With this unseasonably hot weather that we're having here on the East Coast (USA), we were so lucky that our daughter and her husband invited us to their Tennessee mountain lake home this past weekend! While floating lazily in the cool waters of the lake, we were completely unaware of the 90+ temperatures scorching the region. Lauren greeted us with cool Margarita's and a delicious, spicy black bean salsa that she called "Carolina Caviar". I've had this appetizer a few other times, and always called a different name, with a few adjustments here and there. No matter, it's a great hot weather, al fresco appetizer to nibble on before dinner.
The view of the lake cove from the deck. After the heavy spring rains that Tennessee has received, the lake was full and the trees were green and lush! It was so peaceful, shady and cool! Just what the stress doctor ordered for a hot weather weekend!
Warning: This salsa/caviar is totally addicting!
Carolina Caviar or Black Bean Salsa
.
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 - 2 avocados, peeled, cored, sliced and diced
1 yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded, and diced
1 orange bell pepper, cored, seeded, and diced
1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and diced
1 bunch green onions, sliced
1/2 of a medium red onion, finely chopped
1 small package frozen corn, thawed or 1 can yellow & white corn
1 - 2 cans Rotel tomatoes and chiles (be careful, this might be too hot for you)
1 bunch of fresh cilantro, stems removed, leaves finely chopped
3 - 4 Tablespoons minced garlic
juice of 1/4 lime
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce, or to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
Add all ingredients together in a large bowl; tasting and adjusting as you go!
Chill in the refrigerator overnight.
Adjust seasoning to preference levels after the salsa sets overnight and the flavors blend/marry.
Serve with tortilla chips.
The cool mountain lake waters kept us from scorching in the 95 degree heat!
As the saying goes, "Jump in, the water's great!"
Carolina Caviar - Black Bean Salsa
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My kind of recipe...I hear "black beans" and my toes curl! Where in Tennessee?
ReplyDeletewow great salad and such a beautiful place :-)
ReplyDeleteLove black beans, they are so healthy, then with salsa how pretty to serve with a South West flair for dinner.. lovely, hope you had a nice weekend...~
ReplyDeleteWhat a great salsa Roz. I'm crazy about black beans. I make something similar with black-eyed peas that's called Texas caviar. Makes me wonder if every state has their own caviar recipe.
ReplyDeleteHow fabulous that your daughter has that lovely view of the lake from her deck.
Sam
Nothing beats a refreshing dip in the lake in this weather. The salsa looks delicious. Please check out my blog for today - this is second time we've had the salad.
ReplyDeleteAn excellent way to cool down all around Roz!Enjoy!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful food and beautiful scenery--what a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! I am doing this tomorrow! Tonight is my birthday so no cooking for me! Lol! Thus looks incredible and perfect for summer. I'm in heaven!
ReplyDeleteHey come check out my giveaway of olive oils if you get a chance!
I love Carolina Caviar. One of my favorite light suppers is this salad with grilled salmon (and don't forget the wine!). The pictures of the lake in TN are gorgeous. Makes me want to escape the stifling eat of DC immediately!
ReplyDeleteOhhh...this looks so summery and delicious!! Thanks for popping by LBR and I will do my best to link up...I have been slacking lately with my recipes!! Shame shame for a foodie linky hostess, I know! :) Happy to be your newest follower...
ReplyDeleteHi Roz, I love the title, Carolina Caviar that's great :) The salsa looks yummy, especially with those black beans!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures, and the salsa looks amazing! Miriam@Meatless Meals For Meat Eaters
ReplyDeleteThe temperature is move moving up in west coast .. and I am not liking it. Makes me feel like moving to east coast.. i would love some heat now :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a summer dish you made and Thanks so much for sharing this with Hearth and Soul hop :)
So glad you're back! This salad looks incredibly refreshing. The perfect light fare to eat on a hot summer's day.
ReplyDeletelooks delicious and love your pictures come see me at http://shopannies.blogspot.com and see what I shared
ReplyDeleteHi, this salad is screaming at me. Please link this up at Let's Do Brunch which will be posted at 4:00 today. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI think you just provided me just the right recipe I needed for an event!! Thanks so much
ReplyDeleteI'm going to leave this as a nibble for my family when I rush off to rehearsal every eve. While they cook dinner, they can enjoy - love the avocado addition! MN is at a ridiculous 103 degrees. So you can see why al fresco appeals.
ReplyDeleteThat "caviar" does look perfect for all this hot weather. How wonderful to spend a time with your daughter. I wanted to invite you to come over and share your recipe at These Chicks Cooked Recipe Spotlight today. Have a great day :)
ReplyDeleteKatie
Your photos are wonderful, Roz. Looks like you had a fabulous time! And thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe with Let's Do Brunch and Feed Me Tweet Me Follow Me Home :) I've heard of Carolina Caviar before, but this is the most appetizing recipe I have seen for it. I can see why it's addictive - it looks absolutely scrumptious!
ReplyDeleteOh, Roz, I meant to say, I have chosen this lovely recipe as one of the featured recipes on Let's Do Brunch this week. Thank you again for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteI really like your blog!! I am your newest follower!! :) If you would like to check out mine also and follow it too!! That would be wonderful!! :) I am excited to share new ideas on food, crafts and about mineral make-up.. I will also be giving away mineral make-up for free. So watch out for it.
ReplyDelete-Brooke
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