Bean and Veggie Salsa

Everyone loves a good salsa! Well let me tell you, this one is a good one. It is loaded with veggies and some beans. Great to get those vitamins in and protein too. It has been a hit at potlucks and when serving it to company. This salsa also reminds me of summer, so it was refreshing with the cold weather outside. 

This salsa became a staple food for grill nights in my house last summer. When we had burgers, we had this salsa. If we were having grilled barbecue chicken, turkey, or pork chops, you could always count on this being at the table. Just writing about this makes me excited to enjoy dinners on the patio again! It is a great addition to the dinner table. A wonderful side or snack that the whole family will love!

This salsa is very colorful as you can tell. As it is loaded with veggies, it is loaded with flavor! A definite must try. If you are using any frozen vegetables, I recommend thawing them fully before adding them into the salsa because otherwise it will get really watery. It still will get a watery because of all the vegetables, but it will help a lot to thaw them out before hand. Also, if you want to add some kick to it, add a jalapeño or a chili pepper. I am all for that! Just know what you are getting yourself into. I would not go too overboard with jalapeño peppers, or you may be living with a water bottle by your side for a few days. You can play around with different veggies and/or beans to fit best fit your taste preference. 

Bean and Veggie Salsa

Adapted from Soupbelly

Ingredients:

15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed throughly (or you could cook your own beans...highly recommend)

15 oz. can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed throughly (again highly recommend cooking them yourself)

3 medium tomatoes, chopped and drained 

2 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed completely 

1/2 medium onion, chopped (white or red)

1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped 

1/2 tsp. sea salt

3/4 cup chopped cilantro, more or less depending on desired taste

1 like, juiced 

Italian salad dressing*

*Italian Salad Dressing Recipe

1 Tbsp. garlic powder

1 Tbsp. onion powder

1 Tbsp. stevia 

2 Tbsp. dried oregano

1 tsp. ground black pepper 

1/4 tsp. dried thyme 

1 tsp. dired basil

1 Tbsp. dired (or fresh) parsley 

1 tsp. sea salt 

1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes 

2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar 

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients for the dressing together. Set aside. 

2. Chop all the ingredients that require it and add in a large bowl. 

3. Add the remaining ingredients to the large bowl and stir until well combine.

4. Cool in the refrigerator for at least 20 before serving. 

5. Serve with chips (my favorite are these Blue Corn Chips). Enjoy!