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Fresh Cowboy Caviar with Black Beans and Corn

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A bright, wholesome, and easy-to-make summer snack featuring black beans, corn, fresh veggies, and a zesty lime-cilantro dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a healthy afternoon nibble.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) sweet corn kernels or 1½ cups (225 g) fresh/frozen corn, cooked and cooled
  • 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • ½ small red onion, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup (15 g) fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional add-ins: diced avocado, smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse black beans and corn using a colander. Rinse beans with cold water to remove excess sodium or canning liquid (about 3 minutes).
  2. Dice red and green bell peppers into small, even pieces (about ¼-inch). Halve cherry tomatoes and finely chop red onion, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro (5–7 minutes).
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste (2 minutes).
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine black beans, corn, chopped vegetables, and cilantro. Pour dressing on top and gently toss to coat evenly without mashing (1–2 minutes).
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. If short on time, chill for at least 10 minutes.
  6. Before serving, gently stir the mixture, taste, and adjust salt or lime juice if needed. Add diced avocado if desired.

Notes

Rinse canned beans and corn well to remove excess salt and canned flavors. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. Chill at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors. Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning. Best enjoyed within 24 hours as veggies release water and can become soggy. Adjust jalapeño or hot sauce to control spiciness.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy caviar, black beans, corn, summer snack, easy recipe, healthy snack, lime dressing, vegetarian, gluten-free

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/fresh-cowboy-caviar-with-black-beans-and-corn-easy-homemade-recipe-for-summer-snacks/