Description
Italian Cowboy Caviar is a fresh and vibrant no-cook salad featuring grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, cannellini beans, pepperoncinis, and a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect as a light appetizer or snack, it’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors and texture, making it ideal for gatherings or a quick healthy bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 14 to 16 ounces Grape Tomatoes (cut in half lengthwise)
- 8 to 12 ounces Fresh Mozzarella Balls (or pearls, halved)
- 2 Tablespoons Red Onion (finely diced)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil (cut into ribbons)
- 1 (14-ounce) can Cannellini White Beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1/4 cup Pepperoncinis (sliced)
- 1/4 cup Pine Nuts (optional)
Dressing
- 1 packet Good Seasons Dry Italian Dressing Mix
- 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil (plus more for drizzling)
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Serving Suggestion
- Crostini, Pita Chips, Crackers (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs: Chop the grape tomatoes in half lengthwise. Finely dice the red onion and cut the fresh basil leaves into ribbons or thin strips to enhance the dish’s aroma and appearance.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the halved grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls or balls (cut in half for balance), diced red onion, and fresh basil ribbons. Sprinkle with salt for seasoning. Drain and rinse the cannellini white beans thoroughly to remove any canning liquid, then add them to the bowl along with sliced pepperoncinis and pine nuts if using.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and the Good Seasons Dry Italian Dressing Mix until well combined. This creates a flavorful, tangy dressing that complements the fresh ingredients.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing evenly over the salad ingredients. Gently mix with a spoon or spatula until all components are well coated with the dressing, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully.
- Chill and Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately for a fresh crisp taste, or cover and refrigerate for 1–2 hours to allow the flavors to deepen. Before serving, optionally sprinkle with Tuscan seasoning and cracked black pepper for added zing and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Serve alongside crostinis, pita chips, or sturdy crackers for a delightful crunchy contrast.
Notes
- You can customize this salad by adding olives for extra brininess.
- Adjust the amount of salt and lemon juice to your taste preference.
- Pine nuts are optional but add a nice crunch and flavor complexity.
- This recipe is best served fresh or chilled within a few hours to keep the mozzarella firm and vegetables crisp.
- Pair with light white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing meal.
