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This has to be the best Cowboy Caviar dip recipe! Loaded with beans, tomatoes, corn, onion, peppers, avocado, and tossed with a simple chili vinaigrette, it’s begging to be on your next appetizer spread. It’s also super quick, ready in only 15 minutes!
This simple Cowboy Caviar is such a wonderful recipe! It’s a cinch to throw together, it’s so versatile, and you won’t be able to get over how good it tastes. It can stand sitting out in the summer heat and it’s such a refreshing change of scenery from the regular dips you always see at a picnic or BBQ.
What Is Cowboy Caviar?
This dip, also known as Texas Caviar, is loaded with beans, corn, and diced veggies. These ingredients together make it look like a bowl of colorful caviar, but fear not! There are no fish eggs in this recipe. Just some delicious fresh ingredients tossed with a bright vinaigrette.
Ingredients in Cowboy Caviar
I kept this recipe nice and simple with just a few ingredients to chop. It’s a great effortless potluck, picnic, or BBQ item that everyone will love! Keep scrolling for the full recipe and ingredient amounts.
For the dressing:
- Olive oil – You can also use other mild varieties such as grapeseed or avocado oils.
- Sugar – Honey or agave will also work in place of sugar.
- White wine vinegar – Red wine vinegar or regular white vinegar will also work.
- Chili powder – I used mild chili powder for this recipe but you can use medium or hot if you want to crank up some heat.
- Salt – Season the dressing to taste.
For the salad:
- Roma tomatoes – While you can use any variety of tomato in this recipe, grab some Roma tomatoes if you find them. They hold up much better!
- Black eyed peas & black beans – I used 15 oz cans of the beans rinsed well and drained.
- Sweet corn – I used canned corn but you are free to use fresh or frozen corn.
- Red onion – You can use a more mild type of onion like white, yellow, or scallions.
- Bell peppers – I like to use a green and red bell pepper in this recipe for a variety of color. You can use any type of bell peppers you like!
- Avocado – Using some nice and ripe avocado for this recipe is a must. It helps bind the vinaigrette to ensure you get a flavorful bite every time.
- Cilantro – If you’re not a fan of cilantro you can leave it out completely or use some parsley instead.
Can I Use Dried Beans in Cowboy Caviar?
You definitely can! You’ll have to make sure you have enough time to re-hydrate the beans before making this recipe. Use a heaping 1/2 cup of dried beans to get the equivalent of 15 oz canned beans. Follow the package instructions for boiling the beans.
Can I Use Less Sugar?
If you need to cut down on sweets, or if you simply don’t like this dip to be sweet, you can use however much sugar you prefer or leave it out entirely. I would suggest leaving at least a few teaspoons in the recipe to help mellow out the vinegar if you want to cut the sugar out. You can also use a drizzle of honey or agave in its place!
What Else Can I Add to Cowboy Caviar?
You can load this recipe up as much as you’d like! It’s great for clearing some extra veggies out of your fridge. Try these additions out:
- Hot peppers – You can add a chopped jalapeno or really add some heat with a habanero, ghost pepper, or any of your favorites.
- Chickpeas
- Lime juice
- Feta cheese
- Scallions
How to Make Cowboy Caviar Recipe
- Prep the ingredients: Mix the dressing in a small bowl and set aside. Drain and rinse any canned ingredients well, then chop up the remaining ingredients.
- Mix the salad: Add everything to a large bowl and mix well. Serve and enjoy!
It’s so easy to make! I love this recipe because it’s always a big crowd pleaser, but it takes almost no effort to throw together. You know that potluck you forgot about? I’ve got you covered.
Can You Make Cowboy Caviar Ahead?
This is a great recipe to make ahead. If you are worried about the avocado browning, you can leave it out and add it to the Cowboy Caviar right before serving.
How to Store Cowboy Caviar
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days. You can use leftovers for just about anything! Add it to tacos, top grilled chicken with it, or toss it over some lettuce or spinach for an easy salad. Want to eat it right out of the container with a spoon? I don’t judge.
Can I Freeze Cowboy Caviar?
I don’t recommend freezing this recipe. As it thaws, the veggies will release lots of moisture and the dip will fall flat and be soggy. This is a recipe best served fresh.
What to Serve With Cowboy Caviar
This dip is typically served with tortilla chips. You can use it the same way you’d serve a salsa or pico de gallo. Try it paired with these recipes:
- Grilled Vegetable Quesadillas
- The Best Chili Recipe
- Matambre
- Oven Baked Beef Brisket
- Chicken Enchilada Quesadillas
- Baked Chicken Breast
- Carne Asada Tacos
Did You Love This Recipe? Try These!
- Chimichurri Sauce
- Avocado Shrimp Salsa
- Cowboy Pasta Salad
- Easy Potato Salad
- Homemade Salsa
- Cheesy Guacamole
- Macaroni Salad
Cowboy Caviar
Ingredients
For Dressing
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
For Salad
- 1 pound Roma tomatoes seeded and diced
- 15 ounce black-eyed peas (1 can) drained and rinsed
- 15 ounce black beans (1 can) drained and rinsed
- 11 ounce sweet corn (1 can) drained and rinsed
- 1 small red onion diced
- 1 small green bell pepper diced
- 1 small red bell pepper diced
- 1 avocado chopped
- 1 cup cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl whisk together all the dressing ingredients. Set aside.
- Prep the ingredients: Drain and rinse any canned ingredients well, then chop up the remaining ingredients.
- Mix the salad: Add everything to a large bowl and mix well. Serve and enjoy!
- Serve: Serve chilled or at room temperature.
