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Cowboy Caviar - Dinner at the Zoo

This cowboy caviar is a colorful and hearty dip that’s loaded with beans, black eyed peas, avocado and veggies, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for a potluck!

Cowboy caviar is a fresh and flavorful dip that is great with tortilla chips. If you have a big crowd to feed, add some other appetizers to the menu such as garlic knots or beer brat bites.

A serving bowl of cowboy caviar made with beans and veggies, and garnished with cilantro.

I love a hearty dip, and this colorful cowboy caviar never disappoints. It’s loaded with different types of beans and veggies in the most delicious dressing. I make this Texas caviar as an appetizer or side dish, and it’s perfect to bring to a potluck or picnic.

Cowboy Caviar Ingredients

Bowls of assorted chopped vegetables.

The base of this recipe contains black beans, black eyed peas, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, jalapeno, corn, avocado and cilantro. The dressing consists of olive oil, lime juice, honey, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper.

Bowls of beans, black eyed peas and salad dressing ingredients.

How Do You Make Cowboy Caviar?

Place the beans, black eyed peas, vegetables and cilantro in a large bowl. Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a separate bowl. Pour the dressing over the beans and veggies and toss gently to combine. Serve, and enjoy!

Process shots showing how to make cowboy caviar.

Tips for the perfect dish

  • You can substitute other types of beans instead of black beans. I’ve used pinto beans before and it’s delicious.
  • I use canned black eyed peas as they are the most convenient, but frozen will also work fine.
  • I recommend Roma tomatoes in this dish, as they have less seeds and a firmer texture. Halved cherry tomatoes are also great for a heartier texture.
  • Not a fan of cilantro? Use sliced green onions instead.
  • I typically use frozen thawed corn kernels, but you could use canned corn or even fresh corn off the cob.
  • Serve your caviar either as a dip with tortilla chips, or as a salad over lettuce leaves. It also makes a great topping for chicken or grilled salmon.
A hand scooping up Texas caviar on a chip.

Recipe FAQs

Can you freeze cowboy caviar?

I wouldn’t recommend freezing this dip. While the beans will hold up just fine in the freezer, the tomatoes and avocado will not fare as well. I’d recommend simply making your dip 1-2 days before your event to save on some prep time, then store it tightly covered in the refrigerator.

What is cowboy caviar made of?

This dish typically consists beans and assorted vegetables that are tossed in a simple dressing. It also always contains black eyed peas.

Why do they call it cowboy caviar?

This dish was created in Texas, and is sometimes also referred to as Texas caviar. It got its name as a humorous comparison to true caviar as the round beans may resemble fish eggs.

A bowl of cowboy caviar served with chips.

Flavor Variations

While I typically serve my cowboy caviar as a dip, sometimes I like to add more ingredients to turn it into more of a meal. There are so many different ways to customize this dish!

  • Protein: Stir in 1 1/2 cups of diced cooked chicken or small shrimp, then serve as salad.
  • Bacon: Stir in 1/3 cup cooked crumbled bacon right before serving.
  • Spicy: Leave some of the seeds and ribs in the jalapeno, and add a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
  • Cheese: Add 1/3 cup of crumbled feta or cotija cheese.
  • Vegetables: Feel free to add other veggies to the mix such as roasted zucchini, poblano peppers or cucumbers.

Make ahead instructions

The great thing about this dish is that it can be prepared in advance. The dressing can be made up to 3 days before you need it. Simply store the dressing in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator. You can prepare the beans and veggies up to 8 hours in advance, except for the avocado. Omit the avocado, and add it at the very end just before serving. I also recommend waiting to add the dressing until right before serving.

Once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself making it on a regular basis. It’s great for entertaining, but also perfect for a lighter lunch option.

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Cowboy Caviar Video

A serving bowl of cowboy caviar made with beans and veggies, and garnished with cilantro.

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Cowboy Caviar

This cowboy caviar is a colorful and hearty dip that’s loaded with beans, avocado and veggies, all tossed in a zesty homemade sauce. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for a potluck!

Instructions

  • Place the beans, black eyed peas, tomatoes, jalapeno, corn, avocado, bell pepper, onion and cilantro in a large bowl. 

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, chili powder, cumin and salt and pepper.

  • Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss gently to coat. Serve as a salad or with chips.

Notes

  1. Make ahead instructions: Assemble according to instructions, except omit the avocado. Refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Add the avocado right before serving.
  2. I recommend Roma tomatoes in this dish, as they have less seeds and a firmer texture. Halved cherry tomatoes are also great for a heartier texture.
  3. Not a fan of cilantro? Use sliced green onions instead.
  4. I typically use frozen thawed corn kernels, but you could use canned corn or even fresh corn off the cob.

Nutrition

Calories: 195kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 337mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 380IU | Vitamin C: 10.6mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1.2mg

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