Vibrant Cowboy Caviar Bean Salad (Printer-friendly)

Colorful bean salad with fresh vegetables, corn, and tangy lime dressing. Great for parties and meal prep.

# What You'll Need:

→ Beans & Legumes

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

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
04 - 1 cup sweet corn kernels, fresh or frozen
05 - 1/2 red onion, finely diced
06 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
07 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
08 - 1 jalapeño, 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

# Directions:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine black beans, black-eyed peas, tomatoes, corn, red onion, bell peppers, jalapeño, and cilantro.
02 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well blended.
03 - Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture and gently toss to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
04 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld together.
05 - Serve chilled or at room temperature with tortilla chips or as a side salad.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a make-ahead miracle that tastes better the next day when the flavors have had time to get cozy with each other.
  • Works as a dip with chips, a side salad, a taco topping, or even spooned over grilled chicken without apology.
  • Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, so everyone at the table can dig in without explaining what they eat.
02 -
  • Don't skip the rinsing step for canned beans, or you'll end up with a starchy, goopy texture that hides all the good stuff.
  • Add cilantro and avocado just before serving so they stay bright and tender instead of wilting or browning into the background.
03 -
  • Prep everything the night before and assemble it the morning of your event, then let it chill while you handle everything else.
  • If you're adding avocado, cut it just before serving and toss it in gently so it doesn't bruise, and squeeze a little extra lime juice over it to keep it from browning.
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