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Fresh Texas Cowboy Caviar Recipe with Easy Zesty Lime Cilantro Dressing

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A quick and easy fresh salad combining black beans, corn, and veggies with a zesty lime cilantro dressing. Perfect for a snack or side dish that brings bold, fresh flavors with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can whole kernel corn, drained (or fresh corn cut off the cob)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced
  • ½ red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse and drain the canned black beans and corn thoroughly to avoid watery salad. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red and green bell peppers into small, even pieces, finely chop the red onion, and mince the jalapeño if using. Roughly chop the cilantro leaves.
  2. In a small bowl or jar, combine the fresh lime juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously or shake the jar until well emulsified. Adjust salt or lime juice to taste.
  3. Place the beans, corn, tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro in a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss using a wooden spoon or spatula, being careful not to mash the beans.
  4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours to let the flavors marry and the dressing soak in.
  5. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Drain canned beans and corn well to avoid sogginess. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. Let salad rest at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld. Add avocado just before serving to avoid browning. Can add protein like shrimp or chicken for a full meal. Adjust jalapeño for desired heat level.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy caviar, black bean salad, lime cilantro dressing, quick salad, Tex-Mex salad, healthy snack, gluten-free, vegan option

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/fresh-texas-cowboy-caviar-recipe-with-easy-zesty-lime-cilantro-dressing/