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The Best Easy Cowboy Caviar Recipe

Whip up a fresh and flavorful Easy Cowboy Caviar with black beans, corn, colorful veggies, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for parties, BBQs, or a healthy snack, this no-cook dip is sure to be a hit!

Side view of colourful cowboy caviar recipe in white bowl with fresh cilantro.

I’ve got a super simple and absolutely delicious recipe to share with you today: Easy Cowboy Caviar! This colorful, fresh dip is perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, or just as a snack. 

It’s packed with fresh ingredients like veggies, beans, and a tangy dressing that will have everyone coming back for more. Served with tortilla chips, this may quickly become your new perfect summer appetizer.

If you love a great make-ahead recipe you may also like to try my 7-Layer Greek Dip or my Easy Watermelon Feta Basil Salad.

Top down view of easy cowboy caviar in white bowl with cilantro around the bowl.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS EASY COWBOY CAVIAR RECIPE

  • Fresh is Best: Use fresh veggies for the best flavor and crunch.
  • Customize: Feel free to add or swap out ingredients based on what you have. Green onions, mango, or even some feta cheese can be great additions.
  • Serve with Style: Serve your cowboy caviar with tortilla chips, on top of grilled chicken, or as a side salad. It’s super versatile!

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE COLORFUL COWBOY CAVIAR

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make this simple dip (the exact measurements, nutrient information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post):

  • Canned black beans
  • Black eyed peas
  • Can corn – can also use fresh corn if desired.
  • Bell pepper – can use red bell pepper, orange bell pepper, green bell peppers or yellow bell pepper
  • Red onion
  • Cherry tomatoes – can use fresh tomatoes of choice such as roma tomatoes.
  • Avocado
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Jalapeño
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Honey
  • Cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional – garlic powder, chili powder, fresh garlic, pinto beans, etc.

Top down view of ingredients needed for cowboy caviar on white kitchen counter.

HOW TO MAKE

  1. Dice the bell peppers, red onion, and avocado. Quarter the cherry tomatoes and finely dice the jalapeño if you’re using it. Chop the fresh cilantro.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the black beans, black-eyed peas, corn, bell peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro. Give it a good mix so everything is well distributed.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  4. Pour the dressing over the cowboy caviar and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. It tastes even better the next day!

Side view of easy cowboy caviar recipe in white bowl.

STORING THE LEFTOVER TEXAS CAVIAR

To keep your Easy Cowboy Caviar fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3-4 days. 

Before serving again, give it a good stir to redistribute the dressing and flavors. If the avocado starts to brown, you can add a fresh one to keep it looking and tasting great.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

  • Fresh is Best: Use fresh veggies for the best flavor and crunch.
  • Customize: Feel free to add or swap out ingredients based on what you have. Green onions, mango, or even some feta cheese can be great additions.
  • Serve with Style: Serve your cowboy caviar with tortilla chips, on top of grilled chicken, or as a side salad. It’s super versatile!

Close up view of homemade cowboy caviar in white bowl.

FAQS

WHAT MAKES COWBOY CAVIAR A GRESAT RECIPE FOR GATHERINGS?

Cowboy Caviar is a flavorful dip made with a mix of black beans, sweet corn, and fresh vegetables. It’s a big hit at parties, summer BBQs, and game day events.

CAN I USE OTHER TYPES OF BEANS IN THIS RECIPE?

Absolutely! While black beans are a great source of protein, you can also add or substitute other beans like kidney beans or chickpeas to the bean mixture for variety.

HOW CAN I MAKE THIS RECIPE MY OWN?

Customize the recipe based on your personal preference by adding ingredients like ripe avocado, pico de gallo, or crunchy bell peppers. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

IS THIS COWBOY CAVIAR DIP A HEALTHY OPTION?

Yes, it’s packed with fresh vegetables and beans, providing a great source of protein, fiber, and vitamins like Vitamin C.

WHAT CAN I SERVE WITH THIS GREAT SIDE DISH?

Serve it with corn chips, tortilla chips, or as a topping for grilled chicken. It’s also great with your favorite chips or as a side salad.

Other Appetizers You May Want To Try:

Yield: 12 servings

The Best Easy Cowboy Caviar Recipe

Side view of colourful cowboy caviar recipe in white bowl with fresh cilantro.

Whip up a fresh and flavorful Easy Cowboy Caviar with black beans, corn, colorful veggies, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for parties, BBQs, or a healthy snack, this no-cook dip is sure to be a hit!

Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 small red onion, chopped
  • 2 whole avocados, diced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, cut into quarters
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 can black beans, 14oz can
  • 1 can black-eyed peas, 14oz can
  • 1 can sweet corn, 14oz can
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Dice the bell pepper, red onion, and avocado. Quarter the cherry tomatoes and finely dice the jalapeño if you're using it. Chop the fresh cilantro.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the black beans, black-eyed peas, corn, bell peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro. Give it a good mix so everything is well distributed.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, maple syrup, cumin, salt, pepper and garlic powder until well combined.
  4. Pour the dressing over the cowboy caviar and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. It tastes even better the next day!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 161Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 335mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 6gSugar: 2gProtein: 4g

The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

IF YOU TRIED THIS MEXICAN CAVIAR PLEASE LEAVE IT A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS HEARTY DIP ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails

bailey

About Bailey

I love to bake, cook, exercise, and document all of the above. Nutrition is not low fat. It is not low calorie. It’s not feeling deprived or being hungry all the time. It’s nourishing your body with real, whole foods so that you are consistently satisfied and energized to live your life to the fullest! Read more…

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