Cowboy Caviar

Cowboy Caviar is a colorful blend of fresh ingredients and mild spices with a touch of lime juice. Serve with your favorite chips for a healthy 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.

What is Cowboy Caviar?

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 Cowboy Caviar

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.

Is Cowboy Caviar Gluten-Free?

Yes, absolutely! 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!

What Else Can You Add to Cowboy Caviar?

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.

Can You Make Cowboy Caviar Without Sugar?

Yes, you can!  I actually prefer mine with no sugar at all.   You can also use a tablespoon of honey instead too.

How Long Can You Keep Cowboy Caviar?

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

Pro 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.

Looking for more delicious appetizer recipes to try?

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

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 4 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Mexican

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 12

Calories: 182kcal

Author: Sherri Hagymas

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup white wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Juice of 1/2 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 tbsp sugar optional (up to 1/4 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 1/4 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!