This cowboy caviar recipe is vibrant, colorful, and delicious! Black beans, kidney beans, and a blend of yellow and white corn create a hearty base.
Halved cherry tomatoes add a burst of juicy sweetness, while red onion provides a bold counterpoint. Diced bell pepper and a touch of jalapeño bring crisp freshness with a hint of heat.
To tie it all together, creamy avocado is added just before serving, and the dressing provides a flavorful balance of sweetness thanks to Splenda US Grown Stevia. Try this recipe today!
Table of Contents
How to Serve Texas Caviar?
Serve your cowboy caviar as a bean salad or as a dip with sturdy tortilla chips. This recipe happens to be vegan and gluten free, so it will please everyone at a party. It’s also a great healthy snack to keep in the fridge and it keeps well for several days.
Cowboy caviar is lovely for lunch with a sandwich or quesadilla, or even for breakfast with scrambled or fried eggs and a warm tortilla.
More Serving Ideas
- Serve it on lettuce to turn this dip into a green salad.
- Add a squeeze of lime, some crumbled feta, and a sprinkle of crushed corn chips or toasted pepitas (green pumpkin seeds).
How to Make Cowboy Caviar Recipe?
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Black beans (canned) | 1 (15 oz) can |
| Black-eyed peas (canned) | 1 (15 oz) can |
| Bell pepper (any color) | 1 |
| Roma tomatoes | 2 |
| Jalapeño | 1 |
| Red onion | 1/4 |
| Fresh cilantro | 1/4 bunch |
Dressing
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Fresh lime (juice) | 2 tbsp (from 1 lime) |
| Balsamic vinegar | 1/2 tbsp |
| Chili powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Ground cumin | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Sugar | 1/2 tsp |
Instructions:
- Rinse and drain both cans of beans in a colander. Let the excess water drain while you prepare the vegetables.
- Finely dice the bell pepper, tomatoes, jalapeño, and red onion. Try to cut the vegetables into pieces that are roughly the same size as the beans.
- For a less spicy salad, scrape the seeds off the jalapeño before dicing it.
- Roughly chop the cilantro. Place the drained beans, bell pepper, tomatoes, jalapeño, onion, and cilantro in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, balsamic vinegar, chili powder, cumin, salt, and sugar.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well-coated.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.
Video Guide ❤️
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Don’t forget the chips! I also like to turn this dip into a green salad by serving it on lettuce with a squeeze of lime, some crumbled feta, and a sprinkle of crushed corn chips or toasted pepitas.
Storage Suggestions
This dip keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days.
Nutritional Information
20 servings
Nutrition Facts Table (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 70 | — |
| Total Fat | 1.5g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Trans Fats | 0g | — |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 70mg | 3% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 12g | 4% |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g | 11% |
| Total Sugars | 2g | — |
| Added Sugars | 0g | 0% |
| Protein | 3g | — |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cowboy caviar ahead of time?
Yes. You can prep it ahead and refrigerate it. For the best texture, add the avocado just before serving so it stays fresh and creamy.
How do I make it less spicy?
For a milder dip, remove the jalapeño seeds before dicing. You can also use less jalapeño or skip it entirely.
How long does cowboy caviar last in the fridge?
Stored covered in the refrigerator, it keeps well for up to 4 days.
Is this recipe vegan and gluten free?
Yes, as written it’s both vegan and gluten free—great for sharing at parties.
What can I serve it with besides chips?
Try it with a sandwich or quesadilla for lunch, or alongside scrambled/fried eggs and a warm tortilla for breakfast. You can also serve it on lettuce as a salad with lime, feta, and pepitas.
Conclusion
Cowboy caviar is an easy, fresh, and crowd-pleasing dish you can serve as a dip or a hearty bean salad. With crisp veggies, a bright lime dressing, and that creamy avocado added at the end, it’s a simple recipe that tastes like something special—perfect for meal prep, parties, or a quick snack from the fridge.
