Cowgirl Caviar
This Cowgirl Caviar is a refreshing, Mediterranean-inspired twist on the classic “Cowboy Caviar.” By swapping out black beans and corn for cannellini beans, feta, and fresh mint, you get a bright, zesty dip that is perfect for summer gatherings.
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Cowgirl Caviar
Ingredients:
| SALAD INGREDIENTS | AMOUNT |
| Black-eyed peas (drained and rinsed) | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Cannellini beans (drained and rinsed) | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Red bell pepper, diced | 1 |
| Cherry tomatoes, halved | 1 cup |
| Large cucumber, diced | 1 |
| Kalamata olives, chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Red onion, diced | 1/2 |
| Fresh mint, chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Feta cheese | 3/4 cup |
| DRESSING INGREDIENTS | AMOUNT |
| Olive oil | 1/3 cup |
| Lemon, juiced | 1 |
| Garlic clove, minced | 1 large |
| Red wine vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Honey | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
How to Make Cowgirl Caviar:
Step 1: Prep the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 can of black-eyed peas and 1 can of cannellini beans. Add the diced red bell pepper, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, the diced cucumber, 1/2 cup of chopped olives, and the diced 1/2 red onion.
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Step 2: Add Herbs and Cheese: Gently fold in the 1/4 cup of chopped mint, 1/4 cup of chopped parsley, and the 3/4 cup of crumbled feta. Be careful not to over-mix if you want the feta to stay in distinct chunks.
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Step 3: Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the 1/3 cup of olive oil, the juice from 1 lemon, the minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of honey, and 1/2 teaspoon of oregano. Whisk or shake vigorously for about 1 minute until the dressing is emulsified.
Step 4: Combine and Marinate: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until every ingredient is evenly coated. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This time is essential to allow the beans to soak up the flavors of the dressing. Serve chilled as a stand-alone salad or as a dip with pita chips or cucumber slices.
