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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!

A gray bowl brimming with Texas caviar—a colorful salsa of black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green peppers, and onions—nicely garnished with crispy tortilla chips.
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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.

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

A vibrant array of ingredients for Texas caviar is artfully arranged: cherry tomatoes, corn, black-eyed peas, black beans, green bell peppers, a red pepper, a red onion, jalapeños, cilantro. These are complemented by olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, cumin and a single spice.
  • 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

A glass bowl containing olive oil, vinegar, and spices sits with a whisk on a light gray textured surface, perfect for preparing Texas caviar. A gray and white striped cloth is draped to the left of the bowl.

Step 1 – In a small bowl, whisk together ingredients including kosher salt and black pepper for the dressing, set aside.

A glass bowl brimming with Texas caviar—black beans, black-eyed peas, and corn—sits on a light surface. A wooden spoon rests inside the bowl, while a striped kitchen towel is laid nearby.

Step 2 – In a large bowl, add drained beans, black eyed peas and corn.

A glass bowl brims with vibrant Texas caviar, featuring cherry tomatoes, green bell peppers, black beans, corn, red onion, and cilantro. A wooden spoon rests inside the bowl. A striped cloth is placed beside it on a light background.

Step 3 – Cut vegetables and add to large bowl. Mix well.

A hand pours dressing from a glass pitcher over Texas caviar in a clear bowl. This vibrant salad features corn, black beans, tomatoes, red onion, and chopped greens. A wooden spoon rests in the bowl, with a striped cloth beside it on the pristine white surface.

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.
A bowl of Texas caviar sits on a table, bursting with black-eyed peas, corn, diced tomatoes, and onions. A tortilla chip is dipped into this colorful salsa. Surrounding the bowl are more tortilla chips, a red bell pepper, and a sprig of cilantro.

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

Do I Need To Drain Cans?

Yes, we do recommend draining the cans and rinse the beans and corn before mixing together.

Can I Make Ahead of Time?

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.

How to Store Leftover Cowboy Caviar

Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

A bowl filled with vibrant Texas caviar, featuring black beans, corn, tomatoes, and green peppers, is served with tortilla chips. Fresh cilantro is visible beside the bowl on a white surface.

More Easy Dip Recipes

More Easy Appetizer Recipes

We love to hear from you. If you make Cowboy Caviar Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.

A glass bowl brimming with Texas caviar—a vibrant salad showcasing black-eyed peas, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions. A tortilla chip is dipped into the mix. Nearby, a wooden cutting board and striped cloth add a rustic touch.

Cowboy Caviar

5 from 2 votes
Whether you call it Texas Caviar or Cowboy Caviar, this dip is amazing. It's the appetizer of choice in the South and for good reason with tons of flavor.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Chill 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 12
Cuisine American
Course Appetizer
Calories 223

Ingredients

For the Dressing:

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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!

Nutrition Facts

Calories 223kcal, Carbohydrates 28g, Protein 8g, Fat 10g, Saturated Fat 1g, Sodium 202mg, Potassium 444mg, Fiber 7g, Sugar 5g, Vitamin A 567IU, Vitamin C 27mg, Calcium 29mg, Iron 2mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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