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Fresh Loaded Cowboy Caviar Recipe with Creamy Avocado and Black Beans

fresh loaded cowboy caviar - featured image

A fresh, vibrant cowboy caviar with creamy avocado and black beans, perfect for summer. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish combines creamy, tangy, and crunchy textures for a satisfying meal or side.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup (150 g) corn kernels, fresh or frozen (thawed)
  • 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 large ripe but firm avocado
  • ¼ cup (about 10 g) fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
  • Juice of 2 limes (about 3 tablespoons / 45 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Black pepper, a few grinds

Instructions

  1. Rinse and drain the black beans thoroughly.
  2. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red bell pepper, and thinly slice the green onions.
  3. If using jalapeño, deseed and finely chop it.
  4. If using fresh corn, remove kernels from 1 ear and lightly sauté in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes; if using frozen corn, thaw and drain any moisture.
  5. Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Mash gently with a fork to a creamy texture with some small chunks remaining.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together black beans, corn, tomatoes, red pepper, green onion, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro.
  8. Add the mashed avocado and pour the dressing over the mixture. Mix carefully to avoid mashing the avocado further.
  9. Optional: Chill the cowboy caviar in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to let flavors meld before serving.

Notes

Be gentle when mashing the avocado to keep some chunks for texture and avoid watery salad. Rinse canned black beans well to remove excess sodium and can flavor. Chilling the salad before serving helps flavors meld. Add avocado last to prevent browning and sprinkle extra lime juice if browning occurs.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy caviar, avocado, black beans, summer salad, easy recipe, healthy, gluten-free, vegan, quick, fresh