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Fresh Cowboy Caviar Recipe with Black-Eyed Peas and Zesty Lime Dressing

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A bright, fresh, and flavorful cowboy caviar salad featuring black-eyed peas, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lime dressing. Perfect for summer snacks, gatherings, and light meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas (or one 15 oz can, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (or flat-leaf parsley as substitute)
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1 medium avocado, diced (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: splash of apple cider vinegar or pinch of smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. If using canned black-eyed peas, drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water. If using dried, soak overnight and simmer until tender (about 45 minutes). Let cool to room temperature.
  2. Halve the cherry tomatoes, finely dice the red bell pepper, and finely chop the red onion. Mince the jalapeño, removing seeds if less heat is desired.
  3. Wash and dry the cilantro, then chop roughly but not too finely.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, combine fresh lime juice, olive oil, honey, ground cumin, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until emulsified.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the black-eyed peas, chopped veggies, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over and fold carefully to coat everything evenly.
  6. If using avocado, add it last and fold gently to avoid mashing.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.
  8. Let the salad sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  9. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Stir gently before serving if refrigerated.

Notes

Rinse canned black-eyed peas well to remove excess sodium and canning flavor. Do not over-chop veggies to maintain texture. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. Let salad rest 10-15 minutes before serving to meld flavors. Add avocado last and fold gently to avoid mashing. Store leftovers in airtight container refrigerated up to 24 hours; stir in fresh lime juice if avocado browns.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy caviar, black-eyed peas, summer snack, zesty lime dressing, fresh salad, vegan, gluten-free

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/fresh-cowboy-caviar-recipe-with-black-eyed-peas-and-zesty-lime-dressing-easy-and-perfect-for-summer-snacks/