Healthy Gameday Cowboy Caviar

Update: Proud to announce that Cooking Light posted my picture for this recipe on Instagram!

I didn't develop a true appreciation for dips until I moved to Alabama. I knew they existed in theory, but I didn't realize the creamy, savory goodness that I was missing out on. 

I was confused when I saw my freshmen friends light up at the suggestion of "buff chick dip." And then I tried it. I understood.

Unfortunately, these dairy-filled dips aren't always an option for everyone at the gameday celebration. Fortunately, there is this protein-packed, flavorful dip lovingly called, "Cowboy Caviar" by Midwesterners. It tastes great on a tortilla chip or wrapped up in a tortilla as a taco meat substitute!

There's no more time to stall - we've got a game to get ready for!

Healthy Gameday Cowboy Caviar

Ingredients: 
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 15 oz. can black beans, drained
- 15 oz. can black eyed peas, drained
- 1 jalapeño, diced (I removed the seeds, but it is optional)
- 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

Dressing:
- Juice of 1 lime
- Zest of 1 lime (the same one, silly)
- 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp. cumin
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder
- 1/2 tsp. sugar (optional)

Instructions:
1. Prep ingredients. Dice the vegetables into roughly the same sizes. Rinse the beans and peas well and drain. Roughly chop the cilantro. Toss into a large bowl together.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. 
3. Add the dressing to the other ingredients and mix well.
4. The dip is ready to eat immediately, but it tastes better after a few hours in the fridge - let those flavors really soak into the veggies and legumes!

Tag @jordanmitchellRD on Instagram if you make this dairy-free dip at your next tailgate! I can't wait to see how you make it your own!

Recipe adapted from Budget Bytes.