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  • ร—
    Home ยป Recipes ยป Appetizers ยป Colorful Cowboy Caviar recipe

    LAST UPDATED: June 21, 2020 โ€ข FIRST PUBLISHED: June 24, 2019 By Toni Dash 37 Comments

    Colorful Cowboy Caviar recipe

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Cowboy Caviar title image

    Cowboy Caviar is a chunky, flavor-packed recipe perfect as a scoopable appetizer or side salad. Tangy, spicy and full of colorful wholesome ingredients you’ll love.

    Cowboy Caviar title image
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    bowls of Cowboy Caviar with tortilla chips (title image)

    I first fell in love with Cowboy Caviar at a holiday weekend potluck and it’s been a favorite recipe ever since.

    The bright, colorful ingredients in this chunky dip will hook you immediately.

    Fresh spicy flavors, in a light tangy dressing make it hard to stop scooping onto salty tortilla chips.

    It’s fast to make and perfect for parties and gatherings.

    It’s a relaxed recipe that’s completely flexible to be changed up with your favorite ingredients.

    What is Cowboy Caviar?

    Is it a scoopable dip or a side dish? 

    It’s a chunky recipe of beans, corn, onion, chile peppers and more in a tangy-zesty dressing.

    Easy to make and perfect for any casual meal.

    Great either as a side salad OR as an appetizer dip.

    It was invented by Helen Corbitt, the Director of Food Services at Neiman-Marcus in Texas in the early 1900’s.

    You’ll also hear it called ‘Texas Caviar’. 

    Cowboy Caviar is a naturally gluten-free recipe.

    cowboy caviar in bowl with spoon

    Recipe Ingredients

    The beauty of this dish, besides it’s great spicy flavor, is the flexibility of the ingredients.

    My version was originally intended for using up garden produce and can be adapted for your favorite ingredients.

    There is NO caviar in Cowboy Caviar!

    • Black Beans
    • Black Eyed Peas
    • Sweet Corn (fresh, canned or frozen/thawed)
    • Tomatoes
    • Bell Pepper
    • Red Onion
    • Cilantro
    • Jalapeno Pepper

    The dressing is a tangy, spicy vinaigrette that gives life to the chunky cowboy dip ingredients.

    The amount of dressing is light to keep focus on the tasty main ingredients.

    colorful cowboy caviar ingredients

    Dressing

    • Apple Cider Vinegar
    • Olive Oil
    • fresh Lime Juice
    • Chili Powder or Cayenne Pepper if wanting a spicy batch
    • Sugar
    • Salt and Pepper

    How to Make Cowboy Caviar – Step by Step

    This is an easy recipe and can be whipped up in minutes.

    It can be served immediately. The best results are after chilling it for one hour!

    The flavors blend together for a delicious result.

    STEP 1:  Add the dressing ingredients to a small bowl and whisk to fully combine and dissolve the sugar (photo 1).

    STEP 2: Combine the non-dressing ingredients in a large bowl and mix well (photos 2).

    cowboy caviar recipe steps collage

    STEP 3: Pour the dressing on the cowboy caviar and mix well (photos 3-4). 

    How to Serve it

    As an Appetizer. Serve with salty tortilla chips for dipping.

    As a Side Dish. Great with roasted chicken or grilled meats.

    As a Relish. Serve it on grilled fish, as a topping on tostadas and more.

    cowboy caviar in bowl with tortilla chip

    How to Change it Up

    This is a very flexible recipe. Here are some ways to change it up:

    Use Homemade Beans. Cook dried beans in your favorite way to use in this recipe.

    Use all Black Beans. Replace the black eyed peas with black beans too for a southwestern feel.

    Add some Chopped Avocado. For a creamy addition avocado tames the heat and adds wonderful texture and color.

    Substitute Sriracha for the Chili Powder. Still keeps it spicy but with a different flavor.

    Make is Spicier. Swap the jalapeno pepper for a Serrano pepper which is ‘hotter’ in spice. TIP: the seeds are the spiciest part of the pepper. Be sure to remove them before dicing.

    Add some Tangy Spice. For some tang add in chopped pepperocinis.

    Add something pickled. I love pickled jalapenos and pickled red onions added to this dip.

    Change the Vinegar. Try a red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar.

    Grill the Corn. Grilled corn caramelizes the sugars for a smoky, sweet flavor. Grill the ears of corn and remove the kernels from the cob.

    Use prepared Italian Salad Dressing. This shortcut will save time and add a different flavor with Italian Dressing. The recipe uses approximately ½ cup of dressing. Start with a ¼ cup, stir in, taste and add more if needed/preferred.

    Can it be Made Ahead of Time?

    Yes, it can!

    It has the best texture the day it’s made. However the flavor blend and improve over time.

    Making it the day before serving still retains the great texture and allows the flavors to build too.

    How to Store it

    Place in a sealed container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

    More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

    • Grilled Kabob Recipes: 20 Must Make Recipes for Summer
    • Buttermilk Strawberry Shortcake
    • Cherry-Blueberry Cloud Pie
    • Best Chili Recipes (Something for Everyone!)
    cowboy caviar in bowl with spoonful
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    Recipe

    Cowboy Caviar title image

    COWBOY CAVIAR

    This spicy, chunky salad is full of great flavors, textures and colors. It's a perfect side dish or appetizer. Three levels of ‘heat’ are included to pick from to make the recipe perfect for your spiciness preference.
    5 from 21 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, Salad
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Chilling Time (optional): 1 hour hour
    Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 12 1/2-cup servings (6 cups total yeild)
    Calories: 71kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1 15-ounce can Black beans drained and rinsed
    • 1 15-ounce can Black Eyed Peas drained and rinsed
    • 3/4 cup Bell Pepper (any color) chopped
    • 1 1/2 cups fresh Corn Kernels canned (drained) or frozen/thawed corn may be substituted
    • 1 1/2 cups ripe Tomatoes seeded and chopped
    • 1/2 cup Red Onion diced
    • 1/3 cup fresh Cilantro chopped
    • 1 4-5 inch long Jalapeno Pepper seeded and diced

    Dressing

    • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 1/4 cup Olive Oil
    • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
    • 1 teaspoon chili pepper or cayenne pepper (spicier)
    • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed Lime Juice
    • pinch Salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions

    • Combine all the main (non dressing) ingredients in a large mixing or serving bowl. Stir to fully combine.
    • Combine the dressing ingredients in a small bowl; whisk to combine.
    • Pour the dressing evenly over the cowboy caviar; stir to coat.
    • May be served immediately. For best results cover and chill for at least an hour before serving as a side dish, relish or as an appetizer to dip with chips.

    Notes

    If serving as an appetizer with tortilla chips you will not need extra sald.
    If serving as a relish or side dish, salt and pepper to taste after chilling.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 71kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 129mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 562IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg
    Cowboy Caviar title image
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    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!

    Originally Published: September 9, 2011

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. veenaazmanov says

      June 20, 2020 at 9:57 am

      5 stars
      A healthy, flavorful and colorful Caviar recipe. Love the flavorful dressing making it delicious and perfect. Definitely awesome combinations too.

      Reply
    2. Jacqueline Meldrum says

      June 20, 2020 at 9:24 am

      5 stars
      I’ve never heard of this before, but it sounds delicious. I am a bit of a wuss when it comes to chilli though, so I will go easy on the jalapeno.

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        June 20, 2020 at 9:37 am

        Lol. It’s not too strong, don’t worry. Having said that jalapenos can be unpredictable on heat so just go slow.

        Reply
    3. Anita says

      June 20, 2020 at 9:03 am

      5 stars
      This is one of the easiest salad dish I’ve every tried, and it is so pretty to look at. It’s definitely always a hit if I bring it to a pot-luck. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
    4. Kathryn Donangelo says

      June 20, 2020 at 8:59 am

      5 stars
      Love how fresh this is! I am definitely making this for our next BBQ!

      Reply
    5. Bry says

      June 20, 2020 at 8:31 am

      YUM!!! I make tacos a lot and am always looking for new toppings and I think I just found my new favourite. So tasty, and healthy too! Thanks!

      Reply
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    Welcome! Iโ€™m Toni Dash. Iโ€™m a Certified Nutrition Coach and the professional writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavoreยฎ. Iโ€™m so glad you are here!

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