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Some may call this a dip, others a salsa, regardless of what you choose to call this you won’t be disappointed! This recipe is our version of Cowboy Caviar. We love it because it’s packed with protein and fresh veggies. We’ve been making this for years and it’s always a hit at every social gathering.

It’s a simple recipe that can be made in about 30 minutes and all it takes is a knife and the ingredients. We love bringing this to parties along with your favorite bag of tortilla chips, and it’s also a great topping for taco night! Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. The possibilities are endless and we hope you enjoy this fresh, simple, and healthy dip. Bonus.. it’s also gluten-free!

Ingredients:

1 can black beans, drained & rinsed

1 can whole kernel corn, drained

1 can black eyed peas, drained & rinsed

1 yellow bell pepper, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved with seeds removed

2 jalapenos, seeded and diced

2 avocados, diced

1/2 cup red onion, diced

1 lime, juiced

1 bunch cilantro, finely chopped

1/2 cup avocado oil

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1 tbsp garlic powder

1/2 tbsp salt

Directions:

STEP ONE.  In a large bowl, add black beans, corn, black eyed peas, bell peppers, jalapenos, red onion and tomatoes. Sprinkle salt over the top and mix well.  Set the bowl aside for 10 minutes.*

*Allowing the vegetables to ‘sweat’ will prevent the California Caviar from becoming mushy or watery. It also allows the vegetables to absorb the flavors from the wet ingredients.

STEP TWO. In a separate bowl, combine the avocado oil, the red wine vinegar and the garlic powder. Whisk or stir to combine.

STEP THREE.  Once about 10 minutes have passed, drain the first bowl of the excess liquid.  Add the avocado, cilantro, lime juice.  Mix.

STEP FOUR. Add the oil, vinegar, and garlic powder. mix to combine.

Serve immediately, or refrigerate.  Best if eaten within 24-48 hours.

Substitutions:

The best thing about this recipe is that you can customize it! We always encourage cooking with your pantry, so feel free to use these substitutions:

1. Substitute a quality olive oil for avocado oil

2. Substitute white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for red wine vinegar

3. Substitute Roma tomatoes for cherry tomatoes *the key is to remove the seeds from whatever tomato you use to mitigate the excess moisture

Below is an easy recipe card for you to screenshot

& save to Pinterest.

We hope you enjoy this recipe! As always, the best compliment is a share on your favorite platform, Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram.

Happy Cooking,

Beth & Lucas