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Quick Zesty Cowboy Caviar with Charred Corn and Avocado

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A fresh and flavorful cowboy caviar featuring smoky charred corn, creamy avocado, black beans, and a zesty lime-jalapeño dressing. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect as a side or light meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 3 ears), grilled or pan-charred
  • 1 large ripe avocado, diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Juice of 2 limes (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika
  • Optional: crumbled cotija cheese for topping

Instructions

  1. Char the Corn (10 minutes): Heat a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fresh corn kernels in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes until blackened spots appear, then toss and cook for another 3-4 minutes until evenly charred. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Veggies (5 minutes): Dice the ripe avocado into bite-sized cubes, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely dice the red onion, mince the jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat), and chop the cilantro.
  3. Mix the Dressing (2 minutes): Whisk together fresh lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Combine Ingredients (3 minutes): In a medium mixing bowl, add the charred corn, black beans, avocado, tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over and gently toss to combine, being careful not to mash the avocado.
  5. Rest & Serve: Let the cowboy caviar sit for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Use a cast-iron skillet to char corn indoors if weather doesn’t permit outdoor grilling. Dice avocado just before mixing to prevent browning. Adjust jalapeño quantity to control heat. Let corn cool slightly before combining to avoid mushy avocado. Optional smoked paprika enhances smoky flavor. For a dairy twist, add crumbled cotija cheese on top.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy caviar, charred corn, avocado salad, quick salad, zesty dressing, black beans, summer salad, easy recipe, gluten-free, vegan

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/quick-zesty-cowboy-caviar-with-charred-corn-and-avocado-recipe-guide/