This cowboy caviar is a colorful and hearty dip that’s loaded with beans, black eyed peas, avocado and veggies, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for a potluck!
Cowboy caviar is a fresh and flavorful dip that is great with tortilla chips. If you have a big crowd to feed, add some other appetizers to the menu such as a relish tray, garlic knots or beer brat bites.
I love a hearty dip, and this colorful cowboy caviar never disappoints. It’s loaded with different types of beans and veggies in the most delicious dressing. I make this Texas caviar as an appetizer or side dish, and it’s perfect to bring to a potluck or picnic.
Cowboy caviar is a fantastic appetizer recipe. It takes the bright, fresh flavors of salsa and the heartiness of beans and turns them into a dip that is perfect for any occasion. Sometimes I make several dips for a party like hot spinach dip, Reuben dip, bacon ranch dip and this cowboy caviar.
Table of Contents
Cowboy Caviar Ingredients
The base of this cowboy caviar recipe contains black beans, black eyed peas, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, jalapeno, corn, avocado and cilantro.
To make the dressing for cowboy caviar you will need olive oil, lime juice, honey, cumin, chili powder, salt and black pepper.
How Do You Make Cowboy Caviar?
To make cowboy caviar start by placing the black beans, black eyed peas, vegetables and cilantro in a large bowl. Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a separate bowl. Pour the dressing over the beans and veggies and toss gently to combine. Serve, and enjoy!
Tips For The Perfect Dish
- You can substitute other types of beans instead of black beans. I’ve used pinto beans before and it’s delicious.
- I use canned black eyed peas as they are the most convenient, but frozen will also work fine.
- I recommend Roma tomatoes in this dish, as they have less seeds and a firmer texture. Halved cherry tomatoes are also great for a heartier texture.
- This is a mild dip, despite the jalapeno in the recipe ingredients. To make jalapeno peppers less spicy, remove the seeds and ribs from the peppers.
- No lime juice on hand? Try using two tablespoons of red wine vinegar instead.
- Not a fan of cilantro? Use sliced green onions instead.
- Serve your caviar either as a dip with tortilla chips, or as a salad over lettuce leaves. It also makes a great salsa like topping for grilled chicken breast, London broil, grilled salmon, quesadillas or steak tacos. You could also try some cowboy caviar on a burrito bowl.
Quick Tip
I typically use frozen thawed corn kernels, but you could use canned sweet corn or even fresh corn off the cob.
Recipe FAQs
This dish was created in Texas, and is sometimes also referred to as Texas caviar. It got its name as a humorous comparison to true caviar as the round beans may resemble fish eggs.
This dish typically consists beans and assorted vegetables that are tossed in a simple dressing. It also always contains black eyed peas.
I wouldn’t recommend freezing this dip. While the beans will hold up just fine in the freezer, the tomatoes and avocado will not fare as well. I’d recommend simply making your dip 1-2 days before your event to save on some prep time, then store it tightly covered in the refrigerator.
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Flavor Variations
While I typically serve my cowboy caviar as a dip, sometimes I like to add more ingredients to turn it into more of a meal. There are so many different ways to customize this dish!
- Protein: Stir in 1 1/2 cups of diced cooked chicken or small shrimp, then serve as salad.
- Bacon: Stir in 1/3 cup cooked crumbled bacon right before serving.
- Spicy: Leave some of the seeds and ribs in the jalapeno, and add a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
- Cheese: Add 1/3 cup of crumbled feta cheese or cotija cheese.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other veggies to the mix such as green bell peppers, black olives, grilled zucchini, poblano peppers or cucumbers.
- Fruit: For a sweeter version of this dish, try adding some diced mango or diced pineapple.
Make Ahead Instructions
The great thing about this dish is that it can be prepared in advance. You can make the dressing up to 3 days before you need it. Simply store the dressing in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator. You can prepare the beans and veggies up to 8 hours in advance, except for the avocado. Omit the avocado, and add it at the very end just before serving. Mixing the avocado in the salad at the last minute will keep it from turning brown. I also recommend waiting to add the dressing until right before serving.
Once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself making it on a regular basis. It’s great for entertaining, but also perfect for a lighter lunch option.
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Cowboy Caviar
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 can black eyed peas rinsed and drained
- 1 cup tomatoes seeded and finely diced
- 1 jalapeno seeded and finely diced
- 1 cup corn can be fresh, canned or thawed from frozen
- 1 avocado chopped
- 3/4 cup orange bell pepper seeded and finely diced
- 1/2 cup red onion finely diced
- 1/3 cup cilantro leaves chopped
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the beans, black eyed peas, tomatoes, jalapeno, corn, avocado, bell pepper, onion and cilantro in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, chili powder, cumin and salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss gently to coat. Serve as a salad or with chips.
Notes
- Make ahead instructions: Assemble according to instructions, except omit the avocado. Refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Add the avocado right before serving.
- I recommend Roma tomatoes in this dish, as they have less seeds and a firmer texture. Halved cherry tomatoes are also great for a heartier texture.
- Not a fan of cilantro? Use sliced green onions instead.
- I typically use frozen thawed corn kernels, but you could use canned corn or even fresh corn off the cob.
Followed directions exactly, no modifications.
Perfect recipe, and a very pretty and colorful dish.
Took it to an outing and even the little ones loved it!
Can’t wait to make it again.
Will be a great side for any grilled protein.
Will definitely be a summer staple at our house.
This is a go to for me regularly when we have company. It’s a family favorite and my people cannot get enough of it. They often request it. I serve it as an appetizer or a side dish. Definitely one you should have in your rotation!
Love this! Super fresh and it is delicious on grilled meats too. Thank you!
This recipe is so easy to follow and it is so yummy!
Great dish!
Very good- next time I would mix everything but the avocados in the morning, chill for a few hours to let the flavors really pop and then add avocado last minute.
Over the top delicious!
I took it to a bbq and everyone raved about it.
This is a very good recipe. Like you said, you can eat as is like a salad OR with tortilla chips. Thanks for a great recipe that is good anytime of the year.
Hello and thank you for sharing all your wonderful salad recipes!
I like how this dip is both delicious and healthy! The dressing is so simple but complements the flavors of the veggies and beans nicely.
Cowboy caviar was an absolute hit with our pool party last weekend. It disappeared fast and the kids as well as adults asked for more. Thank goodness this was an easy and fast recipe to make. I whipped up another bowl and everyone was happy.
I took this dip to a potluck and it disappeared fast. I’m making it again for a picnic this weekend. Thanks for a great recipe!
Cowboy caviar is such a great dish. I have make this recipe as both an appetizer and a side dish. Never disappoints.
This has awesome flavor and is such an awesome summer side dish. Thank you!
This is a delicious recipe. My whole family loves it. Thanks for a wonderful recipe!!
I love this recipe. But I always wonder why you haven’t specified the size of the cans of beans? Where I live, we can generally buy 2 different sizes of canned beans.
It is 15 ounce cans.
A perfect, refreshing and healthy salad. Love it!
I love eating cowboy caviar as a salad with some protein added. It’s such a great and healthy warm weather meal. This version was delicious. I love that you included coriander and jalapenos!
Beautiful dip! We made it twice in one week – once to serve with chicken and another time with tortilla chips! Really nice spices and overall a much better cowboy caviar recipe than any I’ve tried before – thank you!
This is gonna be a big hit in our house! Looks so fresh and easy!
Such a colorful and simple salad! Will be perfect for game day.