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Home » Appetizers » Cowboy Caviar

Published: June 16, 2022 Last Modified: June 17, 2022 By Sara 50 Comments

Cowboy Caviar

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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.
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.
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.

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 garlic knots or beer brat bites.

A serving bowl of cowboy caviar made with beans and veggies, and garnished with cilantro.

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 Ingredients

Bowls of assorted chopped vegetables.

The base of this recipe contains black beans, black eyed peas, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, jalapeno, corn, avocado and cilantro. The dressing consists of olive oil, lime juice, honey, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper.

Bowls of beans, black eyed peas and salad dressing ingredients.

How Do You Make Cowboy Caviar?

Place the 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!

Process shots showing how to make cowboy caviar.

Tips for the perfect dish

  • Cowboy caviar can be made up to 8 hours before you plan to serve it. If you’re making this dish in advance, omit the avocado, and stir it in right before serving.
  • You can substitute other types of beans instead of black beans. I’ve used pinto beans before and it’s delicious.
  • I use Roma tomatoes in this dish, as they have less seeds and a firmer 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.
  • Serve your caviar either as a dip with tortilla chips, or as a salad over lettuce leaves.
A hand scooping up Texas caviar on a chip.

Recipe FAQs

Can you freeze cowboy caviar?

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.

What is cowboy caviar made of?

This dish typically consists beans and assorted vegetables that are tossed in a simple dressing. It also always contains black eyed peas.

Why do they call it cowboy caviar?

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.

A bowl of cowboy caviar served with chips.

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 or cotija cheese.
  • Vegetables: Feel free to add other veggies to the mix such as roasted zucchini, poblano peppers or cucumbers.

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.

Other Recipes You’ll Love

  • Pineapple Salsa
  • Steak Bites with Garlic Butter
  • BLT Dip
  • Pizza Dip with Pepperoni
  • Dill Pickle Dip

Cowboy Caviar Video

A serving bowl of cowboy caviar made with beans and veggies, and garnished with cilantro.
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5 from 32 votes

Cowboy Caviar

This cowboy caviar is a colorful and hearty dip that’s loaded with beans, avocado and veggies, all tossed in a zesty homemade sauce. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for a potluck!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 21 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 195kcal
Author Sara Welch

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

  1. Make ahead instructions: Assemble according to instructions, except omit the avocado. Refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Add the avocado right before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 195kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 337mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 380IU | Vitamin C: 10.6mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1.2mg
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Filed Under: Appetizers, Featured Recipes, Gluten Free

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    Comments

    1. Cheri says

      July 5, 2019 at 12:59 pm

      Would this dip be considered gluten free?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        July 5, 2019 at 8:08 pm

        Yes it is!

        Reply
    2. emman damian says

      March 10, 2019 at 4:42 am

      5 stars
      The Cowboy Caviar looks like a salsa for me. It looks and sounds so delicious! Hope I can try it this Sunday.

      Reply
    3. Connie says

      March 9, 2019 at 10:11 pm

      5 stars
      WOW! You weren’t kidding when you said colorful! I love all of these flavors together. It looks amazing and healthy!

      Reply
      • Cornelia Martin says

        June 23, 2019 at 2:06 pm

        5 stars
        Amazing,
        Took it to a birthday party. Lots of compliments. Will make this again for sure.

        Reply
    4. Heather says

      March 9, 2019 at 6:48 pm

      This looks so delicious. I’m going to make this over the weekend!

      Reply
    5. Toni | Boulder Locavore says

      March 9, 2019 at 12:38 pm

      5 stars
      This will be a sure hit at my house!!

      Reply
    6. Porsha Carr says

      March 9, 2019 at 10:22 am

      5 stars
      So many yummy colors! This looks so delicious I’d love to test it out 🙂

      Reply
    7. Stephen says

      March 9, 2019 at 4:07 am

      5 stars
      I love this !! It combines all my favorite foods together! I can’t wait to try it. Do you think it would be good over rice?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        March 10, 2019 at 9:45 am

        Yes it would be great over rice!

        Reply
    8. artchee says

      March 9, 2019 at 1:50 am

      5 stars
      The colors in this dish are very appetizing and pleasing.

      Reply
    9. Subhashish Roy says

      March 8, 2019 at 7:25 pm

      Lovely healthy recipe.I would like to make this & have it as an evening snack with my drinks.Thanks I love all your recipes.

      Reply
    10. Brianne Tursi Manz says

      March 8, 2019 at 4:31 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve seen something similar before, called Tex-Mex caviar. It didn’t have corn it it. This looks equally as good and is very simple to make.

      Reply
    11. Colleen says

      March 8, 2019 at 9:37 am

      5 stars
      I love cowboy caviar. Since we moved to the southwest, it’s become one of my favorite things to make for the family.

      Reply
    12. Stacie says

      March 8, 2019 at 9:24 am

      5 stars
      Cowboy caviar is one of my favorite dishes to serve at game day parties. It has that great “game day” feel to it, but it’s a lot healthier than most eats you see at those parties.

      Reply
    13. Theresa says

      March 8, 2019 at 7:58 am

      5 stars
      I like how nutritional this recipe is! So many healthy and tasty ingredients in one bowl? Sign me up!

      Reply
    14. Debbie says

      July 22, 2018 at 7:55 pm

      5 stars
      Recipe looks so yummy and I’m really interested in the sign up.com !

      Reply
    15. Ginette Périard says

      January 16, 2018 at 10:47 am

      Can I freeze the Cowboy Caviar? We are a retired couple and I’m the only one that eats beans 🙁

      Reply
      • Sara says

        January 16, 2018 at 3:57 pm

        This is not a good candidate for the freezer, I would just cut the recipe in 1/2 or 1/4. You can freeze any leftover beans if you choose to make a smaller portion!

        Reply
    16. Phyllis Phillips says

      November 16, 2017 at 4:32 pm

      We have made the. Cowboy Cavier several times. My husband does not like Pveggies but likes this. thanks

      Reply
    17. Lynn says

      October 1, 2017 at 2:14 pm

      5 stars
      We love this and have made it many times. I recently elevated it to a main dish salad by adding shredded chicken and bow tie pasta!

      Reply
      • Sara says

        October 1, 2017 at 8:58 pm

        So glad to hear you love it, thanks for reporting back!

        Reply
    18. Bea says

      July 28, 2017 at 9:18 am

      5 stars
      What an amazing collection of colors, textures and flavors! Can’t wait to make it!

      Reply
    19. Sam says

      July 27, 2017 at 9:16 pm

      5 stars
      I think the sign up maybe good for the Boy Scout group I lead. My wife is liking the dip!

      Reply
    20. Debbie says

      July 27, 2017 at 9:38 am

      5 stars
      Great recipe! I’m going to give sign up a go too! We

      Reply
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