This Cowboy Salad is a fun and colorful dish that brings together fresh veggies, beans, and crunchy tortilla strips. It’s like a fiesta in a bowl!
I love how filling it is without feeling too heavy. Plus, it’s perfect for hot days when you want something cool and refreshing. You might catch me sneaking a few tortilla strips before serving! 😂
Ingredients & Substitutions
Beans: The combination of black beans, kidney beans, and black-eyed peas adds a great texture and protein boost. If you’re short on a type, feel free to use either extra beans or even chickpeas as a tasty substitute.
Corn: Canned corn is easy and convenient, but if you have fresh corn in season, it can bring a wonderful sweetness. Just cut the kernels off the cob and cook them briefly before adding to the salad.
Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes and green bell peppers are perfect here. For added sweetness, you can swap the green pepper for red, yellow, or orange bell peppers. If you prefer, try adding diced cucumbers for a crunch!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives this salad a bright flavor. If you’re not a fan, parsley is a good substitute. Just remember that the taste will change a bit!
Dressing: Olive oil and apple cider vinegar give a nice tang. You can also use lemon juice instead of lime for a different zest while maintaining the freshness.
How Can I Make the Dressing Perfectly Balanced?
The dressing is key to enhancing the flavors of your cowboy salad. To achieve a balanced dressing, start with a good ratio of oil to vinegar. Here’s how to prepare it:
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil with 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar.
- Add the lime juice (1 tablespoon), cumin (1 teaspoon), and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix well until all ingredients are combined, and don’t be afraid to taste it! If it’s too tart, add a bit more oil or honey for sweetness.
- Let the dressing sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to mix before pouring it over the salad.
Chilling the salad after mixing will help the dressing soak into the beans and veggies, making each bite delicious. Enjoy making it your own!
How to Make Cowboy Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cowboy Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. It’s a quick, easy way to whip up a nutritious dish that’s bursting with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Beans and Veggies:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the black beans, kidney beans, corn, black-eyed peas, diced cherry tomatoes, diced green bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and sliced green onions. Stir gently so all the ingredients mix together nicely.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper. This dressing is what brings all the flavors together—so whisk it well until it’s mixed thoroughly!
3. Toss it All Together:
Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything gently to ensure the dressing coats all the beans and veggies evenly. This will enhance the taste of your salad!
4. Add Fresh Cilantro:
Now it’s time to add the chopped cilantro. Toss again to distribute the cilantro throughout the salad. It adds a fresh, vibrant flavor that ties everything together!
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover your salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time helps all the flavors meld together. Once it’s chilled, serve it cold as a refreshing side dish or a light main course. Enjoy your tasty Cowboy Salad!
Can I Substitute Different Beans in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any beans you like or have on hand, such as pinto or garbanzo beans. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well, similar to the original recipe!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
This salad is already vegan! However, if you’re adding any toppings like cheese or sour cream, just omit those to keep it plant-based. It’s delicious as is!
How to Store Leftover Cowboy Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, but be aware that some of the veggies may become softer over time.
Can I Make This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can! Just prepare the salad a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. It’s a great option for meal prep or picnics, as the flavors develop beautifully when chilled overnight!
