Cowboy Caviar

Quick Summary

This Cowboy Caviar recipe is made with black eyed peas, black beans, corn, avocado, and veggies that are tossed in a simple, tangy vinaigrette. Serve with tortilla chips; it’s always a crowd pleaser at parties and potlucks.

cowboy caviar in bowl with tortilla chips.

Cowboy Caviar, sometimes called Texas Caviar, is a simple dip that is always a crowd pleaser. It is fresh, colorful, and so delicious!

It is similar to my black bean salad, but is made with black-eyed peas and has a vinaigrette-style dressing that gives the caviar a nice tangy flavor. Serve with salty tortilla chips and you won’t be able to leave the bowl. It is so tasty!

It can be served as an appetizer or side dish with any meal, and sometimes we will eat the hearty dip for lunch. It really is good anytime of the day.

The next time you need to make a dish to share, make Cowboy Caviar. It’s perfect for parties, potlucks, cookouts, game day, or even a picnic in the park. Everyone loves this classic dip!

Key Ingredients

Black beans & Black Eyed Peas– I use canned black beans and black eyed peas to keep the recipe super simple. Make sure you rinse and drain them. If you prefer using dried beans and peas, you can soak and cook them.
Tomatoes– I use Roma tomatoes, but you can use your favorite tomatoes, just remove the seeds.
Bell peppers– I use red and yellow, but orange and green will work too.
Corn– I love using fresh sweet corn kernels. You can cut them right off of the cob, you don’t need to cook them. If you don’t have fresh corn, you can use frozen.
Red onion– I love the flavor and pop of color red onion adds.
Jalapeño pepper– remove the seeds and diced into very small pieces.
Cilantro– so fresh!
Avocado– the avocado takes the dip to a new level. So creamy and delicious!
Lime juice– to brighten up the dip.

Dressing Ingredients

The dressing is simple, you can whisk it up in less than 5 minutes…and I bet you have all of the ingredients already.

Olive oil or avocado oil
Red wine vinegar
Garlic
Honey (can use maple syrup or sugar to make the recipe vegan)
Kosher salt and black pepper

cowboy caviar ingredients in large bowl.

How to Make Cowboy Caviar

In a large bowl, combine the beans, black eyed peas, tomatoes, peppers, corn, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Gently fold in the avocado and add the fresh lime juice.
In a small bowl, whisk together oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over cowboy caviar and stir until well combined.
Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes so the flavors can marinate.
If you making the caviar in advance, wait to add the avocado to prevent browning. Stir it in right before serving.

Serving Suggestions

In my opinion, you HAVE to serve cowboy caviar with tortilla chips. It is such a great dip!
You can also use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas.
Use it as a topping for grilled chicken, steak, fish, or pork.
Serve it with rice or quinoa.
Spoon it over a bed of greens and make a salad.

How to Store

How to Store: place the caviar in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up 4 days. If you’ve already added the avocado, it is best within 2 days.
Make ahead: You can make the dressing up to 5 days in advance. Store it in a jar or airtight container in the fridge. Whisk well before adding it to the caviar.

cowboy caviar with tortilla chip in bowl.

More Appetizer Recipes

Appetizer

For the Cowboy Caviar:

15 oz black beans, rinsed and drained
15 oz black eyed peas, rinsed and drained
4 Roma tomatoes seeds removed, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 cup sweet corn
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1 jalapeño pepper seeds removed, diced into very small pieces
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
2 avocados, pitted and diced*
2 tablespoons lime juice
Tortilla chips, for serving

For the Dressing:

1/3 cup olive oil or avocado oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon honey
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

In a large bowl, combine the beans, black eyed peas, tomatoes, peppers, corn, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Gently fold in the avocado and add the fresh lime juice.
In a small bowl, whisk together oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over cowboy caviar and stir until well combined.
Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes so the flavors can marinate. Enjoy with tortilla chips!

If you are waiting longer than 30 minutes to serve, you can wait to add the avocados. Add them right before serving so they don’t turn brown.

Calories: 222kcal, Carbohydrates: 25g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Sodium: 7mg, Potassium: 523mg, Fiber: 9g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 624IU, Vitamin C: 39mg, Calcium: 29mg, Iron: 2mg