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.
Next up 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 >
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- 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.
Meaghan Voigt 04.23.2014
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!
Rachel 04.23.2014
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!
Jill 04.23.2014
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!
Mary 04.23.2014
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!
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life 04.23.2014
Such a warm weather dip – I love it! And a great way to sneak in extra veggies, too.
Tia 04.23.2014
Did you hand chop the peppers, tomatoes, and onions, or use some sort of dicer?
Kristin 04.23.2014
Hand chop!
Jackie 04.23.2014
Never thought to add the Italian dressing!
Valerie 04.23.2014
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!!
Samantha 08.29.2017
Lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, and if you like a little garlic. Tastier and healthier than bottled dressing for sure!
Tommy 04.23.2014
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!
Kristin 04.23.2014
Bahaha it’s on!! He’s going down! ;)
Carrie 04.23.2014
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!
erin @hooleywithaz 04.23.2014
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!
Erin 04.23.2014
I have a similar recipe, and it is FABULOUS over baked potatoes!
Chelsea @ Delipsch 04.23.2014
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.
Katie 04.23.2014
Um..Southwestern Black Bean dip? I prefer Beanis dip!! :)
Carrie 04.23.2014
We make this dip but it is called Redneck Caviar!! And it’s best served with fritos, to make it extra redneck ;)
Kelly Mitchem 04.23.2014
This looks delicious, there is nothing I love more than a good dip! I could eat fresh cilantro by the handful!
Haley @Cupcakes and Sunshine 04.23.2014
this dip looks faaaantastic. I can’t wait to have it as an appetizer. or snack. or dinner. or midnight snack.
Jill 04.23.2014
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!
Elizabeth @ AllThingsLibby 04.23.2014
Love me some black beans…soups, salad, burgers and dips! Can’t wait to whip it out!
Sara 04.23.2014
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 :)