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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers

    Cowboy Caviar

    Published: Apr 20, 2017 · Modified: Feb 5, 2023 by Sherri · This post may contain affiliate links · 75 Comments

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    Cowboy Caviar Recipe in a big white bowl
    Cowboy Caviar Dip Recipe

    This easy Cowboy Caviar dip is a colorful blend of fresh ingredients and mild spices with a touch of lime juice. It’s a wonderful appetizer to serve with your favorite tortilla chips and quick to make in less than 15 minutes.

    Love easy Mexican dip recipes? This Rotel Dip and this Layered Taco Dip are both absolute favorites too!

    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. Add a little diced jalapeno peppers for a spicy version.

    It 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.

    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.

    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.

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

    If you like this recipe, please leave us a comment and rate it in the recipe card. We would love for you to join us and over 300,000 followers on Facebook as well as on Pinterest and Instagram too!

    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 250 votes
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    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes 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

    Nutritional Disclosure

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

    Tried this recipe?We love seeing your pictures! Mention @ToSimplyInspire or tag #ToSimplyInspire!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lisa

      May 03, 2025 at 3:43 pm

      5 stars
      So Yummy and makes a lot!!

      Reply
    2. Sharry Austin

      May 02, 2025 at 1:50 am

      Looks great I will try try this

      Reply
      • Sherri

        May 02, 2025 at 8:02 am

        Wonderful! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Robin

      April 09, 2025 at 1:42 pm

      5 stars
      best and easiest party please app ever

      Reply
      • Sherri

        April 11, 2025 at 1:58 pm

        I completely agree!!

        Reply
        • Cee

          May 01, 2025 at 4:05 pm

          It’s not Mexican. Punto.

    « Older Comments
    5 from 250 votes (219 ratings without comment)

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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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