Cowboy Caviar Recipe
Introduction
Cowboy caviar is a vibrant, fresh salad packed with beans, corn, and colorful vegetables. It’s a perfect appetizer or side dish that pairs beautifully with crunchy tortilla chips, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 400g can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 200g can sweetcorn, drained, or use frozen (defrosted if frozen)
- 2 large tomatoes, quartered, deseeded and finely chopped
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 pepper (any colour), deseeded and finely chopped
- 1 large avocado, halved, peeled, stoned and finely chopped (optional)
- Small bunch of coriander, chopped (optional)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lime, juiced, or 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Tortilla chips, to serve (gluten-free, if needed)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the black beans, sweetcorn, chopped tomatoes, red onion, and pepper. If you are serving immediately, add the avocado and coriander now.
- Step 2: Drizzle the olive oil and lime juice or red wine vinegar over the mixture. Gently stir everything together to combine well.
- Step 3: Season to taste with salt and pepper. If not serving straightaway, wait to add the avocado and coriander just before serving to keep them fresh.
- Step 4: Serve the cowboy caviar chilled or at room temperature with tortilla chips for scooping.
Tips & Variations
- For extra zing, add a chopped jalapeño or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
- Replace red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile.
- Omit avocado and coriander for a simpler version that stores well before serving.
- Add a handful of chopped fresh parsley if coriander isn’t your favorite.
Storage
Store cowboy caviar in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep avocado and coriander separate until just before serving to prevent browning. Re-stir gently before serving. This dish is best eaten fresh and does not freeze well.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make cowboy caviar ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance but add the avocado and coriander just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
Is cowboy caviar gluten-free?
The salad itself is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free tortilla chips if you need to avoid gluten.
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Cowboy Caviar Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cowboy caviar is a vibrant, fresh, and healthy dip featuring a colorful mix of black beans, sweetcorn, tomatoes, peppers, and optional avocado and coriander. This no-cook recipe is perfect for parties or as a light snack, served chilled or at room temperature with crunchy tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 400g can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 200g can sweetcorn, drained, or use frozen (defrosted if frozen)
- 2 large tomatoes, quartered, deseeded and finely chopped
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 pepper (any colour), deseeded and finely chopped
- 1 large avocado, halved, peeled, stoned and finely chopped (optional)
- Small bunch of coriander, chopped (optional)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lime, juiced, or 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Tortilla chips, to serve (gluten-free, if needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables and beans: Drain and rinse the canned black beans and sweetcorn (if using frozen sweetcorn, defrost it first). Quarter, deseed, and finely chop the tomatoes. Finely chop the red onion and deseeded pepper.
- Combine the ingredients in a bowl: In a large bowl, add the black beans, sweetcorn, chopped tomatoes, onion, and pepper. If you plan to serve immediately, add finely chopped avocado and coriander at this stage.
- Add dressing and mix: Drizzle over the olive oil and freshly squeezed lime juice or red wine vinegar. Gently stir everything together to combine well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve or store properly: Serve the cowboy caviar with tortilla chips for scooping. If not serving right away, leave out the avocado and coriander, adding them just before serving. The mixture will keep at room temperature for up to two hours or can be chilled overnight without avocado and coriander.
Notes
- Adding avocado and coriander is optional but enhances the flavor and texture.
- For a tangier taste, use lime juice; for a milder acidity, use red wine vinegar.
- Serve with gluten-free tortilla chips if you need to keep the recipe gluten-free.
- Best served fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
- Can be stored in the fridge overnight without avocado and coriander additions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dip
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cowboy caviar, black bean dip, healthy dip, party snack, no-cook recipe, avocado dip, corn salsa
