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Fresh Texas Cowboy Caviar Recipe with Easy Jalapeño Lime Vinaigrette and Creamy Avocado

Fresh Texas Cowboy Caviar - featured image

A fresh, vibrant Texas cowboy caviar featuring chunky avocado and a zesty jalapeño lime vinaigrette, perfect for summer BBQs and quick gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels (thawed if frozen)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced (leave chunks for creaminess)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (leave seeds for more heat)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: rinse and drain black beans. Dice red and green bell peppers into 1/4 inch squares. Finely chop red onion and halve cherry tomatoes. Place all in a large mixing bowl. (10 minutes)
  2. Make the vinaigrette: combine lime juice, chopped jalapeño, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar. Slowly whisk or shake in olive oil until smooth and slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning as needed. (5 minutes)
  3. Add corn and cilantro: toss thawed corn and chopped cilantro into the vegetable bowl. Stir gently to combine. (3 minutes)
  4. Incorporate the avocado: dice avocado into medium chunks and gently fold into the bowl, avoiding mashing. (2 minutes)
  5. Dress the caviar: pour vinaigrette over the mixture and lightly toss with a wooden spoon or spatula to coat without mashing. (3 minutes)
  6. Chill and serve: refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to let flavors meld. (20 minutes)
  7. Final adjustments: gently toss again, taste, and add salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature with tortilla chips or as a side. (2 minutes)

Notes

Use ripe but firm avocados to maintain chunkiness. Chill the salad for at least 20 minutes to enhance flavor. Adjust jalapeño seeds to control heat. Lime juice prevents avocado browning. Vinaigrette can be made ahead and added just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Texas cowboy caviar, jalapeño lime vinaigrette, avocado salad, fresh salsa, Tex-Mex side dish, healthy salad, summer BBQ recipe