Zesty Black Bean & Corn Fiesta Dip
Elevate your gatherings with this vibrant Zesty Black Bean & Corn Fiesta Dip, a delightful combination of black beans, black-eyed peas, pimientos, and crunchy vegetables, all marinated in a tangy olive oil and cider vinegar dressing. Perfectly paired with crispy Fritos scoops, this bean dip isn't just a crowd-pleaser; it's an explosion of texture and flavor that highlights the best of Mexican-inspired cuisine. Fresh, easy to prepare, and full of color, this dip is bound to be the star of your appetizer spread!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
black beans
1 (12 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
black-eyed peas
1 (12 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
pimientos
1 (6 ounce) jar (chopped)
celery
2-3 stalks (chopped)
purple onion
1 (chopped)
white shoepeg corn
1 (12 ounce) can (drained)
jalapeños
1 (6 ounce) jar (chopped)
olive oil
1 cup (none)
cider vinegar
1/2 cup (none)
sugar
1/3 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by draining and rinsing the black beans and black-eyed peas thoroughly.
2
Chop the pimentos, celery, purple onion, and jalapeños, ensuring they are finely diced for a balanced dip.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained corn with the chopped pimentos, celery, onion, black beans, black-eyed peas, and jalapeños.
4
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the olive oil, cider vinegar, and sugar, stirring until the sugar has fully dissolved.
5
Once the mixture is uniform, pour it over the combined solids in the mixing bowl, ensuring everything is well coated.
6
Cover the dip with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and enhance.
7
When ready to serve, drain any excess liquid from the dip and transfer it to a serving bowl. Pair with Fritos scoops or your favorite tortilla chips.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Black Bean & Corn Fiesta Dip?
It is a vibrant, flavorful appetizer featuring a mix of black beans, black-eyed peas, corn, and chopped vegetables marinated in a tangy dressing.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main components include black beans, black-eyed peas, pimientos, celery, purple onion, white shoepeg corn, and jalapeños.
How many servings does this dip yield?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings, making it ideal for parties and gatherings.
Is this Fiesta Dip suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian as it consists of beans, vegetables, and a plant-based dressing.
What type of corn is best for this dip?
The recipe specifically calls for white shoepeg corn, which is known for its small, sweet kernels.
Can I substitute the canned corn with frozen corn?
Yes, you can use frozen corn; just ensure it is thawed and well-drained before mixing with other ingredients.
Do I need to rinse the black beans and black-eyed peas?
Yes, it is important to drain and rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium and starchy liquid.
How long should the dip be refrigerated before serving?
For the best flavor development, the dip should be refrigerated for at least 1 hour.
What are the components of the dressing?
The dressing is made from a cooked mixture of olive oil, cider vinegar, and sugar.
Do I have to heat the dressing?
Yes, heating the olive oil, vinegar, and sugar together ensures the sugar dissolves completely for a smooth texture.
What kind of vinegar is used in the marinade?
The recipe uses cider vinegar for its specific tangy and slightly fruity profile.
Can I use white vinegar instead of cider vinegar?
You can, though the flavor will be sharper and less complex than when using cider vinegar.
Is this dip very spicy?
It has a mild to moderate kick from the jalapeños; you can adjust the heat by adding more or fewer peppers.
What is the best way to serve Zesty Black Bean & Corn Fiesta Dip?
It is traditionally served with Fritos scoops or your favorite sturdy tortilla chips.
Can this dip be made a day in advance?
Yes, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld even further, making it an excellent make-ahead appetizer.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I add other vegetables like bell peppers?
Absolutely, finely diced red or green bell peppers would add extra crunch and color to the dip.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels on canned goods and chips to be certain.
Why is purple onion used instead of white onion?
Purple (red) onion provides a milder flavor and a beautiful color contrast that enhances the visual appeal of the dip.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the dressing?
Yes, you can adjust the sugar to your preference, though it helps balance the acidity of the vinegar.
Can I use a sugar substitute?
Yes, a granulated sugar substitute can be used; just follow the equivalent sweetness ratio for 1/3 cup of sugar.
What are pimientos?
Pimientos are small, sweet, mild red peppers that add color and a subtle sweetness without heat.
How can I make the dip less oily?
The instructions recommend draining the excess liquid before serving to ensure the dip is flavorful but not greasy.
How finely should the vegetables be chopped?
They should be finely diced so that you get a bit of everything in every scoop.
Should I serve this dip warm or cold?
This dip is intended to be served cold or at room temperature.
Can I use fresh jalapeños instead of jarred?
Yes, fresh jalapeños can be used for a brighter flavor and more intense heat.
What can I use instead of olive oil?
A neutral-tasting oil like avocado oil or vegetable oil can be used as a substitute.
Is it okay to use dry beans instead of canned?
Yes, but you must soak and cook them until tender before using them in the recipe.
Can I add cilantro to this recipe?
Yes, fresh chopped cilantro is a great addition for extra Mexican-inspired flavor.
Does this dip provide protein?
Yes, both the black beans and black-eyed peas are excellent sources of plant-based protein.