by sweetalynn

Created on: June 30, 2007

Would anyone care for some salsa? This could be a great opening line for a fun night of lively dining and/or flirtatious dancing. Certainly pass the salsa....

Best known as a tasty appetizer or hearty snack, salsa will capture the tastebuds and take them on a whirlwind. Its freeform style and adaptability make it a favorite of many who enjoy not only eating the fresh ingredients, but enjoy life and all of its unpredictability. Use tomatoes and chilies, or onions and peppers. Load it up with garlic or kick it up with heat. Make it bold and extra spicy, or make it mild and mellow, but any way you choose, make a giant bowl of it and invite some friends....Summer is the perfect time for salsa!

This version is playfully called "Cowboy Caviar", hinting at its informal yet undeniable charm :)

1 15-oz can black eyed peas, rinsed and drained
1 15-oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 15-oz can whole kernel corn, drained
3/4 cup diced yellow onion
1/3 cup diced green bell pepper
1/3 cup diced red bell pepper
1 large ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
1 4-oz can diced jalapeno peppers
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 1/4 cup Italian style salad dressing
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
fresh ground black pepper to taste

The only real work involved in this recipe is in the dicing and chopping. Once you have all of your cans open and drained, and all of the pretty little veggies diced, you are ready to combine all ingredients together in a bowl and mix well. At this point you will cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to deepen. The wait is really worth it! It may take a little extra planning, but it will certainly be the hit of the party. This salsa will dance it's way to a number one spot on the charts :)

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