Perfectly serve Cowboy Caviar or Texas Caviar as a side dish and or as an appetizer. The easiest and most simple dip to make in 15-20 minutes. Every bite includes a sharp sweet flavor.
This recipe includes fresh lime juice, garlic powder, white wine vinegar, and sugar to name a few. A great recipe to include as a salad topping or taco filling.
This veggie cattleman caviar, as it is sometimes referred to, is the easiest side dish you could make and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. If you are pressed for time, the Texas caviar can be made the night before. Did I also mention that this recipe is also healthy?
Reasons why this Texas Caviar recipe works:
I first came across cowboy caviar a few years ago while surfing the internet for side dishes for my upcoming BBQ gathering. I was curious when I came across a similar recipe because the ingredients reminded me of an actual Haitian meal, tchaka.
I made a few changes to the recipe by putting my own spin on it. This recipe is now always on hand in my house for small parties. It’s been asked for so often that I can make this cowboy caviar or Texas caviar with my eyes closed.
- The acidic flavors from the lime and the white wine vinegar, along with the sugar, gave this side dish a savory sweet richness.
- It is a simple recipe that can be made quickly or ahead of time.
- This recipe is also delicious with BBQ meats, hence the reason why I sometimes pair it with my BBQ Chicken recipe.
- Goes well with plain tortilla chips.
- When prepared ahead of time, it allows the opportunity for the flavors to fully settle.
- This Texas salad refrigerates and reheats well.
Some other recommended dishes that will pair well with this caviar recipe are the Mexican street corn. and if interested in a Caribbean fusion flavor I would recommend the Haitian tacos or the Jerk chicken wings.
What’s included in the Cowboy Caviar recipe?
It depends on your taste. I am not a fan of the tomatoes in this dip, so I left it out. I personally love acidity and spices mixed. However, the base ingredients include all of the following:
- Canned beans; black and black-eyed peas
- Sweet kernel corn
- White wine vinegar
- Bell peppers; I used orange and red bell peppers
- Chopped cilantro
- Chili powder
- Sugar and salt
All you need is a large mixing bowl to prepare this mouthwatering cowboy salad recipe.
Texas Caviar Preparation Tip:
- Rinse, drain, and pat dry the beans before adding them to the bowl. Drying the beans leaves no room for unwanted liquid.
- The longer you let the flavors settle, the richer the flavors become.
- Add ½ tsp. of cayenne pepper to give the dip a little kick.
- This Texas Salad can also be made with balsamic vinaigrette or any vinaigrette of your choice instead of adding white wine vinegar. I’ve even made it with raspberry vinaigrette.
Making Cowboy Caviar
Making this Texas salad is very simple – here’s how to do it:
- First and foremost, drain and rinse your beans and corn. I used a couple of cleaned paper towels to pat dry the beans and corn after they are rinsed.
- Using a cutting board, chop and dice all of your vegetables and set them aside.
- Press and roll and cut the lime in half.
- Add all of the dry ingredients first then add all of the liquid ingredients one at a time.
- Mix it all and serve.
Did you make this delicious Texas salad? Tag me on Instagram or Facebook and please give it a star rating below!
Cowboy Caviar Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Can Opener
- Mixing Spoon
Ingredients
- 15.5 oz. black beans
- 15.5 oz. black-eyed peas
- 15 oz. sweet corn
- 1 cup cilantro chopped
- ½ cup red bell pepper chopped or diced
- ½ cup orange bell pepper chopped or diced
- ½ cup red onions diced
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- ½ tsp. kosher salt
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup olive oil
- ⅓ cup white wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp. fresh lime juice
- ¼ tsp. garlic powder
Instructions
- Drain, rinse and pat dry the beans and corn. Transfer to a large bowl.
- Add the cilantro and the remaining ingredients to the beans and corn mixture. Stir to combine.
- Serve cold or at room temperature.
Amanda says
This dip is delicious! I have brought it to several parties and everyone loves it!
Mirlene says
thank you so much, Amanda.
Karen says
Delicious – didn’t changea thing – perfect as written. Thank you for a great recipe!
Mirlene says
Thank you very much, Karen!
Anna says
So delicious! I cut the sugar in half and it is perfect for our family!!
Mirlene says
Thank you, Anna!
Jennifer Sanchez says
Super tasty! I added diced cucumber, the zest of the Limes I used, cayene(because we like it spicy), and some vinegar from some pickled jalapeños. This recipe is both husband and kid approved.
Mirlene says
Thank you so much, Jennifer!
Rochelle Bales says
this is delicious! have you ever canned it? I wanted to try canning it ( water bath) it seems as though it would be acidic enough. thoughts?
Mirlene says
No, I have not canned it. I would assume it would alter the flavor and the texture (making it soggy and making the herbs wilt), especially with the fresh herbs and fresh bell peppers. I agree with you that the acid will be much more pronounce.
However, if you are worrying about waste, you case always serve with or over white rice, stir fry recipes, or fish -especially with cod, and you can also use It as part of a recipe to make soup. These are the many ways I have used it.
Pam says
This is so delicious and fresh, everyone at my household loves it, thank you so very much and I look forward to trying more of your recipes.
Mirlene says
Thank you very much, Pam!
Janice says
Excellent recipe. Makes perfect amount. Very tasty! EASY to make! It’s a keeper!
Mirlene says
Thank you very much, Janice!
Pam says
This recipe was amazing, so delicious and easy. Thank you for sharing.
Mirlene says
Thank you very much, Pam!
Rhondi says
Made this for a camping trip these week with friends. Delicious as a chip dip and also over burritos.
Maria says
This is our favorite appetizer made it a lot of gatherings is all a big hit
Mirlene says
Thank you very much, Maria. Happy to read that.
Stefanie says
Perfect for a hot weather weekend!
I use less sugar. Leftovers are great warmed and over rice or added to a quick burrito.
Mirlene says
Thank you, Stefanie!
Melissa says
Curious if youve ever tried cooking the bell peppers, letting them cook and then adding them in? I’m not a huge fan of raw bell pepper. Just wondering if this would work
Mirlene says
I have never cooked vegetables prior to adding them to the salad/dip. However, if you choose to cook them first I would recommend that you do not let them cook too much as they can become soggy.
Mandy Bradshaw says
Absolutely fabulous accompanying side dish to my Mexican Friday night feast. I love it and had to stop myself eating most of it before dinner.
Mirlene says
Thank you very much!
Jinx Willard says
This recipe was fabulous right after making it. Can’t wait to try it tomorrow at the party! I used the fluid mixture over tomatoes and cucumbers. YUM!!!!
Nanette R Grant says
This Cowboy Caviar recipe is SUPER delicious! I made it for a church potluck. I will definitely make this again! Healthy, colorful and keeps well.
Thank you!
Mirlene says
Thank you very much, Nanette!
Sheri says
Has anyone tried to use sugar substitute? I’m diabetic as are other members of my family.
Mirlene says
Hi Sheri,
Some people used natural sweeteners or honey, and others just omit the sugar altogether.
JT says
Yes, I use Now brand Organic Stevia, it is great!
Mary says
Yes. I used Stevia instead of the sugar. I combined it with the garlic powder and used the back of a spoon to smooth out the clumps. Tasted great!
Layna schaeffer says
Out of all the Texas caviar recipes this one is the best. TRUST, I literally love this so much and I lost the recipe a while ago and had to use others. I finally found this one again today. SO GOOD
Mirlene says
Yayyy! I am so glad to hear that. Thank you so much!
Cathy says
I am making this for an engagement party that there are supposed to be 60 people at, I have made a double batch and am wondering if I need to make another double batch
Mirlene says
For 60 people, I definitely would make another double batch. It goes quickly. Hope you enjoy it.
Robyn Tatelman says
Yes! This is crazy good! I’ve been making a variation of this for many years and people will go crazy for it. If this is a side dish for 60 people, honey whatever the recipe is follow it but make 3x as much. I am not kidding. Everyone loves it. And it’s so beautiful, all the colors. It makes a great presentation. You might as well copy the recipe down and make at least 10 copies to hand out because people are going to want your recipe, or if you want to make new friends write your phone number down and tell them to call you for the recipe, and just go ahead and tell them it’s yours.🤍🩵🩷
Mirlene says
Hahaha Thank you, Robyn! So glad you loved the recipe.
Allison W. says
I love this recipe- Just curious if the Calories are for all 12 servings or per serving.
Thanks!
Robyn Tatelman says
Per serving, unfortunately.
Sharon says
My favorite cowboy caviar recipe!!! I used 2 cans of corn, omitted jalapeño pepper, used apple cider vinegar instead of white wine vinegar, and used 1/2 tsp chili powder and 1/2 tsp cumin. Very tasty. Served for Christmas dinner with grilled steaks and baked potatoes. Thanks for the recipe!
Mirlene says
Thank you very much, Sharon!
Sarah says
Which chips do you like to pair with this dip?
Mirlene says
I like serve them with the Tostitos Scoops Tortilla Chips
Donna says
I just use a spoon!
Cynthia says
Ha, Ha, Ha… that is an awesome response! I will think of that every time I make this!
Stacey says
is the sugar amount correct? it seems like a lot.
Mirlene says
Hi Stacey,
Yes, the sugar amount is correct. Please adjust it to your liking.
Stacey says
Thank you! can’t wait to make it.
Laura says
Soooooo good! This will be my go-to cowboy caviar recipe for sure!
Mirlene says
Thank you so much, Laura!
Luke Rolland says
Absolutely delicious! loved the slight tang working with sweetness 10/10!
Mirlene says
Thank you!
Claire says
Made this for a family party, we all loved it! Enjoyed the leftovers the following day over rice with salsa. Will make this healthy easy dish again 🙂
Mirlene says
Thank you, Claire!
Lexie Seger says
Really delicious and super easy to modify based on what you have and taste preferences. We like a little spice so I added diced jalapeño and some chili flakes. I used a little less oil and vinegar and thought it was perfect. It’s delicious right away but it really does get better as it sits for a bit. The flavors marinate and blend together. Was a big hit! Served with chips at a gathering but I plan to make it again to top some of our favorite Mexican dishes.
Mirlene says
Thank you so much, Lexie!
Cathy says
Excellent every time I make it. This time I used white wine vinegar instead of balsamic. Everyone loves it.
Mirlene says
Thank you so much, Cathy!!!!
Sara says
I have made this several times over the last 2 years. I change it up a bit depending on what I have on hand. I substituted red kidney beans for black eyed beans because it’s heat I had. I bulk it up a bit with white lime rice and I zest a whole lime. A lot of added chili powder because it’s just the taste of our family. The recipe is great as is and works perfectly over eggs, chicken, fish, on its own with no chips, etc. An insanely fresh and flavorful recipe!
Mirlene says
Thank you so much Sara. I love how you are able to customize it and pair it with various proteins. It is one of our favorite salsa / beans salad to make. Have a great day.
Colleen says
This is mine & my brothers absolute favorite thing to eat!!! I make a double batch so we can take for lunch too! Thank you so much for posting this❣️
Mirlene says
Thank you, Colleen!
Candee says
Oh my goodness ,this is sooooo goooodddd. I will definitely add this to my salads to make again and again. Thank you so much.
Mirlene says
I am so glad you like it Candee! Thank you.
Sue says
I am going to try this but not with a half cup of olive
Oil – that seems like like a lot? Maybe a tablespoon or so….
Mirlene says
Hi Sue. Yes, you can try it with a tablespoon of olive oil. Once all the ingredients are added, it serves 12 to 16. You can always add more oil if needed.
KC says
Love this recipe! I have made it once as directed. The second time I added half the oil and 1/4 the sugar. I found it was too oily and sweet for my tastes as written. I also added a little extra lime juice and vinegar (but I love acid) and a fresh jalapeño. Love eating this with tortilla chips. Thanks for sharing!
Amanda Foytik says
I made this for Christmas. It is delicious! Thank you for sharing.
Mirlene says
thank you so much, Amanda!
Kathy says
Fabulous recipe! Always requested by the picky eaters too.
Mirlene says
Thank you very much, Kathy! We are so glad everyone enjoyed it.
Amanda says
This is by far the best dish I’ve made like this! Thank you! Quick question though – when you say this makes 12 servings, how large is a serving? I did my own calorie count for the entire dish and came up with about 2200 calories for the entire thing, but I didn’t measure how much I made so I could come up with calories per serving size, so am hoping you can help with that. Thanks!
Mirlene says
Hi Amanda! I am so glad you like it. A serving would be equivalent to a serving spoonful. Thanks again for making it.
JACKIE K UPCHURCH says
Can this recipe be canned?
Mirlene says
Unfortunately Jackie, we are not well versed on the canning process. We are not able to provide you with sufficient guidance on how to do so.
Debbie says
Amazing as a dip!De
Mirlene says
Great!!! I am very glad you liked it, Debbie.
JAC says
Absolutely one of my favorite recipes! I had this one time about 10 years ago and loved it! I finally found the recipe with the correct dressing! It’s very light and addicting! My kids devour it as well!! Thanks for the great recipe!
Mirlene says
JAC, thank you very much. I am so glad to hear that. You are very welcome. 🙂
Lore says
How many days in advance can this be made? Can it be frozen?
Mirlene says
Thank you for your questions, Lore. Yes, you can freeze the cowboy caviar for up to 3 months in the deep freezer. I recommend preparing in up to two days in advanced, then place it in the refrigerator to be used when you are ready to eat it. Please be mindful that it can last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; no longer than 5 days after making it (counting the prepared day as day 1).
Anne Marie says
Hi. Plan on making this for a party. Looks delicious! Just curious why you say to add the liquid ingredients and spices one at a time as opposed to mixing them together first and then adding them. Thank,you!
Mirlene says
Hi Anne Marie,
Thank you for stopping by! Adding the ingredients one step at a time is a method I personally like to use. It helps to me understand the changes in flavor as the food is created. You are more than welcome to add the ingredients in a bowl then pour it over the corn and beans. Completely up to you 🙂 I would love to know which method you choose to use and outcome. Thanks for reading! Cheers 🙂
Kimberly Speidel says
Can you leave out sugar? Would that have a big impact? A few people in my group can’t do sugar for different reasons.
Mirlene says
Hello Kimberly,
Yes, you can leave out the sugar and substitute it with honey. To get the sweet taste the sugar is helpful. However, honey will work fine just as well. I would also recommend you test it out with a small batch of honey first to see if you like. I hope this is helpful.
Patty says
I didn’t put any sugar in and it was perfect for me! I brought this to a party last night and everyone loved it!! I never add sweet to any of my “salads”…I just don’t care for it. Just wanted to let you know you can feel confident leaving it out!
Mirlene says
Thank you very much, Patty. I am so glad everyone loved it.
Corrie Martin says
I’ve made this recipe multiple times. Love it.
I made a few changes added pickled jalapeno 1.5 tbsp.of lime 1.5 tbsp. Chili powder 2tbsp.of maple syrupand parsley instead of cilantro.
Mirlene says
Hello Corrie, I am glad the changes you made were helpful.
Nikota says
Hello. Is the calories mentioned per serving or for the whole thing? How big is a serving?
Mirlene says
Hello Nikota,
The calories mentioned is for the entire dish, which serves 12.
erin says
How many days can I make this ahead of time? I want to make this for my son’s birthday party Saturday – can I make it tonight? TIA ,erin
Mirlene says
Hi Erin,
Yes, you can make the cowboy caviar ahead of time. It can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Evelyn Hernandez says
We love cowboy caviar, and make it weekly. Your recipe looks amazing, Looks like the perfect dip for any picnic!
Kaylin says
Oh we loooove Cowboy Caviar in our house! Such a yummy snack and always loved at parties!!!
MDesir says
It is a great snack. We LOVE IT too!
Anna Hettick says
I have always been a huge fan of cowboy caviar!! I haven’t had it in YEARS but now I think I need it!!
MDesir says
Oh No! Wait no longer. We love it in our home.
Mary Meier says
Looks so good my mouth started watering reading the post!
MDesir says
Thank you, Mary!
Ann says
I LOVE how colorful this is! Looks exactly like my kind of dip! On my next party menu for sure 🙂
MDesir says
Than you, Ann. Hope you enjoy it.
Lindsey says
Can you sub white or apple cider vinegar for the white wine vinegar? If so would it be 1:1 or different
Mirlene says
Hi Lindsey,
The white or apple cider vinegar is stronger and much more acidic and may alter the taste. I would add 1 tablespoon to start and gradually increase it if needed. I recommend tasting before adding more.
Danielle says
Loving all the colours going on there! This would go down very well at a party!
Shanika says
Wow, this looks amazing! I love all the beans (my faves!) and how colorful it looks!
MDesir says
Thank you, Shanika.
Tisha says
I’ve seen several versions floating around and have yet to try this! Your recipe looks perfect! Can’t wait to try it
MDesir says
Thank you for the compliment, Tisha! I hope you enjoy it 🙂
Kelli Kerkman says
This looks amazing! I love all of the vibrant colors.
MDesir says
Thank you, Kelli!!
Ken Grenier says
You do not have to be a cowboy to love this dish.
MDesir says
Hahahaha! You are right, Ken!!!! This caviar is loved by all! 🙂 Thanks for reading!!
Sharon says
Wow, first time I ever tasted cowboy caviar and so glad I picked this recipe. Absolutely delicious! I almost didn’t make it when I saw the high calorie count of 412 per serving. That didn’t seem right for the ingredients so I entered it on MyFitnessPal recipes. The count there is a much more reasonable 179 calories. I’m hoping they are right and enjoying every bite! Thank you for a fantastic recipe.
MDesir says
Thank you very much, Sharon. It does sound much more reasonable. I will adjust that. I am so glad you enjoyed the recipe and I am SO glad to hear you are enjoying every bite. We love it in our home. I have not tried MyFitnessPal. I’ll definitely look into it. Thank you for your comment!
Heather says
Talk about perfect summer food! What a gorgeous dish and the flavor combination is perfect. This would be the ideal bowl of yumminess at every summer BBQ!
Ruchi says
Cowboy caviar is something my husband would it with two spoons. The name is absolutely hilarious but so true!
Marisa Franca says
Oooh!! That looks so good and a perfect side any time of the year. We are going to have several family gatherings this summer and it would be great to have the Cowboy Caviar on the menu.
karyn ryan says
Looks amazing so colourful and tasty perfect with tacos or BBQ
Veena Azmanov says
Now that looks like one nutritious and healthy bowl of goodness. I love how colorful this is and I love all the beans you have there. Sounds so yum. This would be lunch for me!!
Adriana Lopez Martin says
such a classic and perfect addition to grilling season I enjoy fresh and easy recipes that you can make and enjoy by everyone because who doesn’t like a bean salsa yummy!
Lauren @ Delicious Little Bites says
I’ve heard of Cowboy Caviar before, but have never had it! It’s so colorful and looks perfect for outdoor entertaining this summer! Definitely giving it a try!
Pavani says
That is such a colorful and delicious looking black bean salad. It has all my favorite ingredients — black beans, corn, peppers, black eyed peas — yum, yumm!! This is just perfect for a summer gathering. Thank you for sharing.
Claudia Lamascolo says
I love this kind of caviar and beans are my all time favorite. I put them in my salads all the time. This would be a great addition to any meal and perfect for any appetizer.
April says
This cowboy caviar is calling my name. I want to try it out. I like that you dried the beans first. I think I would have to cook the beans just a tad. Can I cook them or will that ruin the dish?
MDesir says
You can definitely cook them. But I would only cook them for no less than 5-7 minutes. You don’t want to loose the texture.
Stine Mari says
I’ve never heard of cowboy caviar before, but it’s definitely my kind of caviar! Those fresh colors are beautiful. I imagine it’s perfect for a bbq and tortilla chips. Thanks for the recipe!
Stine Mari says
Those fresh colors deserve a rating too!
Nele says
How colourful! Looks absolutely delicious 🙂
Casey says
I LOVE Cowboy Caviar, and think the name is the best thing in the entire world! This looks absolutely delicious and I cannot wait to make it for my next BBQ.
Stephanie Simmons says
They were sampling this at our local grocery store the other day and it was delicious! Can’t wait to make it at home 🙂
MDesir says
That’s wonderful to hear. I hope you like this version as well.
Jacqueline Debono says
I love the name cowboy caviar! This looks like a great side to serve at bbques! Love the combo of ingredients!
MDesir says
Thank you.
Maninder says
This looks delicious! Definitely trying it out this weekend
Tara says
Yum! I have heard of cowboy caviar but haven’t tried it myself yet. I love all the color from those vegetables!
MDesir says
You must try it as it is addictive.
Heather says
I have never heard of cowboy caviar but Woah do I need to try it! Such the perfect thing to scoop up with fresh tortilla chips. I can’t wait to bring this to my next BBQ 🙂
MDesir says
Wonderful! Thank you, Heather.
Lisa says
This is beautiful!!! Although I’m not a fan of beans, my husband would eat this up in a heart beat! I can’t get over those colors though wow!
MDesir says
What? Not a fan of beans?! Oh no! You must try it. And thank you 🙂
Sondria Harp says
This looks so delicious. I’m making this for my next pot luck cook out.
Sara | mshealthesteem.com says
I’ve never heard of Cowboy Caviar but this looks FLIPPING AMAZING… so I know I need to make cowboy caviar a thing in my kitchen. Can’t wait to try this – thanks for sharing ^^
MDesir says
Great! Please let me know how you like it.
Sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
I love cowboy caviar!! This looks so fresh and colorful!
Danielle says
I keep seeing this on Pinterest, but I really need to try it. I am loving all the colours going on!
Alyssa says
I love the addition of cilantro – it makes everything that much better!
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings says
This looks perfect for block parties and as a side dish to grilled chicken and fish. So colorful!
kim says
The colors in this dip are absolutely fabulous!! Your tips are awesome too… I will definitely be trying this to take to an upcoming family gathering!
Jill says
I’m loving how colorful this dish is! Great recipe for serving poolside or for a grill out!
MDesir says
Thank you, Jill. It is very colorful. One of my favorite sides dishes to make.
Vicky says
This is not only delicious, but such a colorful and pretty dish to place on your table when doing some summer entertaining. I like how you can make it ahead of time.
MDesir says
Thank you, Vicky. It does save a lot of time when it is made ahead of time.
georgie says
this looks like the perfect summer appetizer!!! i love how colourful and fresh it is too!
MDesir says
Thank you, Georgie.
Mirley Guerra Graf says
That looks delicious! Do you every warm up the beans?
MDesir says
Thank you, Mirley. Yes, I have warm up the beans lightly when it is made ahead of time. Just enough to loosen up the oil.
Helena says
This BEST Cowboy Caviar Recipe looks so delicious! I will definitely make it soon. 🙂 I really like how you served it with plain tortilla chips!
MDesir says
Thank you, Helena! let me know how you like when you do make it. It’s a great balance with plain tortillas.
Shannon says
This recipe looks like the perfect dish to take to summer bbqs! Love cowboy caviar!
MDesir says
Exactly! It’s always a crowd pleaser, Shannon.
Nathan Wyper says
looks so delicious… this would be perfect for a summer barbecue!
MDesir says
Thank you, Nathan!
Ingrid says
I like the ingredients of The BEST Cowboy Caviar Ever. In combination the blended taste would make for a good tasting recipe. My husband would love the acidic flavor from the lime, and the white wine vinegar along with the sugar,