Rinse and drain the black-eyed peas thoroughly to remove excess sodium and preserve their flavor.
If using canned corn, drain it well; if using fresh corn, cook it briefly and then cool before adding.
Dice the red and green bell peppers, and finely chop the red onion and cilantro. Mince the jalapeño, adjusting the amount based on your heat preference.
Halve the cherry tomatoes and set aside.
Mix the Cowboy Caviar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the black-eyed peas, corn, cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, red onion, cilantro, and minced jalapeño. Stir gently to combine all ingredients without mashing the peas.
Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey (if using), cumin, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This dressing will enhance the flavors of the vegetables.
Combine and Serve
Pour the dressing over the cowboy caviar mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve chilled or at room temperature with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled meats or tacos.
Notes
For best results, let the cowboy caviar sit for a while before serving to allow the flavors to develop. This dish can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.