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
Video
Notes
Recipe Tip:
- Lightly warm the salad if refrigerated overnight to loosen up the liquid/oil or thaw for 1 hour before serving.
Jacqueline Debono
I love the name cowboy caviar! This looks like a great side to serve at bbques! Love the combo of ingredients!
MDesir
Thank you.
Maninder
This looks delicious! Definitely trying it out this weekend
Tara
Yum! I have heard of cowboy caviar but haven’t tried it myself yet. I love all the color from those vegetables!
MDesir
You must try it as it is addictive.
Heather
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
Wonderful! Thank you, Heather.
Lisa
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
What? Not a fan of beans?! Oh no! You must try it. And thank you 🙂
Sondria Harp
This looks so delicious. I’m making this for my next pot luck cook out.
Sara | mshealthesteem.com
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
Great! Please let me know how you like it.
Sue|theviewfromgreatisland
I love cowboy caviar!! This looks so fresh and colorful!
Danielle
I keep seeing this on Pinterest, but I really need to try it. I am loving all the colours going on!
Alyssa
I love the addition of cilantro – it makes everything that much better!
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings
This looks perfect for block parties and as a side dish to grilled chicken and fish. So colorful!
kim
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
I’m loving how colorful this dish is! Great recipe for serving poolside or for a grill out!
MDesir
Thank you, Jill. It is very colorful. One of my favorite sides dishes to make.
Vicky
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
Thank you, Vicky. It does save a lot of time when it is made ahead of time.
georgie
this looks like the perfect summer appetizer!!! i love how colourful and fresh it is too!
MDesir
Thank you, Georgie.
Mirley Guerra Graf
That looks delicious! Do you every warm up the beans?
MDesir
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
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
Thank you, Helena! let me know how you like when you do make it. It’s a great balance with plain tortillas.
Shannon
This recipe looks like the perfect dish to take to summer bbqs! Love cowboy caviar!
MDesir
Exactly! It’s always a crowd pleaser, Shannon.
Nathan Wyper
looks so delicious… this would be perfect for a summer barbecue!
MDesir
Thank you, Nathan!
Ingrid
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,