Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (thawed frozen or fresh)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Prep the base. Rinse and drain the beans and black-eyed peas well — starchy can liquid makes the dip murky. Add to a large bowl with the corn.
- Chop. Dice the bell pepper, red onion, and seeded tomatoes into small, even pieces. Mince the jalapeño and chop the cilantro. Add everything to the bowl.
- Whisk the dressing. Whisk the olive oil, lime juice, honey, cumin, chili powder, and salt until emulsified.
- Toss. Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss gently until everything glistens.
- Chill. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) so the flavors meld. Stir before serving with sturdy tortilla chips.
🤠 Dip diplomacy
Seed the tomatoes or their juice waters down the dressing. This dip genuinely improves overnight as the beans drink up the lime-cumin dressing — make it a day ahead when you can. It keeps 4 days refrigerated. Serve with the sturdiest chips you own; wimpy chips snap under the bean load.
Common questions
Is cowboy caviar spicy?
Mild-medium as written — the seeded jalapeño adds flavor more than fire. Keep the seeds for real heat, or skip the pepper entirely for kid-friendly.
Can I swap the beans?
Absolutely — pinto beans, chickpeas, or edamame all work. Keep two bean varieties for the classic texture contrast.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes — it's better made ahead. Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate; the flavor deepens overnight.
What do I serve it with?
Sturdy tortilla chips are classic. It's also great over grilled chicken, in tacos, or as a topping for baked sweet potatoes.
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