Name: Cowboy Caviar Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 3 Roma tomatoes (seeds removed, diced); 2 avocados (diced); ⅓ cup diced red onion; 1 bell pepper (diced, any color); 1 jalapeño (seeds removed, finely diced); ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro; 15 ounces canned black beans (1 can, rinsed and drained); 15 ounces canned black eyed peas (1 can, rinsed and drained); 1 ½ cups frozen corn kernels (thawed); ⅓ cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; Tortilla chips (for serving)

Jump to Recipe

Colorful, crunchy, and packed with the zestiest Tex-Mex flavors, Cowboy Caviar is the kind of crowd-pleasing dish that makes every table feel like a party. It’s hearty enough to stand alone as a salad or dip, wildly customizable, and every bite bursts with tangy, fresh, and savory sensations. Scoop it up with tortilla chips or pile it into tacos—no matter how you serve it, Cowboy Caviar is about bringing people together with bold flavor and bright, cheerful ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cowboy Caviar is in its simple, vibrant lineup—each ingredient adds something special, delivering crunch, creaminess, and a rainbow of colors. Have a look at how each element shines in the mix!

Roma tomatoes: Diced and de-seeded, these give a juicy pop of sweetness and keep things from getting soggy.
Avocados: Their creamy texture mellows out the tang and adds a luxe feel to every bite.
Red onion: For a sharp, crisp bite and a gorgeous pop of color.
Canned black beans: Hearty, earthy, and protein-packed; don’t forget to rinse them!
Canned black eyed peas: These add a traditional Southern touch and their nutty flavor balances the dish.
Frozen corn kernels (thawed): Sweet, tender kernels bring sunshine to the bowl!
Bell pepper (any color): Crunchy and colorful; use whatever looks brightest and freshest.
Jalapeño (seeds removed, finely diced): For a gentle kick without overpowering heat.
Fresh cilantro: Brings a burst of herby brightness and ties all the flavors together.
Tortilla chips: The perfect crunchy scoopers—choose your favorite style!
Olive oil: Smooths out the dressing and helps all those flavors cling to the veggies.
Fresh lime juice: Gives an essential citrusy zing and keeps the avocados from browning.
Red wine vinegar: Balances the flavors with tang and zip.
Granulated sugar: Just a touch, to mellow the acidity and round things out.
Salt: Elevates every single ingredient, making the whole bowl pop.
Black pepper: Adds a soft heat and savory depth to the blend.
Garlic powder: For a subtle, savory backbone that ties the dressing together.

How to Make Cowboy Caviar

Step 1: Chop and Combine the Veggies

Start by prepping all your veggies and beans. Dice the Roma tomatoes (don’t forget to scoop out the seeds so things don’t get watery!), cube the avocados, finely chop the red onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño, and roughly chop the cilantro. Add these, along with the black beans, black eyed peas, and thawed corn, into a large mixing bowl. Use a big spoon to toss everything gently together—you want every scoop of Cowboy Caviar to be loaded with flavor!

Step 2: Whisk the Zesty Dressing

In a separate bowl or a large measuring cup, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, red wine vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. You’re looking for a well-blended, slightly tangy dressing that will coat all those wonderful ingredients without weighing them down.

Step 3: Dress and Toss Well

Pour the dressing evenly over your big bowl of veggies and beans. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss everything together, making sure the dressing coats every last bite. This is where it all comes together—the avocado starts to mingle with the lime and olive oil, and every bean and kernel of corn gets kissed with flavor.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

Pop your Cowboy Caviar in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving if you can. This little rest time allows all the flavors to meld and really intensify. If you’re serving later, be sure to give everything a fresh toss before guests scoop in, just in case the dressing has settled.

How to Serve Cowboy Caviar

Garnishes

Take your Cowboy Caviar to the next level with a sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro, a few thin slices of fresh jalapeño for those who like it spicy, or even a squeeze of fresh lime right before serving. A touch of crumbled cotija or feta cheese adds a salty burst if you want to play with tradition.

Side Dishes

While Cowboy Caviar is an undeniable star on its own, it pairs beautifully alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a cool, fresh counterpoint. It’s also a natural fit with tacos, quesadillas, or burritos. And if you’re setting out a party spread, it happily shares the table with guacamole, salsa, and all the fixings for a fun Tex-Mex night.

Creative Ways to Present

There are endless ways to show off Cowboy Caviar. Try piling it into lettuce cups for a crisp handheld treat, spooning it over nachos as a colorful topper, or mixing it into a grain bowl for something fresh and filling. You can even serve it in individual cups for a passable, party-friendly starter that’s as cute as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Cowboy Caviar to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually get better as they mingle, but keep in mind the avocado will soften and may lose its bright green color over time—just give everything a gentle toss before enjoying again.

Freezing

Due to the fresh avocado and tomatoes, freezing Cowboy Caviar is not recommended; the texture will suffer and lose its lovely crunch. For best results, enjoy it fresh or make it only a day or two in advance.

Reheating

Cowboy Caviar is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you want to perk up the leftovers, just let the mixture come to room temp and maybe squeeze over a little extra lime juice and give it a fresh toss.

FAQs

Can I make Cowboy Caviar ahead of time?

Absolutely! It’s one of the best things about this recipe. Make it up to a day in advance; just be sure to give it a good stir before serving, and consider adding the avocado just before you serve to keep it fresh and green.

What can I use instead of black eyed peas?

If black eyed peas aren’t on hand, you can substitute with another mild bean like pinto or cannellini. Just make sure to rinse them before adding, and you’ll still get that satisfying, hearty texture.

Is Cowboy Caviar vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, Cowboy Caviar is naturally vegan and gluten-free when served with gluten-free tortilla chips. It’s a fantastic option for making sure everyone at your gathering can dig in happily.

How spicy is Cowboy Caviar?

The jalapeño in the recipe adds a gentle kick, but it’s very easy to adjust. Leave out the seeds for a milder flavor, or skip the jalapeño altogether for a completely sweet and mild salad. You can also add more for extra heat!

Can I customize Cowboy Caviar with other veggies?

Of course! That’s the beauty of Cowboy Caviar—add diced cucumber, chopped green onions, or even toss in some diced mango or pineapple for a fruity twist. Make it your own and use whatever fresh ingredients you love.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Cowboy Caviar at home, now’s the time to dive in—it’s quick, colorful, and the flavor payoff is huge. Whether you’re feeding a crew or just snacking solo, this dish always earns rave reviews. Give it a go and watch it disappear in a flash!

Cowboy Caviar Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 17 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Cowboy Caviar is a colorful and flavorful salsa-style dip that’s perfect for parties or as a refreshing snack. This recipe combines fresh vegetables, beans, and a zesty dressing for a tasty dish.

Instructions

Combine Vegetables: In a large bowl, mix tomatoes, avocado, onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, and cilantro.
Prepare Beans and Corn: Add black beans, black eyed peas, and corn to the bowl.
Make Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Combine All: Pour the dressing over the vegetable and bean mixture. Stir well to combine.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cowboy caviar. Stir before serving and enjoy with tortilla chips.

Notes

This cowboy caviar tastes even better when allowed to marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less jalapeño according to your preference.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Tex-Mex