Colorado Caviar: Easy Bean Salad and Dip

I know everyone is all about posting pumpkin recipes lately, but I just had to share this Colorado Caviar with you.  I mean I like pumpkin goodies, but real dinner or dip is just as important. 

My friend, Amanda (who also sent me the delicious White Chili recipe), recently sent me this recipe, and I am so glad she did.  It is yummy!  

Colorado Caviar (sometimes known as Cowboy Caviar if I recall correctly) is delicious, sweet, protein packed, and perfect to eat with a spoon, dip it with chips, or top your salads with it.

You may not think it is bean salad season, but I am personally of the opinion that it is always a good time for a healthy, hearty, easy and fast to make dip or bean salad.

Colorado Caviar is perfect for a football game or an easy weeknight side dish.  

Colorado Caviar: Easy Bean Salad and Dip

Recipe: Alohamora slightly adapted from Amanda G.

Active Time: 30 minutes

Inactive Time: 2 1/2 hours

Servings: 10-12

Ingredients: 

1/2 c. sugar

1/4 c. white vinegar

3/4 c. vegetable oil

1 can (15oz) pinto beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (15oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (15oz) corn, drained

1/2 c. sweet onion, diced (you can use yellow, white, or red onion but it does change the flavor)

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 yellow bell pepper, diced

1 tsp cilantro, dried (add more if you love cilantro- fresh diced cilantro works too)

1 can (7oz) diced green chilies

Directions: 

1. In a small pot/pan stir to combine the sugar, vinegar, and oil. 
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, and boil for 1 minute.  
3. Remove pot from the stove and allow it to cool while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. 
4. In a medium bowl combine the beans, corn, onion, peppers, cilantro, and green chilies. 
5. Add your cooled pot mixture to the medium bowl bean mixture and stir to combine everything. 
6. Cover your bean salad/dip and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.  The flavors will get better and better the longer you let the salad marinate.  
7. Drain the liquid before serving.  
8. Enjoy with chips, a spoon, and/or over a salad.  
9. Store leftovers covered in the fridge.

Happy Colorado Caviar: Easy Bean Salad and Dip eating!