar in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together even better after a few hours, but for best texture, serve within the first 24 hours. Avocados may brown slightly, but tossing with lime juice helps minimize this.
Serving Suggestions
– Serve Cowboy Caviar as a dip with tortilla chips, as a topping for grilled chicken or fish, or even as a filling for tacos or burritos. It can also be enjoyed as a salad on its own.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
– Calories: 214 kcal
– Fat: 11g
– Saturated Fat: 1.5g
– Cholesterol: 0mg
– Sodium: 210mg
– Potassium: 450mg
– Carbohydrates: 25g
– Fiber: 7g
– Sugars: 4g
– Protein: 5g
– Vitamin A: 15% DV
– Vitamin C: 35% DV
– Calcium: 5% DV
– Iron: 10% DV
FAQs
1. **Can I make Cowboy Caviar ahead of time?**
Yes, Cowboy Caviar can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to toss it again before serving and possibly add more lime juice to freshen up the flavors.
2. **What can I substitute for avocados?**
If avocados aren’t your thing, you can substitute with diced cucumber for a refreshing crunch.
3. **Is Cowboy Caviar vegan and gluten-free?**
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for most dietary needs.
4. **Can I freeze Cowboy Caviar?**
Freezing is not recommended due to the fresh vegetables, especially the avocado, which may lose texture and flavor when thawed.
Total Calories: 214 kcal per serving
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: None
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings