Vibrant Cowboy Caviar Bean Salad (Printer-friendly)

Vibrant bean salad with fresh vegetables and tangy lime dressing. Perfect dip or side for any gathering.

# Ingredient List:

→ Beans & Legumes

01 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 can (15 oz) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
04 - 1 cup sweet corn kernels, fresh or thawed
05 - 1/2 red onion, finely diced
06 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
07 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
08 - 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
09 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Dressing

10 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
11 - 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
12 - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
13 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
14 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
16 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine drained black beans, black-eyed peas, diced cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, diced red onion, diced red bell pepper, diced green bell pepper, chopped jalapeño, and fresh cilantro.
02 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, red wine vinegar, ground cumin, smoked paprika, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until thoroughly blended.
03 - Pour the prepared dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture. Gently toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated with the vinaigrette.
04 - Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
05 - Remove from refrigeration and serve chilled or at room temperature alongside tortilla chips, as a side salad, or as a topping for grilled proteins.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes better the next day, so you can make it ahead and actually enjoy your party.
  • Every bite has texture, color, and flavor without any cooking involved.
  • It works as a dip, a side, or something you eat straight from the bowl at midnight.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the beans, the canning liquid can make the whole thing taste metallic.
  • If you add avocado, do it right before serving or it'll turn brown and mushy.
  • Taste it before you refrigerate and adjust the lime or salt, cold dulls flavor slightly.
03 -
  • Let the onion sit in the lime juice for a few minutes before adding everything else, it pickles slightly and loses its bite.
  • If you want it spicier, add a pinch of chipotle powder to the dressing instead of more jalapeño.
  • Use a jar with a lid to make the dressing, shake it instead of whisking, and you'll get a perfect emulsion every time.
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