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.

What to Serve With It

• fish tacos
• brown rice bowls

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to dry beans, corn, and tomatoes.
• 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