Cowboy Caviar Salad (Printable)

Black beans, corn, peppers tossed in zesty lime dressing make a refreshing, easy southwestern side dish.

# Ingredient list:

→ Beans and Vegetables

01 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
02 - 1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained or 1 1/2 cups thawed frozen corn
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 small red onion, finely diced
06 - 1 medium tomato, diced (optional)
07 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
08 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Lime Vinaigrette

09 - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
10 - 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
11 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
12 - 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup (optional)
13 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
14 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
15 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
16 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large bowl, mix the black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, red onion, tomato if using, jalapeño if using, and chopped cilantro.
02 - Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, honey or agave if using, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or jar until emulsified.
03 - Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetable and bean mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
04 - Allow the salad to rest for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
05 - Serve chilled or at room temperature as a salad, dip with tortilla chips, or as a taco topping.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in 20 minutes flat, which means you can make it while your grill heats up.
  • The flavor actually gets better as it sits, so it's perfect for meal prep or making ahead.
  • It works as a side, a dip, or even stuffed into tacos, giving you multiple reasons to make it again and again.
02 -
  • Rinse your canned beans—that starchy liquid makes the whole salad taste metallic and muddy.
  • Make this at least a few hours ahead if you can; the flavors meld into something completely different by the next day.
  • Add any soft ingredients like avocado or cucumber right before serving, or they'll turn mushy and bitter.
03 -
  • Make a double batch and keep it on hand all week; it becomes the thing you reach for when you're tired and hungry.
  • If your crowd loves heat, slice jalapeños thin instead of dicing them and leave the seeds in—the flavor compounds live in those seeds.
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