Description
Cowboy caviar dip brings southwestern zest to classic party appetizers. Crisp vegetables, black beans, and tangy vinaigrette create a fresh, colorful blend that will make guests crave more.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (15 oz/425 g) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz/425 g) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels (canned, frozen, or fresh)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsps red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp honey (or sugar for a vegan option)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 avocado, diced (optional, added just before serving)
Instructions
- Vegetable Fusion: Meticulously combine black beans, black-eyed peas, corn, red and green bell peppers, red onion, tomatoes, and cilantro in a generously sized mixing bowl, creating a colorful and textural foundation.
- Flavor Emulsion: Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, honey, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until the dressing transforms into a harmonious, well-integrated liquid.
- Marination Process: Pour the vibrant dressing over the vegetable-bean medley, gently folding to ensure every morsel is thoroughly coated, releasing an aromatic blend of southwestern flavors.
- Flavor Development: Refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and intensify, developing a complex and robust taste profile.
- Final Touch and Serving: Delicately fold in diced avocado just before serving, creating a creamy contrast to the crisp vegetables. Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside tortilla chips, as a taco topping, or with grilled proteins for a versatile and refreshing dish.
Notes
- Optimize Marination Time: Let the dip rest for at least 30 minutes, but for maximum flavor depth, refrigerate up to 4 hours before serving.
- Prevent Avocado Browning: Add avocado just before serving to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent oxidation.
- Balance Dressing Consistency: Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly to ensure even coating and prevent separation of oil and vinegar.
- Adjust Spice Level: Customize heat by adding jalapeños or increasing chili powder for a spicier version, or reducing for a milder taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg