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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers » Cowboy Caviar

    Cowboy Caviar

    By Sherri On April 20, 2017, Updated April 29, 2021 30 Comments

    81622 shares
    5 from 50 votes
    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
    cowboy caviar bean dip in a white bowl
    Cowboy Caviar Recipe in a big white bowl
    Cowboy Caviar Dip Recipe

    Cowboy Caviar is a colorful blend of fresh ingredients and mild spices with a touch of lime juice. Serve the healthy dip with your favorite chips for an appetizer that is ready in less than 15 minutes.

    Have you ever heard of cowboy caviar?  I was definitely late to the game being introduced to this yummy dip!  It’s an easy appetizer to make for any occasion and can also be eaten as a salad or even as a fabulous Tex-Mex topping to fish, chicken and even Rice Bowls or this easy Salsa Verde Chicken.

    Cowboy Caviar Recipe in a big white bowl

     

    I was first introduced to cowboy caviar at dinner with my mother-in-law a few years ago.  Some people refer to it as Texas Caviar or Mexican Caviar.  It’s a very popular, simple dip that is to made up of fresh ingredients – black beans, black-eyed peas, corn, tomatoes, cilantro, avocado and more!    Some versions are made with added sugar for a sweeter taste.

    How to Make this Easy Cowboy Caviar Dip

    Cowboy Caviar is one of the easiest appetizer recipes to make.  It’s perfect for larger gatherings by simply doubling the recipe.

    In a large bowl, blend the olive oil, white wine vinegar, chili powder, cumin, lime juice, and salt together.

    Add the tomatoes, black-eyed peas, beans, corn, red onion, bell peppers, and cilantro.

    Cover and chill for at least an hour for flavors to blend.

    closeup of Cowboy Caviar recipe with corn black beans, tomatoes and cilantro in a white bowl

    Since it is made with beans and vegetables, Cowboy Caviar is gluten-free.  Be sure to choose a gluten-free chip, like tortillas chips to dip with.  It is also vegan!

    Variations

    You can always change up the extra ingredients in Cowboy Caviar if you prefer.  

    Try adding minced garlic, green bell peppers instead of red, feta cheese and/or black olives too.

    You can also substitute green onions for the red onions.  If you would like to make it without cilantro, feel free to do that as well if you prefer.

    Tips

    Mix up the Cowboy Caviar ahead of time (at least 3-4 hours) to allow the flavors to blend well together. 

    Serve with your favorite chips and be ready to hand out the recipe when you make it for a crowd.

    You can store Cowboy Caviar in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days.

    Don’t forget to check out our Cowboy Caviar web story!

    closeup of Cowboy Caviar recipe with corn black beans, tomatoes and cilantro in a white bowl

    More delicious appetizer recipes to try:

    • Cucumber Avocado Salsa
    • White Bean Dip
    • Ranch Cottage Cheese Dip
    • Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
    • Avocado Hummus

    If you like this recipe, please leave us a comment and rate the recipe card. You can also find us on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram!

    cowboy caviar bean dip in a white bowl

    Cowboy Caviar

    Cowboy Caviar is a colorful blend of fresh ingredients, beans, and mild spices with a touch of lime juice. Serve with your favorite chips for a fabulous, healthy appetizer.
    5 from 50 votes
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 182kcal
    Author: Sherri Hagymas

    Ingredients

    • ⅓ cup olive oil
    • ⅓ cup white wine vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • Juice of ½ a lime
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 pound Roma tomatoes seeded and diced
    • 15 ounces 15 ounce can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
    • 15 ounces 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
    • 11 ounces 11 ounce can super sweet corn, drained
    • 1 red onion diced
    • 1 cup red bell pepper diced
    • 1 cup fresh cilantro chopped
    • 1 tablespoon sugar optional (up to ¼ cup if preferred)

    Instructions

    • In a large bowl, blend the olive oil, white wine vinegar, chili powder, cumin, lime juice and salt together.
    • Add the tomatoes, black-eyed peas, beans, corn, red onion, bell peppers and cilantro.
    • Cover and chill for at least 1 hour for flavors to blend.
    • Serve with your favorite chips, as a side dish or as a topping for fish or chicken
    • ENJOY!!

    Notes

    If possible, make it 3-4 hours before serving to let the flavors blend together even more.
    Substitute fresh corn off the cob, or frozen corn instead of the canned corn.
    Substitute green onions for red onion if you prefer.
    Use red wine vinegar or apple cidar vinegar is that’s what you have on hand.
    Add up to ¼ cup of sugar if you prefer a sweeter variety. I wouls start with one Tablespoon and test your preference.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 182kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 202mg | Potassium: 423mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 915IU | Vitamin C: 23.7mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 2.2mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @ToSimplyInspire or tag #ToSimplyInspire!
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    Filed Under: Appetizers, Healthy Recipes, Popular Recipes, Recipes, Salads

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. G D Clark

      April 19, 2022 at 11:38 pm

      Can I had and water bath can this like I do my Cowboy Candy recipe for long term shelf storage???

      Reply
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    Sherri Hagymas leaning on a counter with a white coffee mug

    Hi there! I’m Sherri I love creating a variety of easy recipes that anyone can make and enjoy! From healthy to comforting, I hope you find something that inspires you!.

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