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 press 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, CHAKA.
I altered the recipe a bit by adding my own touch to it. This recipe has now become a staple in my home for small gatherings. This cowboy caviar or Texas caviar has been requested so much; I can now make it 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 Salad 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 followings:
- 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 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, 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 together 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
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.
Video
Notes
Recipe Tip:
- Lightly warm the salad if refrigerated overnight to loosen up the liquid/oil or thaw for 1 hour before serving.
Stefanie
Perfect for a hot weather weekend!
I use less sugar. Leftovers are great warmed and over rice or added to a quick burrito.
Mirlene
Thank you, Stefanie!
Melissa
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
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
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
Thank you very much!
Jinx Willard
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
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
Thank you very much, Nanette!
Sheri
Has anyone tried to use sugar substitute? I’m diabetic as are other members of my family.
Mirlene
Hi Sheri,
Some people used natural sweeteners or honey, and others just omit the sugar altogether.
JT
Yes, I use Now brand Organic Stevia, it is great!
Mary
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!
Cathy
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
For 60 people, I definitely would make another double batch. It goes quickly. Hope you enjoy it.
Robyn Tatelman
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
Hahaha Thank you, Robyn! So glad you loved the recipe.
Allison W.
I love this recipe- Just curious if the Calories are for all 12 servings or per serving.
Thanks!
Robyn Tatelman
Per serving, unfortunately.
Sharon
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
Thank you very much, Sharon!
Sarah
Which chips do you like to pair with this dip?
Mirlene
I like serve them with the Tostitos Scoops Tortilla Chips
Stacey
is the sugar amount correct? it seems like a lot.
Mirlene
Hi Stacey,
Yes, the sugar amount is correct. Please adjust it to your liking.
Stacey
Thank you! can’t wait to make it.
Laura
Soooooo good! This will be my go-to cowboy caviar recipe for sure!
Mirlene
Thank you so much, Laura!
Luke Rolland
Absolutely delicious! loved the slight tang working with sweetness 10/10!
Mirlene
Thank you!
Claire
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
Thank you, Claire!
Lexie Seger
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
Thank you so much, Lexie!
Cathy
Excellent every time I make it. This time I used white wine vinegar instead of balsamic. Everyone loves it.
Mirlene
Thank you so much, Cathy!!!!