Cowgirl Caviar | 12 Tomatoes

Cowgirl Caviar

A Mediterranean twist on the classic potluck dish!

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If you’re looking for a dish that’s fresh, colorful, and delicious, then you’ve come to the right place. This Cowgirl Caviar checks all those boxes and then some! Packed with beans, crisp vegetables, olives, and tangy feta, it’s a hearty salad that works beautifully as a side, snack, or even a light lunch. The bright lemony dressing pulls everything together and coats each bite in plenty of flavor. Think of it as a Mediterranean twist on the classic cowboy caviar. Once you taste it you won’t want to go back!

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Let’s get into what makes this dish for filling and tasty. The cannellini beans bring a protein-packed base, while the cucumber and bell pepper add that satisfying crunch. Juicy cherry tomatoes add in a pop of sweetness, the red onion adds a little bite, and the kalamata olives give that rich and salty flavor. Then there’s the fresh mint and parsley, which brighten things up and keep every bite feeling light and refreshing. A sprinkle of feta gives it just the right creamy finish, and a beautiful contrast of bright white color.

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Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team
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The dressing is simple but hits all the right notes. With a base of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice we’re off to a tang start. A touch of honey balances out the acidity, oregano adds an earthy flavor, and a clove of garlic ties it all together. It’s whisked until smooth, then poured over the salad so all those beans and veggies soak up the goodness. Don’t skip chilling it before serving — we’ve gotta let those flavors meld together!

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Cowgirl Caviar is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just keeping in the fridge for a quick and healthy bite. Serve it with tortilla chips, pile it on top of grilled chicken, or enjoy it as is, straight from the bowl. However you serve it, this fresh and hearty salad is guaranteed to be a hit.

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Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

Yield(s): Serves 8

15m prep time

1h inactive

4.9
Rated by 11 reviewers
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Ingredients
  • 1 (15 oz) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 large cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup kalamata olives, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, diced
  • ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3/4 cup feta
Dressing
  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
Preparation
  1. Add all salad ingredients to a large bowl. Toss to combine.
  2. Add dressing ingredients to a small bowl or jar and whisk for 1 minute until well combined.
  3. Pour dressing over salad and toss until evenly coated.
  4. Cover and chill for a minimum of 1 hour before serving.
  5. Serve as a side or with pita chips.

Recipe adapted from oliveandmango.com