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Fresh Black Bean Mango Cowboy Caviar Recipe with Easy Honey Lime Vinaigrette

fresh black bean mango cowboy caviar - featured image

A fresh, vibrant cowboy caviar combining sweet mango, earthy black beans, crisp veggies, and a tangy honey lime vinaigrette. Perfect as a light side dish or snack that’s quick to prepare and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 large ripe mango, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 34 green onion stalks, thinly sliced
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely minced (seeds optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse and drain the canned black beans to reduce excess salt.
  2. Dice the mango into roughly 1/2-inch pieces, dice the red bell pepper, finely chop the red onion (if using), slice the green onions thinly, halve the cherry tomatoes, and finely mince the jalapeño (adjust seeds for heat preference). Chop the cilantro last.
  3. In a small bowl or blender, combine fresh lime juice, honey, olive oil, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk or blend until smooth and slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the black beans, mango, bell pepper, green onions, jalapeño, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro.
  5. Pour the honey lime vinaigrette over the mixture and toss lightly to coat evenly without mashing the ingredients.
  6. Optional: Cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Before serving, gently stir and taste for seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.

Notes

Rinse canned beans well to reduce sodium and canned flavor. Use ripe but firm mangoes to avoid mushiness. Whisk vinaigrette slowly adding oil to create a smooth emulsion. Chill salad for best flavor but can be served immediately. Adjust jalapeño seeds to control heat. Toss gently to keep mango and beans intact.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy caviar, black bean salad, mango salad, honey lime vinaigrette, fresh salad, vegan salad, gluten-free, summer recipe, easy side dish