Cowboy Caviar Avocado Salad

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups corn kernels, thawed and dried if frozen
• 2 cups diced Roma tomatoes, seeded
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
• 2 ripe but firm avocados, diced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the Lime Dressing

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Substitutions

• Pinto beans can replace black beans with a softer color contrast.
• Fresh grilled corn adds smoky flavor in place of plain corn.
• Green bell pepper can replace yellow, though the salad will be less colorful.
• Maple syrup can replace honey for a fully plant-based dressing.

Instructions

Step 2: Dice Evenly

Cut tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, jalapeño, and avocados into roughly 1/2-inch pieces for a balanced spoonful.

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

Whisk olive oil, lime juice, vinegar, cumin, honey, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.

Step 4: Combine the Base

Add beans, corn, tomatoes, peppers, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro to a large bowl and toss with the dressing.

Step 5: Fold in Avocado

Gently fold in avocado last to keep distinct green cubes instead of making the dressing cloudy.

Step 7: Serve

Taste for salt and lime, then serve chilled or cool with a slotted spoon if any liquid collects.

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerate within 2 hours in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Press wrap against the surface and add extra lime to slow avocado browning; for longer prep, store avocado separately.

Do not freeze the assembled salad because tomatoes, peppers, and avocado become watery and soft.

Serving Leftovers

No reheating is needed. Serve chilled or let stand 10 minutes at room temperature for fuller flavor.

What to Serve With It

• tortilla chips
• grilled chicken
• fish tacos
• brown rice bowls
• lime sparkling water

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to dry beans, corn, and tomatoes.
• Using very soft avocado.
• Cutting vegetables into mismatched sizes.
• Stirring aggressively after adding avocado.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition is an estimate and can vary with brands, portion size, ripeness, and substitutions.

Frequently Asked Questions