Cowboy Caviar
If you’re looking for a fresh, colorful, and crowd-pleasing dish, Cowboy Caviar is your go-to recipe! Packed with wholesome veggies, protein-rich beans, and a zesty dressing, this vibrant salad is a must-try for any occasion.
Originally created in Texas, Cowboy Caviar—also known as Texas Caviar—was invented as a simple pickled black-eyed pea salad.
Over time, it evolved into a zesty, crunchy, and irresistible dip that everyone now calls a party essential.
The name might sound rugged, but there’s nothing tough about making or loving this dish.
It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together with bold flavors, minimal fuss, and a whole lot of color on the table.
Why You’ll Love This
1. Quick & Easy: No cooking required—just chop, toss, and serve in under 20 minutes.
2. Versatile: Enjoy it as a dip, salad, or even a taco topping.
3. Nutritious: Full of fiber, protein, and essential vitamins.
4. Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Cuisines: Tex-Mex, American
Servings: 6–8
Estimated Cost: $8–$10
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 cup sweet corn (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- 1 avocado, diced (optional, add before serving)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Drain and rinse the black beans and black-eyed peas. Dice all fresh vegetables and chop the cilantro.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Everything: Add the beans, vegetables, corn, and cilantro to a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to combine.
- Chill & Serve: Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Add avocado just before serving, if using.
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 280mg
Tips for Success
1. Drain well: Ensure your beans and corn are thoroughly drained to prevent a soggy salad.
2. Add avocado last: Mix in avocado just before serving to keep it fresh and green.
3. Customize: Add jalapeños for heat or mango for a sweet twist.
4. Let it marinate: Allow the salad to chill for 30 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Cowboy Caviar
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes quartered
- 1 cup sweet corn fresh, canned, or thawed frozen
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- ½ red onion finely chopped
- 1 avocado diced (optional, add before serving)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Drain and rinse the black beans and black-eyed peas. Dice all fresh vegetables and chop the cilantro.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Everything: Add the beans, vegetables, corn, and cilantro to a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to combine.
- Chill & Serve: Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Add avocado just before serving, if using.
Notes
2. Add avocado last: Mix in avocado just before serving to keep it fresh and green.
3. Customize: Add jalapeños for heat or mango for a sweet twist.
4. Let it marinate: Allow the salad to chill for 30 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Common Questions
Q: Can I make Cowboy Caviar ahead of time?
A: Yes! It actually tastes better when made a few hours in advance. Just wait to add the avocado until right before serving.
Q: How long does Cowboy Caviar last in the fridge?
A: Stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for up to 3–4 days.
Q: Is Cowboy Caviar gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! It’s naturally gluten-free and can be enjoyed by anyone with gluten sensitivities.
Q: What can I serve Cowboy Caviar with?
A: Serve it with tortilla chips, on tacos, with grilled meats, or even as a filling for lettuce wraps.
Hope you enjoy making and sharing this colorful, nutrient-packed Cowboy Caviar with the ones you love.
Happy cooking and good wishes from my kitchen to yours!
