Ultimate Cowboy Caviar
This recipe creates a vibrant and zesty "Cowboy Caviar," a refreshing dip or salad loaded with colorful vegetables, beans, and corn. The tangy, spiced avocado oil dressing infuses the ingredients, developing a complex flavor profile perfect for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a light, flavorful side dish.
Equipment
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 Cutting Board
Ingredients
Main
- 1/3 cup avocado oil or other vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup seasoned rice vinegar
- 1 lime juiced
- 3 cloves garlic minced fine
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt plus to taste
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper or to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together avocado oil, seasoned rice vinegar, lime juice, minced garlic, garlic powder, kosher salt, white sugar, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and ground chipotle pepper until well combined. Set aside.
- Prepare the fresh produce: Dice red onion, bell peppers (e.g., red and green), and ripe tomatoes into small, uniform pieces. Mince fresh cilantro.
- Drain and rinse canned black beans and corn thoroughly under cold water. If using fresh corn, blanch briefly or use raw.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced red onion, bell peppers, tomatoes, drained black beans, and corn.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the combined vegetables and beans.
- Gently toss all ingredients together until evenly coated with the dressing.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully develop and marry.
- Before serving, give the caviar a final stir and taste. Adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, lime, or chipotle to your preference.
- Garnish with fresh minced cilantro.
- Serve chilled with tortilla chips, crackers, or as a side dish.
Notes
Marination is Key: Allow at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, for the flavors to meld beautifully. This transforms the individual components into a cohesive dish. Freshness Matters: Opt for fresh bell peppers, red onion, and ripe tomatoes for superior texture and vibrant taste. If using frozen corn, thaw and pat dry. Balance the Dressing: Taste the dressing before combining. Adjust salt, sugar, and lime juice to achieve a perfect sweet-tart-savory balance. The chipotle provides a smoky kick; increase or decrease based on preference. Serving Suggestion: Serve chilled with sturdy tortilla chips, as a vibrant side salad, or as a topping for grilled proteins. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an aromatic finish.