Picnic season is nearly upon us!
Actually, picnics always seem more glamorous in theory than in practice, right? The wind usually picks up at the most inopportune time sending paper plates and potato chips flying, where the heck do you put your drink, backaches, and for heaven’s sake THE BUGS.
Nah, I’d rather snag a spot at the patio table with a stable surface, heavy plate, and not share my meal with an army of ants. A giant vat of Best-Ever Southwestern Black Bean Dip in front of me while dinner sizzles on the grill!
A plethora of fresh and crunchy vegetables including bell pepper, tomatoes, red onion, and corn form the base of this healthy dip recipe that’s rounded out by the addition of black beans, a weeee bit of fresh jalapeno, cilantro, garlic, cumin, and store-bought Italian dressing. Mark my words, this is one of the best chip dips – EVER. It’s fresh yet zesty, both crunchy and creamy – ugh, it’s just so good! Pair with salty tortilla chips and you’ve got a perfect chip dip for game day, an appetizer before dinner, or yes…even a picnic. ;)
Plus this dip is able to be made up to a day ahead of time so it can be ready to party when you are!
How to Make This Recipe:
To a large bowl add 1 chopped green bell pepper, 1 can corn that’s been drained and rinsed (or 1-3/4 cup fresh sweet corn,) 1 can black beans that’s been drained and rinsed, plus 1 minced jalapeno, seeds and ribs removed first. Despite the jalapeno, I definitely would not call this dip spicy. I have seen many a child scarf this dip down with no issues!
Also add 3 vine-ripened tomatoes that have been seeded and chopped, plus 1/2 minced red onion.
Nearly there! Next in the pool is 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (or more or less depending on how much you like cilantro,) 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon cumin, salt, and pepper.
Finally, drizzle on 3/4 cup Homemade Italian Vinaigrette (or Kraft Zesty Italian salad dressing if you don’t need to eat gluten-free,) then stir to combine.
That’s all she wrote! Serve immediately with plenty of tortilla chips, or stash in the fridge overnight if you want to enjoy the next day. Either way, I hope you love this easy, flavor-packed dip recipe – enjoy!
Similar Recipes:
- Pickle Wrap Dip >
- Copycat Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel Dip >
- Secret Ingredient Restaurant- Style Salsa >
- The Best Fruit Dip EVER >
- Caesar Spinach and Artichoke Dip >
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Best-Ever Southwestern Black Bean Dip
Description
Best-Ever Southwestern Black Bean Dip is a party in a bowl! Fresh and crunchy, it will become a staple on game day and at parties.
Ingredients
- 15oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 15oz can corn, drained (or 1-3/4 cup fresh or frozen-then-thawed sweet corn)
- 3 vine-ripened tomatoes, seeded and chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper, ribs and seeds removed then minced
- 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (or more or less)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- salt and pepper
- 3/4 cup homemade Italian Vinaigrette (see notes) OR Zesty Italian salad dressing (not GF)
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl then mix to combine and serve with tortilla chips. Can be made a day ahead of time.
Notes
- Click here for my Homemade Italian Vinaigrette >
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
Oh jeez I so agree about the picnics. We got two really beautiful picnic baskets for wedding gifts and the one time we used them for an actual picnic, it was a disaster. I love eating outside but give me a table please!!
That dip looks so nice and fresh…I think it would also be awesome over some grilled chicken :)
Love me some black beans…soups, salad, burgers and dips! Can’t wait to whip it out!
I rarely post comments but I had to post regarding this recipe. I have been following the blog for many years and this is the absolute best recipe I have found on the blog. I have made it multiple times over the years and every time guess Rave about it and ask for the recipe. You guys have to make this!
this dip looks faaaantastic. I can’t wait to have it as an appetizer. or snack. or dinner. or midnight snack.
This looks delicious, there is nothing I love more than a good dip! I could eat fresh cilantro by the handful!
We make this dip but it is called Redneck Caviar!! And it’s best served with fritos, to make it extra redneck ;)
Um..Southwestern Black Bean dip? I prefer Beanis dip!! :)
Wow, there is nothing better than a fresh a delicious dip. Never would have thought to put the Italian dressing in it, definitely giving this a try…I like my extra spicy might be adding extra jalapenos! Thanks for posting.
I have a similar recipe, and it is FABULOUS over baked potatoes!
we call this cowboy caviar at my house. and it’s amazing every time. i like the zesty italian kick, so good.
also, i have been craving a picnic too for some reason, although i have no idea why…it’s not like i’ve always gone picnicing, and really they can be more trouble than they’re worth!
Glad you are re-posting some of the old recipes! I feel like I’d never get through them by searching, so love this idea!
Uh oh. You’re gonna have to duke it out with Novotny…for my money, his “Cowboy Salsa” is the best around. I declare a bean dip throw down challenge…I volunteer to be the judge!
Bahaha it’s on!! He’s going down! ;)
This dip looks amazeballs!!I love all ur recipes on ur blog!! One question though, i hate packaged Italian dressings, would u suggest to make my own vinaigrette that would be similar? Thanks so much!!
Lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, and if you like a little garlic. Tastier and healthier than bottled dressing for sure!
Never thought to add the Italian dressing!
Did you hand chop the peppers, tomatoes, and onions, or use some sort of dicer?
Hand chop!
Such a warm weather dip – I love it! And a great way to sneak in extra veggies, too.
I make this but serve it as a side or salad at potlucks, never bring any home. Try it also with just lemon juice and olive oil instead of the bottled dressing. Yum!
How appropriate – my husband just texted me to tell me that today is National Picnic Day! How is that for great timing! :)
I also make this (creatively named Corn and Bean Salsa in our house!) except for I use olive oil and lime juice with garlic, chili powder, cumin, a dash of cayenne, and salt, in place of the bottled dressing!
I’ve made something similar with avocado instead of green pepper (and I usually use green onions instead of red onion or I’ve done a bit of both). Then I use lime juice instead of Italian dressing.
Such a yummy and healthy treat!
I love this dip! I’ve made it with the zesty italian quite a few times. HOWEVER, try it some time with Newman’s Balsamic Vinaigrette! Also, super yummy! Can’t wait for summer!
I make a summer salsa/dip just like this, but I use lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper instead of the italian dressing. It’s addictive and even better once its been in the fridge marinating for a while :-)
Look at all of those vibrant colors! This looks so delicious!
this looks SO delicious! with my oven down for the count and Jersey corn starting to show up in the stores, this may become my new go to dinner! maybe so grilled chicken too? thanks for this!!
This looks so fresh! I can’t wait to try it.
— Alex at Cashmere Kangaroo
My aunt made something similar to this for Easter dinner this year, and she also included chickpeas! I thought it added an unexpected element to it. I love chickpeas, but my husband wouldn’t touch them! Haha :)
Peace & Sunshine,
Sammi at Sammi Sunshine- A Food Blog
my family makes a very similar dip…it just screams summer to me! so fresh and bright. love it!
Yum! I make a very similar dip, except I add avocado, and instead of a bottle dressing, I use red wine vinegar and olive oil. It is the BEST in the summertime. Sometimes I eat it as a meal ;)
You always have the most timely recipes!!!
I have a similar recipe except it calls for lime juice and olive oil instead of the italian dressing. While I love it with chips, more often I make this and spoon large amounts (like 1 1/2 to 2 cups worth) over sturdy salad greens (like iceberg or romaine), add some shredded chicken or ground beef and top it off with a little bit of ranch dressing. It is to die for.
I thought it had to be called “benis dip” hahah why did you change the hilarious name? Too…um, riské now that you’re a mum? This is such a great app; I love doing something simple like this. Fresh, not fancy is how you win the crowd!
Hahaha, don’t you worry – that’s what it’s still called “internally”. The new name has more to do with not horrifying the general public. :)
I have been totally seduced by the amount of color rich foods in this recipe. Anything with this insane amount of color has to be ridiculously delicious!
Absolutely love this! I just made it for a party this evening and am pacing in front of the fridge, trying to convince myself to stay away until tonight. Thank you!!
Yummy! This would be delicious over rice or quinoa!
[…] quinoa tossed with black beans, sweet corn, cilantro, and red onion resembles my Best-Ever Southwestern Black Bean Dip but the Chili Lime Vinaigrette that’s drizzled on top is from my Grilled Corn Orzo […]
we add feta cheese to this and it is delish
How many servings does this recipe make?
[…] made this Southwest salsa to bring to the BBQ and I cannot wait to dig in to it. I sampled a few bites last night when I was […]
[…] summer with long walks, picnics (oh yes, I’ve come to love and adore a good summer picnic. Who knew?) and splashing around in the water. We got him this Spiralin’ Seas Waterpark (really, […]
[…] Best- Ever Southwestern Black Bean Dip…Kristin had you at “best ever” didn’t she? […]
I made this for a party yesterday, and it went so fast that my husband didn’t even get to try it! It made so much that I was sure I would have leftovers, but the bowl was scraped clean. Now I have to make it again so my husband will get to taste it. :-) Great recipe!
[…] Best-ever southwestern black bean dip – iowa girl eats […]
Thise might be better made with the Kraft Roasted Red Pepper Italian dressing. I use it on a similar salad that is so good we eat it as a mainj dish meal.
This recipe looks delicious! I am making it tonight to bring as an appetizer. :-)
[…] Southwest Black Bean Dip from Iowa Girl Eats […]
Over the past 30+ years I’ve seen this named many things… Texas Caviar, Cowboy Caviar, Tennessee Trash….. I’ve been making it (and many many many different versions) for decades. It goes wonderful with BBQ and its a PERFECT make ahead. I usually make it the day before and its even better when the flavors get to know each other. And here is a crazy one… try it on a hotdog like a relish. Its surprisingly delightful.
[…] Southwestern Black Bean Dip // Iowa Girl Eats […]
[…] 6. Southwestern bean dip […]
I pinned this a while back because it looked and sounded delicious I made it tonight to take to a family gathering tomorrow and it is great. Since the ingredients are in season now I used fresh vegetables instead of canned. I can hardly wait to have it tomorrow after the flavors have a chance to marry thanks for sharing this recipe.
This dip is fantastic! It is my go-to for family gatherings and parties where I know I want something tasty but also healthy. Thank you for creating and sharing this recipe!
I make this alot…..totally addictive! I just use juice of one lime and EVOO for dressing. Much better than bottled dressing!