Name: Healthy Cowboy Caviar
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 8 cups
Ingredients: 2 (14-ounce) cans black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained, or 3 cups cooked black-eyed peas; 1 (14-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained, or 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans; 1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears of corn), or 1 (14-ounce) can corn, drained; 1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes (I used about 4 Roma tomatoes, about 3/4 pound); 1 medium red, orange or yellow bell pepper; 3/4 cup chopped red onion (about 1/2 small red onion); 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, leaves and stems; 1 to 2 jalapeños, ribs removed, seeded and finely chopped; 1 avocado (optional); 1/3 cup olive oil; 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar or lime juice; 2 medium cloves garlic, pressed or minced; 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, to taste; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey; 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste