Cowboy Caviar Vibrant Salad (Printable)

Bright mix of black beans, corn, peppers with tangy lime dressing. Easy, fresh, and colorful.

# What You Need:

→ 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:

01 - Place black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, red onion, tomato if using, jalapeño if using, and cilantro into a large mixing bowl.
02 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, honey or agave syrup if using, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until fully incorporated.
03 - Pour the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and toss gently to ensure even coating.
04 - Allow the salad to sit for at least 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
05 - Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side, dip with tortilla chips, or as a topping for tacos.

# Insider Tips:

01 -
  • It's ridiculously cheap because you're using pantry staples, yet tastes like you actually put effort in.
  • The longer it sits, the better it gets—make it hours ahead and let the flavors marry while you do something else.
  • Works as a salad, a dip with chips, taco topping, or even a side at a barbecue without apology.
02 -
  • Don't add avocado until the last second or it'll brown and get mushy—same goes for fresh tomato if you're making this ahead.
  • The lime juice will turn the corn and beans slightly yellow after sitting overnight, which is completely normal and actually a sign the flavors have merged beautifully.
03 -
  • Rinse your canned beans and corn thoroughly—this removes excess salt and starch that can muddy the fresh, bright taste.
  • Use a jar with a tight lid for the vinaigrette and shake it hard instead of whisking, which is faster and actually emulsifies it better.
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