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Whether you call it Texas Caviar or Cowboy Caviar, this dip is the best appetizer or snack. It’s the appetizer of choice in the South and for good reason with so much flavor. Grab some chips and enjoy!

Our entire family loves this Cowboy Caviar and makes a great appetizer recipe for all of our parties or potluck. All of the ingredients are very simple and you can make this dip for a great price. It is easy to double the recipe and make it for a crowd if needed.
This cowboy caviar is light, refreshing and is tastes amazing. If you love this dip recipe then you may love Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad or Black Bean Salad.
Table of Contents
What is Texas Caviar
It is the easiest recipe and only gets better the longer it sits. Lots of veggies, beans and more combine with jalapenos and lime for a dip that is delicious. It has so much flavor.
Serve this with tortilla chips, corn chips, pita chips or even crackers. Just be prepared for it to disappear because it will not last long. Cowboy Caviar is always a hit and so amazing.
Even better, it is budget friendly and anyone can make it. If you can toss ingredients into a bowl, you can make this. Seriously! It is just the best and super quick and easy side dish.
Ingredients
- Cherry Tomatoes – Feel free to use any type of diced tomatoes
- Black Beans and Black Eyed Peas – Drained and rinsed well 15-ounce cans
- Corn – We used drained canned corn but you can also use frozen corn or fresh corn kernels (about 2 corn on the cobs)
- Red Onion – Finely Chopped. Feel free to omit or use other types of onion
- Fresh Cilantro – Chopped into small pieces
- Green Bell Pepper – Chopped into small pieces. You can also substitute with red or yellow bell pepper
- Jalapeño Pepper – Cleaned, seeded and chopped. Add more or less pepper for preference
- Olive Oil – Use oil of your choice
- Red Wine Vinegar – See The Best Red Wine Vinegar Substitutes if you are out
- Lime Juice – Fresh lime juice is best, but if you are out see Best Substitute for Lime Juice
- Ground Cumin – If you are out see Best Substitute for Cumin
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.
Variations Ideas
Cowboy Caviar can be made with a variety of ingredients. This recipe is written is a base recipe so try these family favorite additions for a delicious variation.
- Diced Avocado
- Minced Garlic
- Slice Black Olives
- Feta Cheese
- Substitute Homemade Dressing with Store Bought Italian Salad Dressing
- Add in 1 Tablespoon of Honey to the Salad Dressing Ingredients for a hint of sweetness
How to Make Cowboy Caviar
Step 1 – In a small bowl, whisk together ingredients including kosher salt and black pepper for the dressing, set aside.
Step 2 – In a large bowl, add drained beans, black eyed peas and corn.
Step 3 – Cut vegetables and add to large bowl. Mix well.
Step 4 – Pour dressing over mixture and mix until well combined.
- Step 5 – Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Step 6 – Serve with tortilla chips.
Recipe Tips
- Chopping Vegetables – A time saving tip is to use a small food chopper or food processor to quickly and easily chop the onions. I usually just chop the entire vegetable and freeze what I don’t need. It’s so nice to be able to just take the diced onion out of the freezer for recipes.
- Combining Ingredients – Make sure to fully coat the vegetables with the dressing mixture. This will give the Cowboy Caviar the best flavor.
What to Serve with Cowboy Caviar?
Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced baguette. It is delicious!
Everyone loves this dip and you can’t go wrong with it. Serve what you like the best and be prepared to watch this dip disappear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, we do recommend draining the cans and rinse the beans and corn before mixing together.
Yes, we do recommend making cowboy caviar ahead of time as we like it to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minute before serving.
Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
More Easy Dip Recipes
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Easy Sandwich
Best Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Quick Bread
Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Cheesy Bread Recipe
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Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
We love to hear from you. If you make Cowboy Caviar Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.
Cowboy Caviar
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 16 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed well
- 1 16 oz can black eyed peas, drained and rinsed well
- 1 15 oz can corn, white or yellow, drained
- ½ cup red onion finely chopped
- ½ cup green bell pepper chopped
- ½ cup red bell pepper chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper cleaned, seeded and chopped – more or less pepper for preference
- ½ cup cilantro chopped
- Tortilla chips serving
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together ingredients for the dressing, set aside.
- In a large bowl, add drained beans, black eyed peas and corn.
- Cut vegetables and add to large bowl.
- Mix well.
- Pour dressing over mixture and mix until well combined.
- Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy!