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Fresh Southwest Cowboy Caviar Recipe Easy Zesty Lime Dressing Salad

Fresh Southwest Cowboy Caviar - featured image

A quick and easy vibrant salad featuring black beans, corn, fresh veggies, and a zesty lime dressing that delivers a fresh, tangy punch perfect for any occasion.

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 off the cob)
  • 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped (optional soak in cold water for 10 minutes)
  • 1 avocado, diced (added just before serving)
  • 1/2 cup (15 g) fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey or agave nectar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse and drain the black beans and corn thoroughly.
  2. Dice the red bell pepper and quarter the cherry tomatoes.
  3. Finely chop the red onion; soak in cold water for 10 minutes if you want to mellow the bite, then drain well.
  4. Seed and mince the jalapeño if using.
  5. In a small bowl or mason jar, combine lime juice, olive oil, honey, ground cumin, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until emulsified.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine black beans, corn, bell pepper, tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, and chopped cilantro.
  7. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
  8. Just before serving, gently fold in the diced avocado to keep it fresh and creamy.
  9. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Add avocado just before serving if chilled.

Notes

Drain canned beans and corn thoroughly to avoid watery salad. Add avocado last to prevent mushiness and browning. Fresh lime juice is essential for bright flavor. Soaking red onion in cold water mellows its bite. Salad can be served immediately or chilled for 30 minutes. Store leftovers in airtight container up to 3 days, keep avocado separate.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy caviar, southwest salad, lime dressing, black beans, corn salad, avocado salad, easy salad, healthy salad, gluten-free, vegan