Cowboy Caviar Recipe
Fresh, colorful, and bursting with zesty flavors, Cowboy Caviar is the perfect dip for summer gatherings and backyard parties. This quick and easy recipe comes together in minutes and never fails to impress.
Whether served as a dip with tortilla chips or scooped over grilled chicken, Cowboy Caviar brings a bright, tangy crunch that highlights the best of seasonal produce. It’s a must-have dish for any picnic or potluck.
What You Need for the Best Cowboy Caviar
- Roma tomatoes – Juicy and firm, these give the dip its vibrant, fresh bite.
- Avocados – Creamy chunks add richness and balance to the tangy veggies.
- Red onion – A sharp, crisp pop of flavor that ties everything together.
- Black beans – Hearty and satisfying, they make the dip more filling.
- Black-eyed peas – Earthy and tender, adding texture and a Southern twist.
- Corn kernels – Sweet and crisp, they bring bursts of golden sweetness.
- Bell pepper – Any color works, adding crunch and cheerful color.
- Jalapeño – A gentle heat that lifts the fresh flavors.
- Fresh cilantro – Bright herbal notes that freshen every bite.
- Tortilla chips – The ultimate crunchy partner for scooping.
How to Make Cowboy Caviar in Minutes
Start by tossing diced tomatoes, creamy avocado, sharp red onion, black beans, black-eyed peas, sweet corn, diced bell pepper, jalapeño, and fresh cilantro in a large bowl until well mixed.
In a separate bowl, whisk olive oil, fresh lime juice, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth and tangy.
Pour the dressing over the veggies and beans, then toss until every piece is coated in that zesty goodness. Chill in the fridge and give it another toss just before serving with plenty of crunchy tortilla chips.
Tips & Twists for the Best Cowboy Caviar Ever
Cowboy Caviar is endlessly customizable. If you love more heat, add extra jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce. For a smoky twist, toss in fire-roasted corn or a pinch of smoked paprika.
Don’t skip the fresh lime juice — it brightens everything and keeps the avocado from browning too quickly. If you’re making this ahead, store the diced avocado separately and add it right before serving to keep it vibrant.
This dip also makes an amazing topping for tacos, grilled meats, or mixed into leafy green salads for extra crunch and protein.
Keeping Cowboy Caviar Fresh
Store any leftover Cowboy Caviar in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and freshen up the flavors.
If you plan to make it ahead, hold off on adding the avocado until just before serving. This simple step keeps the dip looking fresh and appetizing, even if you prep it a day in advance.
Cowboy Caviar Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bell pepper diced (any color)
- ⅓ cup diced red onion
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 avocados diced
- 15 ounces canned black beans rinsed and drained
- 3 Roma tomatoes seeds removed and diced
- 1 jalapeño seeds removed and finely diced
- 15 ounces canned black eyed peas rinsed and drained
- 1 ½ cups frozen corn kernels thawed
- Tortilla chips for serving
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
Instructions
- Combine diced tomatoes, avocado, red onion, black beans, black eyed peas, corn, diced bell pepper, jalapeño, and chopped cilantro in a spacious bowl, mixing thoroughly to ensure an even blend. In a separate smaller bowl, vigorously whisk olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until fully emulsified. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the combined vegetables and legumes, stirring well to coat all components evenly. Store chilled and, if not serving immediately, toss again just before serving. Present alongside tortilla chips.
