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Cowboy Caviar Recipe

Cowboy Caviar is a zesty, colorful mix of beans, veggies, and a tangy chipotle-lime vinaigrette. It’s perfect as a party dip or vibrant side dish, bursting with bold flavors and fresh crunch in every bite, simple to make, refreshing to eat, and impossible to resist.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 7
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 140

Ingredients
  

Caviar
  • 1 can black eyed peas drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2/3 cup finely diced red onion
  • 2 cups  frozen corn
  • 1 ½ cups diced fresh bell peppers
  • 1 cup iced fresh tomato
  • 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1/3 cup diced pickled jalapeño peppers or other pickled peppers
  • 1/3 cup diced jarred roasted red peppers
Dressing
  • 1/2 teaspoon  chipotle pepper or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/3 cup avocado oil or other vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar
  • 1 ¼  ground cumin
  • 1 lime juiced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/3 cup  seasoned rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring Cups
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Colander or sieve
  • Silicone spatula or mixing spoon

Method
 

  1. Whisk together avocado oil, rice vinegar, lime juice, minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, sugar, ground cumin, paprika, and chipotle in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
  2. Rinse and drain all the ingredients that need it, like the diced red onion, black beans, and black-eyed peas, then add the bell peppers, roasted red peppers, jalapeños, corn, chopped tomato, and the rinsed onion to the bowl of dressing.
  3. Stir everything together until evenly coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 12), giving it a quick toss now and then to help the flavors mingle.
  4. Just before serving, mix in the freshly chopped cilantro, adjust the seasoning if needed, and serve the salad chilled.

Notes

  • Rinsing the red onion removes harsh bitterness and helps balance the dip’s bright flavors.
  • For even more depth, lightly char the corn before adding it.
  • Use gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation or eye contact.