Have you ever noticed how much what you name something impacts your child’s response to it? Regular fruit-of-the-looms are less attractive than Batman Underwear. A plain old green smoothie is consumed faster when it’s a Green Monster and boring vitamin D is much more interesting when it becomes a yummy Lemon Drop.

You get the idea. Of course this works best on the little ones but you can be creative with names at any age. I’m thinking even my hubby would be more apt to dig into Spicy Aphrodisiac Pasta versus plain old baked spaghetti squash with tomato sauce.

This recipe is based on an appetizer first served to me by my beautiful friend Rebecca. I’ve made a few tweaks to her original concoction but I’ve left the name the same – Cowboy Caviar. Served with tortilla chips this hearty dip is packed with protein, healthy fats and nutrient dense greens and veggies.

It’s perfect for parties, potlucks or just a western-themed family night. I’m thinking cowboy hats, leather vests, broomstick horses and maybe a kick-butt pair of cowboy boots. Yeehaw! Eat it up little doggies!

*Please note: the recipe calls for a diced jalapeno pepper but I would leave that out if you are serving it to your kids..unless they really like spicy food.

Cowboy Caviar

3 tbsp fresh lime juice (approx 3 limes)
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 tsp sea salt (or more to taste)
Black pepper to taste
2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed (I like Eden Organic Brand)
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1 bunch of cilantro, chopped
1 cup frozen corn (cooked and rinsed)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 jalapeno pepper, finely diced
1 avocado, diced
1 bag of nacho chips

Whisk together lime juice, oil, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine beans, tomatoes, cilantro, corn, garlic and jalapeno and stir to combine. Pour dressing over top and toss together. You can cover and put this in the fridge until you are ready to serve.

Just prior to serving, add the avocado and stir.

Serve with nacho chips. Enjoy!