Skip to main content

Cowboy Salad

A simple, tasty salad that is ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for BBQs, potluck dinners, or as a side dish any time of year.
Video

Cooking for a Crowd

Cooking for a Crowd

Use these recipe sheets to prepare for larger groups:

Recipe Image
Prep time: 20 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

2 cans (15 ounces each) black-eyed peas or black beans, drained and rinsed (try a mix or other types)
1 ½ cups corn (canned, drained and rinsed or cooked from fresh or frozen) (See Notes)
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
1 bunch green onions (about 5 green onions), chopped
3 medium tomatoes, diced
1 avocado, chopped (optional)
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
2 Tablespoons vinegar or lime juice
½ teaspoon each salt and pepper

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. In a large bowl, combine all the veggies.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.
  4. Pour oil mixture over veggies and toss lightly.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Use as a filling for tacos, burritos or wraps, on a burger, over a baked potato, or as a snack with tortilla chips.
  • Try adding other vegetables such as sweet or hot peppers, cucumber or zucchini.
  • Cook frozen corn according to package directions or to 165 degrees F. 
  • Freeze extra lime juice to use later.
  • Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 ½ to 1 ¾ cups drained beans.
  • Try adding cilantro on top for more flavor.

Comments

This was tasty but I wanted more spice added. I put hot sauce on my portion and left the rest of the bowl mild for my kids. 

This has been a favorite recipe for our family for years!  My teens will always make this to take to potlucks and team dinners.  It is affordable and only involves a few simple and fresh ingredients.  Plus, it has the bright colors and the refreshing lime flavor that are so appealing.

My 17 year old daughter made this for an assignment at school.  Students were tasked with preparing a healthy snack containing no added sugar and sharing samples with the entire class.  She was happy to report that eveyone, including the teacher, loved this salad.

I like how this recipe lasts a couple days. Perfect for a potluck and then you have leftovers. We eat it with corn tortilla chips.

This recipe is always a hit.  I recently made it for a group in an assisted living facility and they enjoyed it.  I served it with whole wheat pita bread that I cut into triangles and toasted in the oven.

Wonderful recipe!  We eat it all the time for years now becuase it is so versatile and most of the ingredients I always have in the pantry.  It can be used as a salad on its own, a baked potato or taco topping, or as a salsa.  And we bring it often to potlucks and it is always eaten up :)!

I substituted cooked barley in place of one of the cans of black beans and my family loved it.  It was a little easier on the tummy for someone who's sensitive to the fiber in beans.  Barley's a whole grain and made a great chewy substitution. 

This is great and easy to make. Can also use fresh or frozen corn.

This recipes is great! Even kids love it! Try it plain or eat it with tortilla chips!

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Roasted Sugar Snap Peas
Recipe image

Roasted Sugar Snap Peas

Roasted snap peas with savory soy make this 5 ingredient recipe a tasty and satisfying side dish or snack.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Stovetop Creamy Polenta
Bowls of fine textured polenta.

Stovetop Creamy Polenta

Classic creamy corn polenta with a mild taste.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
25 minutes
Makes:
4 servings
Cranberry Applesauce
Photo of Cranberry Applesauce

Cranberry Applesauce

A kid-approved bright and flavorful take on traditional applesauce.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Brussels Sprouts, Cranberry and Bulgur Salad
Dishes of salad featuring Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries and nuts mixed with a citrus dressing.

Brussels Sprouts, Cranberry and Bulgur Salad

Light and healthy Brussels sprouts salad with cranberries. A sweet and savory salad that is fresh and filling!
Prepare:
45 minutes
Makes:
5 Cups
Chili Cheese Hominy
Photo of Chili Cheese Hominy

Chili Cheese Hominy

A flavorful, cheesy recipe with a little kick of spice! Ready in about 30 minutes!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 Cups
Zucchini Pizza Boats
Plate of baked zucchini halves filled with red sauce and melted cheese.

Zucchini Pizza Boats

Simple 4-ingredient meal topped with warm marinara and melted cheese!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
6 small zucchini halves
Was this page helpful to you?