Cowboy Salad

Cowboy Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of tomatoes, avocados, black beans, and more. This salad is not only packed with nutrients but also offers a delightful combination of textures and colors. Whether you’re a fan of salads or looking to try something new, Cowboy Salad is sure to become a favorite in your household.

The story behind Cowboy Salad is as intriguing as its name. Legend has it that this salad was first created by cowboys on the open range, using ingredients they had readily available. It was a hearty and satisfying meal that provided them with the energy they needed to tackle the demands of their rugged lifestyle. Over time, the recipe has evolved, incorporating new ingredients and flavors, while still maintaining its rustic charm.

The key to a great Cowboy Salad lies in the selection of fresh ingredients. Roma tomatoes, with their firm texture and rich flavor, serve as the base of this salad. Diced avocados add a creamy and buttery element, while red onions provide a subtle bite. Black beans and black-eyed peas bring a hearty protein punch, while sweet corn adds a burst of sweetness. To enhance the visual appeal, bell peppers in various colors are diced and added to the mix. For those who enjoy a little heat, a jalapeno pepper can be finely diced and added to the salad.

To bring all the flavors together, a tangy dressing is drizzled over the ingredients. A combination of olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder creates a zesty and refreshing dressing that complements the salad perfectly. The dressing not only adds a burst of flavor but also helps to keep the salad fresh and vibrant.

Once all the ingredients are combined and dressed, the Cowboy Salad is ready to be enjoyed. It can be served immediately or refrigerated for later use. If refrigerated, it’s important to give the salad a good stir before serving to ensure that all the flavors are well-distributed.

Cowboy Salad is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. It can be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or as a main course on its own. For added crunch and texture, tortilla chips can be served alongside the salad, allowing you to scoop up the flavorsome mixture with each bite.

Not only is Cowboy Salad a feast for the taste buds, but it also offers numerous health benefits. The combination of fresh vegetables, legumes, and avocado provides a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The salad is also low in saturated fat and cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy choice.

Ingredients

• 3 Roma tomatoes seeds removed, diced
• 2 ripe avocados diced
• ⅓ cup red onion diced
• 15 oz black beans rinsed and drained
• 15 oz black eyed peas rinsed and drained
• 1 ½ cups frozen sweet corn thawed (I just usually toss it in the salad frozen unless I plan on eating it immediately, it thaws quite quickly)
• 1 bell pepper diced (I used half a green and half a red, but color doesn’t matter)
• 1 jalapeno pepper seeds removed, diced into very small pieces
• ⅓ cup Cilantro finely chopped

Dressing

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice fresh preferred
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Tortilla chips for serving

Instructions

1. Combine tomatoes, avocado, onion, black beans, black eyed peas, corn, pepper, jalapeno pepper, and cilantro in a large bowl. Toss/stir well so that ingredients are well-combined.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Pour dressing over other ingredients and stir/toss very well.
4. Keep refrigerated. If not serving immediately, be sure to toss/stir well before serving.

Cowboy Salad is a delightful and nutritious dish that brings together the best of Tex-Mex flavors. With its vibrant colors, fresh ingredients, and zesty dressing, it is sure to impress both your taste buds and your guests. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply looking for a wholesome meal, Cowboy Salad is a recipe worth trying.