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Fresh Cowboy Caviar with Black-Eyed Peas

fresh cowboy caviar with black-eyed peas - featured image

A fresh, vibrant, and tangy salad featuring black-eyed peas, crisp vegetables, and a homemade dressing. Perfect as a light side dish or party snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup cooked and drained black-eyed peas (canned works fine, rinsed well)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (or parsley as a substitute)
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. If using canned black-eyed peas, rinse them under cold water to remove excess salt and starch. Drain well. If cooking dried beans, soak overnight and simmer until tender but not mushy (about 45-60 minutes). Set aside to cool. (10-15 minutes)
  2. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red and green bell peppers, finely chop the red onion, and mince the jalapeño if using. Chop the fresh cilantro and dice the avocado last so it stays fresh. (10 minutes)
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper until emulsified and smooth. The dressing should smell bright and balanced with a hint of sweetness. (5 minutes)
  4. In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the black-eyed peas, chopped veggies, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over and mix well but carefully to avoid mashing the avocado. (5 minutes)
  5. Taste and adjust salt or lime juice if needed. Let the cowboy caviar rest for at least 10 minutes in the fridge to let flavors meld, though it can be served immediately if you’re hungry. (10 minutes resting)

Notes

Rinse canned black-eyed peas thoroughly to remove any tinny taste. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. Avoid over-mixing after adding avocado to keep chunks intact. Letting the salad rest enhances flavor melding. Can be stored in the fridge up to 3 days; add fresh lime juice before serving to brighten flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy caviar, black-eyed peas, fresh salad, party snack, vegan, gluten-free, easy recipe