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Cowboy Caviar

clock-icon135 minutes
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Pixicook editorial team

A vibrant and flavorful bean salad with a zesty dressing, perfect for serving with tortilla chips.

Ingredients for Cowboy Caviar

units in
USchevron
serves
8 peoplechevron

Olive Oil

tablespoons

Red Wine Vinegar

tablespoons

Garlic, minced

cloves

Kosher Salt

to taste

Black Pepper

to taste

Plum Tomatoes, diced

0 oz

Red Onion, diced

0 oz

Black Beans, drained and rinsed

0 oz

Black-Eyed Peas, drained and rinsed

0 oz

Corn, fresh or thawed from frozen

0 oz

Bell Pepper, diced

0 oz

Jalapeño, finely diced

each

Cilantro, chopped

0 bunches

Scallions, chopped for garnish

each

How to Make Cowboy Caviar

1. Prepare the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, granulated sugar, and a generous pinch of kosher salt and black pepper until the dressing thickens slightly, indicating that the oil and vinegar are perfectly emulsified.

2. Combine the Vegetables and Beans

Add the diced plum tomatoes, red onion, black beans, black-eyed peas, corn, and diced bell pepper and jalapeño to the bowl with the dressing. Toss in the chopped cilantro and gently mix everything together to ensure each ingredient is well-coated with the tangy dressing.

3. Chill the Cowboy Caviar

Season the Cowboy Caviar with an extra pinch of salt and pepper, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator for two hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

4. Serve with Garnish

Before serving, give the Cowboy Caviar a final gentle toss. Sprinkle with chopped scallions for an extra touch of freshness. Serve with tortilla chips.

Pitfalls and tips

Char the Corn

For a smoky depth, lightly char fresh corn on a grill or under a broiler before adding it to your Cowboy Caviar.

Balance the Acidity

If your limes are too tangy, add a tablespoon of agave or honey to your dressing, and consider a splash of apple cider vinegar for complexity.

Chill for Flavor Development

Allow your Cowboy Caviar to sit in the fridge for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld and the dressing to penetrate.

Use Fresh Ingredients

Opt for freshly cooked black beans and corn cut straight from the cob to enhance texture and flavor. Rinse canned beans thoroughly if used.

Infuse with Herbs

Steep fresh cilantro, parsley, or mint in your dressing before tossing to extract maximum flavor without overshadowing the classic taste.

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