Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Fresh: Loaded with nutritious beans, veggies, and avocado.
- Quick and Easy: Only 20 minutes to make.
- Perfect for Make-Ahead: Tastes even better as it marinates.
- Versatile: Serve as a dip, salad, or taco topping.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit at parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Black beans, rinsed and drained
- Black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
- Tomatoes (Roma or cherry)
- Red bell pepper
- Red onion
- Jalapeño
- Corn kernels
- Avocado
- Fresh cilantro
- Olive oil
- Lime juice
- Honey
- Ground cumin
- Chili powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine black beans, black-eyed peas, diced tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, corn, avocado, and cilantro.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the bean and veggie mixture.
- Gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute (just for warming corn, if needed)
- Total Time: 21 minutes
Variations
- Add Protein: Mix in diced cooked chicken or shrimp for a heartier dish.
- Make it Spicy: Leave seeds in the jalapeño or add hot sauce.
- Cheesy Option: Stir in crumbled feta or cotija cheese.
- Fruit Twist: Add diced mango or pineapple for a sweet contrast.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: No reheating needed; serve chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Why do they call it cowboy caviar?
It’s a fun Texas creation named humorously as a comparison to luxury caviar, with beans resembling fish eggs.
Can I substitute the black beans?
Yes, pinto beans or kidney beans can be used for a different twist.
How spicy is this recipe?
It’s mild, but you can make it spicier by keeping jalapeño seeds or adding hot sauce.
Can I make cowboy caviar ahead of time?
Yes, it’s perfect for prepping a day in advance; just add avocado right before serving.
What can I serve cowboy caviar with?
Tortilla chips, tacos, burritos, salads, grilled meats, or as a side dish.
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, thawed frozen corn works great, and fresh or canned corn are also fine options.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Add avocado just before serving or toss it in extra lime juice to slow oxidation.
Is cowboy caviar gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I freeze cowboy caviar?
Freezing isn’t recommended because tomatoes and avocado don’t thaw well.
Can I omit the cilantro?
Absolutely, substitute with sliced green onions if you prefer.
Conclusion
Cowboy Caviar is a fresh, fun, and flavor-packed dish that’s as versatile as it is colorful. Whether served as a dip, a salad, or a topping, its vibrant ingredients and zesty dressing make it a standout at any meal or event. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it’s a must-try recipe for your next gathering!
Print
Cowboy Caviar
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Cowboy Caviar is a fresh, vibrant, and healthy dish featuring black beans, black-eyed peas, avocado, tomatoes, and colorful veggies tossed in a tangy lime dressing. Perfect as a dip, salad, or taco topper, this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe is packed with flavor, ready in just 20 minutes, and ideal for parties, potlucks, and casual meals!
Ingredients
Black beans, rinsed and drained
Black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
Tomatoes (Roma or cherry), diced
Red bell pepper, diced
Red onion, diced
Jalapeño, minced
Corn kernels
Avocado, diced
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Olive oil
Lime juice
Honey
Ground cumin
Chili powder
Salt
Black pepper
Instructions
-
In a large bowl, combine black beans, black-eyed peas, tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, corn, avocado, and cilantro.
-
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
-
Pour dressing over the bean and veggie mixture.
-
Gently toss until fully combined.
-
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Notes
Add avocado right before serving to maintain freshness.
Adjust spice level by adding more jalapeño or hot sauce.
For a cheesy twist, add crumbled feta or cotija cheese.
Serve with tortilla chips, in tacos, or as a side salad.
Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes after thawing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
