Cowboy Caviar Salad Mix (Printable Version)

Fresh black beans, sweet corn, and peppers tossed in a tangy lime vinaigrette for a colorful side or light meal.

# What You'll 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

# Directions:

01 - In a large bowl, mix black beans, corn, red and green bell peppers, red onion, tomato (if using), jalapeño (if using), and chopped cilantro.
02 - Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, honey or agave syrup (if used), ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or jar until emulsified.
03 - Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetable and bean mixture; toss gently to coat evenly.
04 - Let the dressed mixture rest for at least 10 minutes to enhance flavor integration.
05 - Present chilled or at room temperature as a side dish, dip with tortilla chips, or taco topping.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in 20 minutes with zero cooking, so it's perfect when you're tired but need something vibrant.
  • Your guests will assume you spent hours on it, but it's mostly just opening cans and chopping vegetables.
  • It tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal make-ahead dish that actually rewards patience.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the canned beans and corn—the liquid they sit in tastes metallic and will ruin the fresh, bright flavor you're building.
  • Fresh lime juice is non-negotiable; bottled lime juice tastes musty and flat in comparison.
  • If you add fresh avocado or cucumber, wait until just before serving or they'll become waterlogged and sad.
03 -
  • Squeeze your limes by rolling them firmly on the counter first—they'll release their juice more generously and you'll get more from each one.
  • If the salad sits overnight and tastes flat, brighten it with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a small pinch of extra salt right before serving.
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