Cowboy Caviar Vibrant Salad (Printable Version)

Lively beans and corn salad tossed in a zesty lime vinaigrette for fresh, colorful flavor.

# 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

# Step-by-Step:

01 - In a large bowl, mix black beans, corn, bell peppers, red onion, tomato (if using), jalapeño (if using), and cilantro until evenly distributed.
02 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, honey or agave (if using), cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until well emulsified.
03 - Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetable and bean mixture, tossing gently to coat thoroughly.
04 - Allow the salad to rest for at least 10 minutes to enhance the flavors.
05 - Serve chilled or at room temperature, as a salad, dip with tortilla chips, or taco topping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 20 minutes and tastes better after sitting in the fridge.
  • Works as a salad, dip, side dish, or taco topping depending on your mood.
  • Made entirely from pantry staples, so you're never far from having it ready.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the canned beans and corn—the starchy liquid makes everything taste canned and flat.
  • The salad actually improves after sitting overnight in the fridge, so make it the day before if you can.
03 -
  • Toast your cumin and chili powder in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding them to the vinaigrette if you have time—it deepens their flavor considerably.
  • If your lime is old and hard, microwave it for 15 seconds first; it'll juice out twice as much liquid with half the effort.
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