Classic Cowboy Caviar

Ingredients

• 1 red bell pepper (diced)
• 1 yellow bell pepper (diced)
• 1 orange bell pepper (diced)
• 1 jalapeño (finely diced; remove seeds for less heat if desired)
• 0.5 red onion (diced)
• 1 can black beans (about 15 oz; drained and rinsed)
• 1 can pinto beans (about 15 oz; drained and rinsed)
• 1 can black-eyed peas (about 15 oz; drained and rinsed)
• 2 cup fire-roasted corn (frozen; microwave according to package directions, then chill before adding)
• 1 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
• 1 avocado (diced)
• 0.25 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (from fresh limes)
• 0.25 cup olive oil
• 1 tbsp cane sugar (to balance the acidity)
• 1 tsp dried oregano (or to taste)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (or to taste)
• 1 tsp onion powder (or to taste)
• 1 bag tortilla chips (for serving; amount varies by bag size)

Steps

1. 1

   Dice the red, yellow, and orange bell peppers into small, even pieces. Finely dice the jalapeño and half of the red onion; remove the jalapeño seeds if you prefer a milder dip.

2. 2

   If using frozen fire-roasted corn, microwave it according to the package directions until hot. Transfer it to a shallow dish and chill it until no longer warm so it does not heat the other ingredients.

3. 3

   Place the drained and rinsed black beans, pinto beans, and black-eyed peas in a large mixing bowl. Add the diced bell peppers, jalapeño, and red onion.

4. 4

   Add the chilled fire-roasted corn to the bowl and gently toss the beans, vegetables, and corn until evenly distributed.

5. 5

   Add the crumbled feta cheese and diced avocado. Fold gently with a large spoon so the avocado remains in recognizable pieces and does not become mashed.

6. 6

   In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the red wine vinegar, fresh lime juice, olive oil, and cane sugar until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the dressing looks blended.

7. 7

   Pour the dressing over the bean mixture. Sprinkle in the oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder, then gently toss until everything is coated. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.

8. 8

   Serve the cowboy caviar with tortilla chips. It may be served immediately, or chilled briefly to let the flavors meld; stir gently before serving.

Notes

The transcript does not provide exact measurements, so quantities are practical estimates based on the described preparation. Drain and rinse canned beans thoroughly. For the best texture, add the avocado shortly before serving. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and use within 1 day for the best avocado and vegetable texture.

Nutrition per serving

• appetizer
• snack
• dip
• vegetarian
• gluten-free
• no-cook
• Super Bowl
• healthy