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Fresh Cowboy Caviar Recipe with Mango Jalapeño Lime Dressing

Fresh Cowboy Caviar - featured image

A vibrant and flavorful salad combining black beans, peas, fresh veggies, and a tangy mango jalapeño lime dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup (150 g) fresh or frozen corn kernels (if frozen, thawed)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 large ripe avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup (15 g) fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 large ripe mango, peeled and chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded for mild or left whole for more heat
  • Juice of 2 limes (about 3 tablespoons / 45 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, extra virgin recommended
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey or agave syrup
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse and drain the black beans and black-eyed peas well to avoid excess moisture. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Dice the red bell pepper, finely chop the red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, and chop the cilantro. Add all to the bowl with beans.
  3. Dice the ripe avocado last to prevent browning. Add it gently to the bowl to keep the pieces intact. Set aside.
  4. In a blender, combine the chopped mango, jalapeño (seeded if you want less heat), lime juice, olive oil, honey or agave, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, add a teaspoon of water at a time to reach desired consistency.
  5. Pour the mango jalapeño lime dressing over the bean and veggie mixture. Gently toss everything together to coat evenly but without mashing the avocado. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or lime juice if needed.
  6. Refrigerate the Fresh Cowboy Caviar for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors marry. Serving immediately is also fine.

Notes

Soak onions in cold water for 10 minutes if you want to mellow their sharpness. Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and canned taste. Add avocado last to prevent browning. Adjust jalapeño seeds to control heat. Dressing should be pourable but not watery. Chill for 30 minutes for best flavor but can be served immediately.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy caviar, mango jalapeño lime dressing, summer salad, black bean salad, vegan salad, gluten-free, easy recipe