Best Cowboy Caviar

Name: Best Cowboy Caviar Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 10 oz. pkg. cherry tomatoes, (halved, quartered if large); 1/2 cup diced red onion; 1 15 oz. can black eyed peas, (rinsed and drained); 1 15 oz. can black beans, (rinsed and drained); 1½ cups fresh corn kernels from 2 to 3 cobs (or 1 15 oz. can sweet corn, rinsed and drained); 1 orange bell pepper, (diced); 1 red bell pepper, (diced); 1 jalapeno, (seeded, deveined, finely diced); 1/3 cup packed cilantro, minced ((measure before chopping)); 2 ripe avocados, (diced); 1/3 cup olive oil; 3 tablespoons lime juice; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 1/2-1 teaspoon honey or sugar; 1 tsp EACH chili powder, salt; 1/2 tsp EACH ground cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; pinch-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; Tortilla chips

This Cowboy Caviar recipe (Texas Caviar) will have everyone swarming over the bowl OR serve it as a protein topper to make EVERYTHING better! It can be thrown together in 20 minutes, is endlessly adaptable, and make-ahead friendly (tastes even better the next day), for a stress-free potluck, party, and/or picnic win. This Texas Caviar recipe is elevated by homemade tangy, zesty dressing infused with a bevy of seasonings that will have everyone declaring it the “best Texas Caviar they ever tasted!”

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up close serving cowboy caviar recipe (Texas Caviar) with black beans, black eyed peas, bell peppers, corn, red onions, and avocados

Watch How to Make Texas Caviar

This is the Best Cowboy Caviar Recipe

A party favorite: This Texas Caviar recipe is a colorful, zesty, tangy mix of black-eyed peas, black beans, tomatoes, corn and bell peppers for satisfying TEXTURE-flavor heaven you can’t get enough of!

Light and fresh dressing: Instead of a sad recipe swimming in store-bought, oily Italian salad dressing, this dressing is light, fresh and vibrant, infused with chili powder, garlic, lime, cumin and cayenne pepper.

Enjoy multiple ways: Enjoy this easy Cowboy Caviar as a dip with tortilla chips, as a side salad, or pile it on grilled proteins, quesadillas, tacos, lettuce wraps, baked potatoes, etc. to enliven every dish!

Easy: If you can chop and whisk, you can make this Texas Caviar in less than 20 minutes!

Make ahead friendly: No last-minute stress with this recipe! Make it up to a day ahead of time, then just pull it out of the fridge to serve.

Feeds a Crowd: This refreshing recipe makes enough to serve 10 people! But don’t worry if there are leftovers – you’ll crave every last bite.

What is Cowboy Caviar?

Cowboy Caviar, also known as Texas Caviar, is a vibrant Tex-Mex dip or salad, known for its variety of flavors and textures, and quintessential ingredient of black-eyed peas. Other common ingredients include black beans, corn, bell peppers (usually red, green, or yellow), tomatoes, onions, avocado, jalapeños, and cilantro.

Texas Caviar is typically dressed with a tangy vinaigrette made from a combination of oil, vinegar (often red or apple cider vinegar), lime juice, garlic, and various spices such as chili powder, cumin, and salt that marries the rainbow of textures together.

Cowboy Caviar is particularly popular in Texas, but is a favorite at at parties, potlucks, and barbecues across the country, and soon you’ll taste why!

top view ingredients in recipe for cowboy caviar (Texas Caviar recipe) including black eyed peas, black beans, tomatoes, bell peppers, corn and cilantro

Cowboy Caviar Dip Ingredients

This Texas Caviar recipe combines the juicy freshness of tomatoes, sweet crispness of corn and bell peppers, hearty creaminess of beans and avocados, zesty citrus notes from cilantro, and heat from the jalapeno with tangy, fresh, chili, garlic, lime infused dressing, for a dish you will be dreaming about! Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need (full measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post):

FOR THE Salad/Dip

Black Eyed Peas: These are the signature ingredient in Texas Cavier! Black eyed peas can be found next to the other beans in the grocery store. One 15 ounce can works perfectly well, or cook your own and use 1 2/3 cups.
Black beans: One can black beans rinsed and drained provides additional creaminess and earthiness, as well as vitamins and minerals.
Corn: Use one 15-ounce can sweet corn, rinsed and drained, or 1 ½ cups fresh corn off of the cob, about 2-3 ears of corn. I highly recommend grilling the corn or charring the canned corn, but it’s not essential.
Bell peppers: Use two red, orange or yellow bell peppers for their sweetness, I like to mix and match two different colors.
Tomatoes: Please use grape or cherry tomatoes over Roma tomatoes because they boast superior texture and are less watery. Half the tomatoes if small or quarter if larger.
Red onion: This is essential for sharp, aromatic flavor to cut through rich creaminess and stand up to the dressing.
Avocados: Chopped avocados add satisfying creaminess to complement the crunchy textures. Choose avocados that give just a little when squeezed, and are not overly ripe, otherwise, they will turn to mush when tossed.
Jalapeno: This adds very subtle heat, so don’t be afraid of it! Finely dice the jalapeno and take care to remove the seeds and white veining which are the hottest part of the chili pepper.
Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a vibrant, zesty, citrus pop. Measure the cilantro before chopping.

What Are Black Eyed Peas in Texas Caviar?

What are they? Black-eyed peas, also known as cowpeas, are small, oval-shaped beans with a distinctive black spot or “eye” on their light-colored skin. They are widely consumed in various cuisines around the world and are particularly popular in Southern and African-American cooking.

What do they taste like? When cooked, these “peas” have a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a creamy texture.

Are they nutritious? They are rich in nutrients such as fiber, protein, folate, iron, and potassium, making them a healthy addition to a balanced diet.

How are they used? In culinary preparations, black-eyed peas can be used in a variety of dishes. They are commonly cooked and served as a side dish, added to soups, stews, and salads, or incorporated into traditional recipes like Hoppin’ John. They are frequently used in vegetarian and vegan cooking as a meat substitute due to their high protein content.

What is their culture significance? In many cultures, black eyed peas are considered symbols of good luck and are often consumed on New Year’s Day to bring prosperity and blessings for the year ahead. So, consider this recipe for Cowboy Caviar your “good luck” potluck side!

showing the ingredients for ultimate cowboy caviar recipe (Texas Caviar recipe) in a bowl with black eyed peas, black beans, avocados, tomatoes, corn, red onion and cilantro

Texas Cowboy Caviar Dressing Ingredients

This recipe for Cowboy Caviar isn’t complete without the bright, tangy, zippy, sassy dressing. The dressing requires less than 5 minutes to prep and can be made days ahead of time. You will need:

Olive oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
Lime juice: Fresh lime juice is best, but you may use bottled.
Red wine vinegar: This enhances the lime juice with tanginess without the sourness.
Honey: Use ½-1 teaspoon to taste. The actual amount will depend on personal taste.
Seasonings: The medley of chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper are what set this Cowboy Caviar recipe apart.

cowboy caviar dip (Texas Caviar) being served in a white bowl with tortilla chips

How to Make Cowboy Caviar

This Easy Cowboy Caviar comes together in less than 20 minutes! Let’s take a closer look at how to make it (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

Step 1: Combine Texas Caviar ingredients. In a large bowl, stir together all of the “Caviar” ingredients except for the avocados.

showing how to make easy cowboy caviar (Texas Caviar), by stirring black eyed peas, beans, tomatoes, corn, bell peppers, red onion and cilantro together in a bowl

Step 2: Make dressing. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients together.

showing how to make cowboy caviar (Texas Caviar) recipe easy by adding olive oil, lime juice, vinegar, chili powder, cumin and salt to a bowl to make the dressing

Step 3: Add dressing. Pour the dressing over the Caviar and stir to combine.

showing how to make cowboy caviar recipe (Texas Caviar recipe) by pouring the tangy dressing over the dip

Step 4: Chill. Time permitting, refrigerate for 1 hour or until ready to serve.
Step 5: Add avocado. Fold in the avocado.

showing how to make Texas Caviar (Cowboy Caviar) by adding avocados to the recipe

Step 6: Season to taste. Add salt, cayenne pepper and/or lime if desired.

Texas Caviar being served in a bowl with a spoon garnished by cilantro

how to char corn for texas cavier

For the BEST Cowboy Caviar, grill or char the corn in a skillet. This simple step adds a complex, smoky depth of flavor that can’t be achieved any other way. Here’s how:

TO GRILL CORN ON THE COB:
Shuck the corn and remove all the silk. Lightly brush the corn all over with olive oil. Oil your grill with vegetable oil and preheat to high heat. Grill corn over direct heat for 10-12 minutes, turning until lightly charred on all sides, closing the lid in between rotations.

TO CHAR CORN IN A SKILLET:
This works great for canned corn too! Heat one tablespoon olive oil in large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until it starts to char, approximately 5 minutes.

Texas Cowboy Caviar Meal Prep

There are three options for meal prepping Texas Caviar:

1.   Fully assembled: Make the complete recipe (including the avocados) and store in the refrigerator for up to 6 hours.
2.   Without avocados: Make the Cowboy Caviar through tossing with the dressing, but hold the avocados. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Stir, then drain off excess liquid before adding the avocados and serving.
3.   Prep ingredients: The dressing and ingredients can be prepped, and stored in the refrigerator until ready to assemble for up to 2 days by layering in this order:

– Black beans
– Black eyed peas
– Corn
– Bell peppers
– Jalapeno
– Red onion
– Tomatoes
– Cilantro

Hold the avocado and add 1 hour prior to serving.

Cowboy Caviar Dip Variations

Easy Cowboy Caviar recipe is delicious as written or swap in your favorite ingredients. Here are a few ideas:

Beans: Any variety of beans can be substituted such as cannellini beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, etc.
Tomatoes: Use 2 cups seeded and chopped Roma tomatoes instead of cherry.
Onion: Chopped green onions may be used, keeping in mind they aren’t as zippy as red onions.
Jalapeno: Use part of a chopped chipotle pepper or omit the jalapeno and add additional cayenne pepper to the dressing to taste.
Sweetener: Honey, sugar, or any sweetener can be used.
Add grains: Stir in cooked brown rice or quinoa.
Add pasta: Stir in cooked orzo or couscous.
Add veggies: Add your favorites such as jicama, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, cucumbers, shaved asparagus, etc.
Add cheese: Crumbled cotija cheese or feta for creamy saltiness. Take care to add less salt to the recipe if using.

Ultimate cowboy caviar recipe Tips

In addition to charring the corn, here are a few simple ways to elevate your recipe for Cowboy Caviar:

Drain ingredients well. Rinse and drain the corn and beans very well, otherwise the extra liquid will dilute the dressing.
Chop the ingredients small. Chop the bell peppers the size of corn kernels and finely dice the onion. Quarter the cherry tomatoes if larger. Now, you’re rewarded with perfect balance in every bite!
Tame the red onion: If you’re not a fan of raw red onions, submerge them in a bowl of ice water for 10 minutes to tame the zing. Dry very well before adding to the Texas Caviar.
Don’t use overripe avocados: To tell if an avocado is ripe, squeeze it gently. A ripe avocado should yield slightly to pressure but not feel overly soft, otherwise they will fall apart in the salad.
To stall avocado ripening: If your avocados ripen before you are ready to use them, they can be stored in the refrigerator which will dramatically slow down the ripening process. For more detailed information on how to select avocados, see my guacamole recipe.
Chill Texas Caviar. I recommended making the recipe at least 60 minutes before serving to give the flavors time to marry.
Adjust to taste after chilling. Chilling the recipe will heighten some flavors and subdue others. Therefore, adjust the seasoning to taste after chilling by adding salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, sugar or lime juice.

How to serve this Recipe for Cowboy Caviar

This Texas Caviar recipe is a versatile dish commonly served as a dip with tortilla chips or as a side salad accompanying grilled meats, tacos, or even as a filling for burritos. Here are a few creative uses:

Make it a meal: Add rotisserie chicken, Mexican chicken, carne asada steak, beef barbacoa, ground turkey, ground beef, etc.
Chicken: Serve it over chipotle chicken, chili lime chicken, cilantro lime chicken or salsa verde chicken.
Grilled Proteins: It also pairs beautifully as a side or topping for grilled steak, pork, shrimp and fish.
Mexican dishes: Spoon it up with tortilla chips or pile it on (or in!) your favorite enchiladas, tacos, burritos, fajitas, quesadillas, nachos, Southwest Salads, or burrito bowls.
Eggs: Serve it in or as a side to scrambled eggs, omelets, breakfast tacos, breakfast burritos, breakfast taquitos, breakfast enchiladas etc.
Grains: Add quinoa, couscous, or rice to make it a quinoa/rice salad along with additional olive oil and seasonings.
Salad: Add leafy greens or kale to make it a salad.
Wraps: Spoon it into Bibb lettuce to make lettuce wraps or mix in some grains/and or protein and wrap it in a tortilla along with some Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Everything else: This easy recipe for Cowboy Caviar simply makes everything better! Pile it in baked potatoes, pizza, burgers, etc.

up close of serving cowboy caviar easy with a spoon

How to store this recipe for Cowboy Caviar

Store the recipe for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 5 days, but the avocados will start to turn brown.

Ultimate Cowboy Caviar Recipe FAQs

Who invented Cowboy Caviar?

The exact origin of Cowboy Caviar is unclear, but according to one account, Helen Corbitt, the culinary director at Neiman Marcus in Dallas, Texas, is credited with inventing the dish in the 1940s or 1950s.

The story goes that she created the recipe as a flavorful and visually appealing alternative to traditional caviar, which was expensive and not readily available. The combination of beans, corn, peppers, and other ingredients was meant to resemble the appearance of caviar, hence the name. It is said that Helen Corbitt’s version of Texas Caviar gained popularity and became a signature dish at Neiman Marcus, solidifying her reputation as a culinary innovator.

Since then, Cowboy Caviar has been a pride and joy of many Texans, a staple at potlucks, and even fried at the State Fair of Texas.

What is another name for cowboy caviar?

Cowboy caviar is known by several other names, depending on the region and the variations of the recipe:

1. Texas Caviar: This name reflects the dish’s origins or popularity in the state.
2. Southwestern caviar: Given its close ties to Southwestern cuisine and flavors, Cowboy Caviar is sometimes called Southwestern Caviar.
3. Bean Salad: Since Cowboy Caviar primarily consists of beans and vegetables, it can be simply referred to as a bean salad.
4. Mississippi Caviar: In some areas, especially in Mississippi and neighboring states, Cowboy Caviar is known as Mississippi caviar. The recipe may have slight variations but follows a similar concept.
5. Corn and Bean Salsa: This name emphasizes the salsa-like consistency of Cowboy Caviar and the presence of corn and beans in the dish.

Is cowboy caviar just pico de gallo?

No, Cowboy Caviar is not the same as pico de gallo, they are distinct dishes with their own unique characteristics and uses.

Pico de gallo is a fresh salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. It is typically served as a condiment or topping for Mexican dishes. Pico de gallo has a bright and vibrant flavor, with the focus on the fresh ingredients.

Cowboy Caviar, on the other hand, is more of a bean and vegetable salad or dip. While it may contain some similar ingredients to pico de gallo, such as tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice, Texas Cavier also includes additional components like beans (black beans and black-eyed peas), corn, bell peppers, avocados and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. The combination of these ingredients gives this dish a heartier, tangier and more complex flavor profile compared to the simplicity of pico de gallo.

showing how to serve Cowboy Caviar Dip by scooping it up with tortilla chips

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Tools Used in This Recipe

Vegetable Chopper

Garlic Powder

Citrus Press Juicer

See Favorite Tools

Best Cowboy Caviar Recipe

Servings: servings

Total Time: 20

Prep Time: 20

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Ingredients

CAVIAR

1 10 oz. pkg. cherry tomatoes, halved, quartered if large
1/2 cup diced red onion
1 15 oz. can black eyed peas, rinsed and drained
1 15 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
1½ cups fresh corn kernels from 2 to 3 cobs or 1 15 oz. can sweet corn, rinsed and drained
1 orange bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 jalapeno, seeded, deveined, finely diced
1/3 cup packed cilantro, minced (measure before chopping)

ADD LAST

2 ripe avocados, diced

DRESSING

1/3 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/2-1 teaspoon honey or sugar
1 tsp EACH chili powder, salt
1/2 tsp EACH ground cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon pepper
pinch-¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

FOR SERVING

Tortilla chips

Instructions

In a large bowl, stir together all of the “Caviar” ingredients (don’t add avocados).
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients together.
Pour the dressing over the Caviar and stir to combine.
Time permitting, refrigerate for 1 hour or until ready to serve.
Fold in the avocado.
Season to taste with salt, cayenne pepper and/or lime juice. Serve as a side salad, or protein topper, or incredible with tortilla chips!

Video

Notes

Storage

Store the recipe for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 5 days, but the avocados will start to turn brown and the vegetables soften a bit.

Prep Ahead Options

1.   Fully assembled: Make the complete recipe (with or without avocados) and store in the refrigerator for up to 6 hours. Drain off excess liquid before serving.
2.   Without avocados: Make the Cowboy Caviar through tossing with the dressing, but hold the avocados. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Stir, then drain off excess liquid before adding the avocados and serving.
3.   Prep ingredients: The dressing and ingredients can be prepped, and stored in the refrigerator until ready to assemble for up to 2 days by layering in this order: