Cowboy Caviar (AKA Texas Caviar) is a satisfying side dish or dip with black beans, black-eyed peas, veggies, and a chili-lime vinaigrette. reliable as a side salad, appetizer, or potluck dish.
The Best Cowboy Caviar
Growing up, my aunt’s signature dish was Cowboy Caviar. I always asked my mom if my aunt would be at family get-togethers, hoping that meant her Cowboy Caviar would be there too. I was (and still am) totally obsessed.
Cowboy Caviar, also known as Texas Caviar or Mexican Caviar, is a mix between a salad and a dip. It’s made with fresh veggies, black-eyed peas, black beans, and tossed in a light and tangy dressing.
It’s one of my all-time favorite sides, and today I’m sharing a twist on the original Cowboy Caviar with the absolute best dressing plus a few unconventional (but satisfying) additions!
Quick Tip
Why is it called cowboy caviar? This salad was made in the 1940s in Austin, Texas, and got the name “Texas Caviar” as a joke since the black-eyed peas look like fancy caviar. It’s also called “Cowboy Caviar” because Texans and cowboys love beans.
Ingredients In Cowboy Caviar
- Veggies: One of the “secrets” to really good Cowboy Caviar is cutting veggies small so they mix well with beans and fit nicely on chips!
- Beans: Black beans and black eyed peas are the star of the show. Used canned beans or cook up your own. One can of beans is equivalent to one and a half cups cooked beans.
- Dressing: The dressing is light and simple, but packs a punch! It ties all the flavors together and brings out the fresh flavors of our veggies and heartiness of the beans. Make sure to shake it thoroughly before using.
Featured Comment
Absolutely satisfying!! Should be called Cowboy Crack! I could eat a whole huge bowl of it!
– Linda
How To Make Cowboy Caviar
There’s nothing tricky about making this dip or salad, but it does take some chopping.
- Start by prepping veggies and draining beans. Add everything into a serving bowl.
- Next prep the dressing by adding the ingredients to a jar and shaking to combine.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
- Serve it as is or (how we like it best) with some good tortilla chips!
Quick Tip
Cut all the tomatoes at once: Place cherry tomatoes between two plates with lips. Hold the top plate securely and use a sharp serrated knife to slice through all the tomatoes in one go!
Tips For Success
- The longer red onions sit in the salad, the stronger their flavor gets. If you’re sensitive, add them right before serving or just to the portion you’ll eat if you plan to have leftovers.
- Dice the avocado last, right before serving, to keep it fresh. Avocados brown quickly, so avoid chopping them too early. Don’t add avocado to any Cowboy Caviar you plan to save for leftovers.
- Control the heat: For extra spice, leave some seeds and ribs in the jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing. For less heat, use mild McCormick® chili powder and remove the ribs and seeds from the jalapeño before dicing.
Serving Suggestions
- As a side salad or appetizer
- With tortilla chips as a dip
- As a salad, spooned over romaine lettuce
- Serve Cowboy Caviar into lettuce wraps or a burrito
- Layer over cilantro–lime rice for a vegetarian entree, sprinkled with some crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
- Add in 1 to 1-1/2 cups cooked diced chicken or shrimp for additional protein.
Storage
How long Does Cowboy Caviar Last?
Without the avocado and dressing added, this dip sits fairly well and will last 2-3 days refrigerated in an airtight container.
Add dressing only to the portions that will be enjoyed immediately; for leftovers, store dip, avocado, and dressing separately. Or simply leave out the avocado.
More satisfying And straightforward Recipes:
Dressings
Mango Salsa Recipe
Salads
Asian Cucumber Salad
Dinner
Chicken Salad Wrap
Salads
Costco Kale Salad
