Cowgirl Caviar Recipe

Introduction

Cowgirl Caviar is a vibrant, refreshing salad packed with colorful vegetables, beans, and a tangy dressing. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light snack, and its bold flavors make it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 (15 oz) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 large cucumber, diced
• ½ cup kalamata olives, roughly chopped
• ½ red onion, diced
• ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¾ cup feta cheese
• Dressing:
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the black-eyed peas, cannellini beans, diced red bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped kalamata olives, diced red onion, fresh mint, fresh parsley, and feta cheese. Toss gently to mix all the ingredients evenly.
2. Step 2: In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, honey, oregano, salt, and pepper for about one minute until well blended.
3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
4. Step 4: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Step 5: Serve chilled as a side dish or with pita chips for a delicious snack.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
• Use fresh herbs like cilantro or basil as a substitute for mint and parsley for a different flavor profile.
• To make it vegan, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
• Add corn kernels or avocado for extra texture and creaminess.

Storage

Store Cowgirl Caviar in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a gentle toss before serving again. It’s best enjoyed cold and fresh, though leftovers can be eaten chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Cowgirl Caviar in advance?

Yes, it tastes even better after chilling for at least an hour, as the flavors have time to meld. You can make it up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.

What can I serve with Cowgirl Caviar?

This salad pairs wonderfully with pita chips, crusty bread, grilled meats, or as a topping for tacos and wraps for added freshness.

Cowgirl Caviar Recipe

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4.5 from 64 reviews

Cowgirl Caviar is a vibrant and flavorful bean salad packed with black-eyed peas, cannellini beans, and fresh vegetables, tossed in a zesty lemon and herb dressing. This nutrient-rich, Mediterranean-inspired dish is perfect as a refreshing side or served with pita chips for a light meal or appetizer.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Ingredients

• 1 (15 oz) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 large cucumber, diced
• ½ cup kalamata olives, roughly chopped
• ½ red onion, diced
• ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled

Dressing Ingredients

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the drained black-eyed peas, cannellini beans, diced red bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped kalamata olives, diced red onion, chopped fresh mint, chopped parsley, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss all the ingredients together until well mixed.
2. Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, honey, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously for about 1 minute to fully combine and emulsify the dressing.
3. Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly so every ingredient is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
4. Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
5. Serve: Serve Cowgirl Caviar chilled either as a side dish or paired with pita chips as a tasty appetizer or light meal.

Notes

• For best flavor, allow the salad to chill for a few hours or overnight.
• You can substitute feta with a vegan cheese alternative to make it vegan-friendly.
• Adjust the honey in the dressing to your desired sweetness or use a sugar substitute for a lower sugar option.
• Add avocado chunks for extra creaminess if desired.
• Serve with tortilla chips instead of pita chips for a different texture and flavor.

Keywords: Cowgirl Caviar, bean salad, black-eyed peas salad, Mediterranean salad, no-cook recipe, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, feta salad