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Fresh Cowboy Caviar with Avocado and Sweet Corn

Fresh Cowboy Caviar - featured image

A quick and easy summer recipe combining creamy avocado, sweet corn, black beans, and fresh veggies tossed in a tangy lime dressing. Perfect for snacking or as a vibrant side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh sweet corn kernels (about 2 medium ears)
  • 2 medium ripe avocados, diced or lightly mashed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño, deseeded and finely diced (optional)
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Tortilla chips for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the corn by removing kernels from 2 medium ears. Optionally, roast kernels in a hot dry skillet for 3-4 minutes until golden spots appear. Set aside to cool.
  2. Drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly under cold water, then drain well.
  3. Halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, dice the jalapeño after removing seeds if desired, chop the cilantro, and dice or lightly mash the avocados (mash half gently and leave the other half in chunks).
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the corn, black beans, tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Add the avocado last and fold in carefully to avoid turning it into guacamole.
  6. Pour the dressing over the mixture and stir gently until evenly coated.
  7. Chill the cowboy caviar in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to meld flavors. Serve chilled or at room temperature with tortilla chips or as a side dish.

Notes

Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning. Roasting corn adds smoky depth but is optional. Adjust lime juice and seasoning to taste. For less heat, remove jalapeño seeds or omit entirely. Can substitute black beans with black-eyed peas or kidney beans, and cilantro with basil or parsley.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy caviar, avocado, sweet corn, summer recipe, black beans, fresh salsa, healthy snack, vegan, gluten-free