Cowboy Caviar

Cowboy Caviar

A fun dip that’s perfect for sharing and everyone always loves. Cowboy Caviar is full of fresh, hearty ingredients like – beans, tomatoes, onions, avocado, roasted corn, peppers and spices, all tossed in a simple dressing.

Jump to Recipe

Cowboy Caviar has been a favorite in our family for many years. It’s like salsa only heartier and more filling. There are many variations and I really haven’t found one I didn’t enjoy. The recipe I’m sharing with you is my #1 go-to. It has so much flavor and great texture, I think you’ll really love it!

What Is Cowboy Caviar?

Cowboy Caviar, also known as Texas caviar, is a colorful salad made with black eyed peas, black beans, tomatoes, corn, peppers, onions, and cilantro. It’s traditionally dressed with Italian dressing. It was given its name as a humorous comparison to the true caviar, an expensive hors d’oeuvre of salt-cured fish roe.

Cowboy Caviar Ingredients:

Here is the base of this recipe-

  • Tomatoes
  • Black eyed peas
  • Black beans
  • Roasted corn
  • Bell peppers
  • Jalapenos
  • Red onion
  • Cilantro
  • Avocado
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Lime juice
  • Seasonings


Customize Cowboy Caviar:

The great thing about this recipe is you can customize it to your taste. Use whatever kind of beans you like and you can add or leave out the avocado. I like the balsamic and lime juice combo, but you can add a drizzle of olive oil for richness, or a splash of Italian dressing for extra zip. Freshly minced garlic gives it a boost of flavor and you can add in seasonings you love.

How To Make Cowboy Caviar:

Add all the ingredients including the dressings and the seasonings to a large bowl and toss well to combine. You’ll want to refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 1 day before serving. This will give the flavors time to meld. Serve as a salad for an easy side dish, or a dip with your favorite tortilla chips.



Tips for Cowboy Caviar:

  • I love using cherry tomatoes for fresh dips like this. Cherry tomatoes have extra sweetness and even in the off season they have great flavor.
  • If you like the extra heat, dice the whole jalapeno including the seeds and membranes.
  • Use fresh corn when in season. Char over an open flame or grill for 10 minutes flipping every few minutes. This makes it extra special.
  • Serve as a side salad or a light lunch with diced roasted chicken or shrimp.


Other dips you might enjoy:

⭐Make Sure to Rate the recipe when you make it!⭐

Let’s eat!🤍

Cowboy Caviar

A fun dip that's perfect for sharing and everyone always loves. Cowboy Caviar is full of fresh, hearty ingredients like – beans, tomatoes, onions, avocado, roasted corn, peppers and spices tossed in a zesty dressing.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 182 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes I use cherry tomatoes
  • 15 oz can black eyed peas, drained and rinsed
  • 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 11 oz can roasted corn, drained or 1 cup frozen thawed or fresh grilled corn
  • 1/2 cup chopped peppers, red, yellow, or orange
  • 1/4-1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1 jalapeno chopped fine, seeds and membranes removed leave in seeds for spicier caviar
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 ripe avocados, diced
  • 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions
 

  • Add all ingredients to a large bowl starting with the beans and veggies and ending with the seasonings, balsamic vinegar, and lime juice. Toss gently until well combined. Adjust seasonings to taste.
  • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours.
  • Serve with tortilla chips.

Notes

Tips:
  • Use Cherry Tomatoes- Cherry tomatoes have extra sweetness and even in the off season they have great flavor.
  • Extra Spicy- If you like the extra heat, dice the whole jalapeno including the seeds and membranes.
  • Fresh Corn- Use fresh corn when in season. Char over an open flame or grill for 10 minutes flipping every few minutes. This makes it extra special.
  • More than a dip- Serve as a side salad or a light lunch with diced roasted chicken or shrimp. 
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be understood as an estimate rather than a guarantee. The Menu Maid makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
Keyword Balsamic vinegar, Black beans, Black eyed peas, Cilantro, Corn, Jalapenos, Limes, Onions, tomatoes
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving 
Calories 182
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 9.6g12%
Saturated Fat 1.3g6%
Cholesterol 0mg0%
Sodium 225mg10%
Total Carbohydrate 22.6g8%
Dietary Fiber 8g29%
Total Sugars 3.2g 
Protein 5.6g 
Vitamin D 0mcg0%
Calcium 37mg3%
Iron 2mg13%
Potassium 649mg14%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Recipe analyzed by 

AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER:

Please note that some of the links on my website are affiliate links. Meaning, I receive a commission if you decide to purchase through my links at no extra cost to you! The product links at the bottom of my posts are products I’ve used and/or recommend.


My Favorite Kitchen Tools and Products For This Recipe:




2 thoughts on “Cowboy Caviar”

  • 5 stars
    Holy cow!! The flavors in this Cowboy Caviar are addictive. I had everything my pantry which made it convenient. It is so colorful and pleasing to the eye that it makes a perfect appetizer for entertaining(not to mention how delicious it is).

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating