Best Cowboy Caviar Ever
A vibrant, fresh dip featuring black beans, black-eyed peas, sweet corn, and crisp bell peppers tossed in a zesty lime vinaigrette. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or as a healthy snack!
Ingredients
- 15.5 oz black beans drained and rinsed
- 15.5 oz black-eyed peas drained and rinsed
- 15 oz sweet corn drained
- 1 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- ½ cup red bell pepper diced
- ½ cup orange bell pepper diced
- ½ cup red onion diced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup olive oil extra virgin preferred
- ⅓ cup white wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice about half a lime
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Beans and Corn: Open canned beans and corn. Drain thoroughly in a colander and rinse under cold running water. Pat dry with paper towels. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Add Fresh Vegetables: Add chopped cilantro, diced red bell pepper, orange bell pepper, and red onion to the bowl with beans and corn. Ensure vegetables are cut into similar-sized pieces (about quarter-inch dice).
- Mix the Dressing: In a smaller bowl, combine chili powder, kosher salt, granulated sugar, olive oil, white wine vinegar, fresh lime juice, and garlic powder. Whisk vigorously for 30 seconds until smooth and emulsified.
- Combine Everything: Pour prepared dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture. Gently fold together with a large spoon or spatula until everything is evenly coated, about 2 minutes.
- Chill and Serve: Cover bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Stir before serving. Enjoy cold or at room temperature with tortilla chips.
Notes
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Flavors develop even more on day two. Stir before serving leftovers.
Substitutions: Use fresh parsley if you don't like cilantro
Fresh or frozen corn works in place of canned
Apple cider vinegar can replace white wine vinegar
Adjust sugar to taste (can reduce to 2 tbsp for less sweetness) Variations: Add diced jalapeño for heat, fold in avocado just before serving for creaminess, or mix in cooked chicken/shrimp for a complete meal.
Make Ahead: Prepare up to 24 hours in advance. Can keep dressing separate until a few hours before serving for crispest vegetables.
Substitutions: Use fresh parsley if you don't like cilantro
Fresh or frozen corn works in place of canned
Apple cider vinegar can replace white wine vinegar
Adjust sugar to taste (can reduce to 2 tbsp for less sweetness) Variations: Add diced jalapeño for heat, fold in avocado just before serving for creaminess, or mix in cooked chicken/shrimp for a complete meal.
Make Ahead: Prepare up to 24 hours in advance. Can keep dressing separate until a few hours before serving for crispest vegetables.
