Cowboy Caviar

by Maria March 22, 2024, 2:56 pm 2.6k Views

Cowboy caviar, also known as Texas caviar, is a vibrant and flavorful dip or side dish that combines an array of ingredients like beans, corn, peppers, and tomatoes, dressed in a zesty vinaigrette. This Southwestern-inspired dish is perfect for gatherings, picnics, or simply as a tasty snack.

Why Make Cowboy Caviar

Cowboy caviar offers a satisfying blend of textures and flavors, from the creamy beans to the crunchy peppers and sweet corn, all enhanced by the tangy dressing. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own as a dip with tortilla chips, as a side to grilled meats, or even as a topping for tacos or salads. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for parties and potlucks.

How to Make Cowboy Caviar

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the black beans, black-eyed peas, corn, diced bell pepper, red onion, chopped tomatoes, and optional jalapeno pepper.
Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, fresh cilantro, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture, gently tossing until everything is evenly coated.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more lime juice, salt, or pepper according to your preference.
Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve: Serve this dish chilled or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed as a dip with tortilla chips, a side dish, or as a filling for tacos or burritos.

Serving Suggestions

Cowboy caviar is delicious served as a dip alongside crispy tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks. It also pairs well with grilled meats such as chicken, steak, or fish. For a light and refreshing meal, spoon cowboy caviar over a bed of greens or quinoa, or use it as a topping for tacos, burritos, or nachos.

Storage Info

Store leftover cowboy caviar in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Before serving leftovers, give the cowboy caviar a quick stir to redistribute the dressing and flavors.

Some Techniques or Tips

For extra flavor, consider grilling the corn kernels before adding them to the cowboy caviar.
If you prefer a spicier kick, leave the seeds in the jalapeno pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
To save time, you can use canned beans and corn, but feel free to substitute with cooked dried beans and fresh corn when in season for a more vibrant flavor.

Variation

One popular variation of cowboy caviar includes adding diced avocado for creaminess and extra richness. Simply fold in diced avocado just before serving to prevent it from turning brown.

FAQs about Cowboy Caviar

Can I make cowboy caviar in advance?
- Yes, cowboy caviar can be made in advance and refrigerated for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to develop.
Can I customize the ingredients in cowboy caviar?
- Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences. You can add or omit any vegetables or beans according to your taste.
Is cowboy caviar spicy?
- The level of spiciness can be adjusted based on your preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the jalapeno pepper or reduce the amount used.

Recipe Card

Cowboy Caviar

Cowboy Caviar is a vibrant and flavorful salad/dip made with black beans, black-eyed peas, corn, bell pepper, red onion, tomatoes, and optional jalapeno, tossed in a zesty dressing of olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, and fresh cilantro. It's a versatile dish perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a side for your favorite Tex-Mex meals.

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Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Keyword: Cowboy Caviar, Dip, salad, Tex-Mex

Prep Time: 15

Refrigeration Time: 1

Servings: servings

Equipment

Large Bowl

Small bowl

Whisk

Ingredients

15 ounces canned black beans, rinsed and drained
15 ounces canned black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
15 ounces canned corn, drained
1 large bell pepper, any color, diced
1 medium red onion, diced
2-3 Roma tomatoes, diced
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional, adjust to taste)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 limes, juice of
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 cup fresh chopped cilantro
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine black beans, black-eyed peas, corn, bell pepper, red onions, chopped tomatoes, and jalapeno pepper (if using).
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture. Gently toss to combine.
Taste the salad and adjust lime juice, salt, and pepper according to preference.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the cowboy caviar for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy the cowboy caviar as a dip, side dish, or as a filling for tacos or burritos.

Notes

This cowboy caviar can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It tends to taste even better as the flavors meld together over time.