Cowboy Caviar Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Caviar is a vibrant and fresh salsa-style salad that’s packed with colorful vegetables and beans. It’s perfect as a party appetizer or a light, healthy snack served with crispy tortilla chips.

Ingredients

• 15 oz black beans, rinsed and drained
• 15 oz black eyed peas, rinsed and drained
• 4 Roma tomatoes, seeds removed and diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup sweet corn
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and diced into very small pieces
• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 avocados, pitted and diced
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• Tortilla chips, for serving
• 1/3 cup olive oil or avocado oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the black beans, black eyed peas, diced tomatoes, red and yellow bell peppers, sweet corn, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Gently fold in the diced avocado and add the fresh lime juice.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive or avocado oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, honey, salt, and black pepper.
3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the cowboy caviar mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
4. Step 4: Serve immediately with tortilla chips, or cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add chopped celery or cucumber.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of jalapeño or leave it out entirely.
• Use fresh corn instead of canned for a sweeter, fresher taste.
• To keep avocado from browning, add it right before serving and toss gently.

Storage

Store cowboy caviar in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because of the avocado, it’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can stir it gently before serving to refresh the flavors. Serve with tortilla chips straight from the fridge or bring to room temperature for best taste.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make cowboy caviar ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare most of it a few hours in advance and refrigerate. Add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.

What can I serve cowboy caviar with besides tortilla chips?

It also pairs well with grilled chicken, tacos, or as a topping for salads and baked potatoes.

Cowboy Caviar Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 55 reviews

Cowboy Caviar is a vibrant, fresh, and healthy salad featuring black beans, black-eyed peas, colorful peppers, tomatoes, corn, and creamy avocado, all tossed in a tangy lime and red wine vinegar dressing. Perfect as a snack or appetizer served with crunchy tortilla chips, this no-cook dish brings bright flavors and a satisfying texture to your table in just 20 minutes.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Ingredients

• 15 oz black beans, rinsed and drained
• 15 oz black eyed peas, rinsed and drained
• 4 Roma tomatoes, seeds removed, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup sweet corn
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed, diced into very small pieces
• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 avocados, pitted and diced
• 2 tablespoons lime juice

Dressing Ingredients

• 1/3 cup olive oil or avocado oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

To Serve

• Tortilla chips

Instructions

1. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rinsed black beans, black eyed peas, diced Roma tomatoes, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, sweet corn, red onion, jalapeño, and chopped cilantro. Gently fold in the diced avocado and add the fresh lime juice to preserve the avocado’s color and add brightness.
2. Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive or avocado oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, honey, kosher salt, and black pepper until the dressing is emulsified and well combined.
3. Toss Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and stir gently to coat all ingredients evenly without breaking up the avocado pieces.
4. Chill and Serve: Serve immediately for a fresh crisp taste or cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy the Cowboy Caviar with crunchy tortilla chips as a flavorful appetizer or snack.

Notes

• To keep the avocado from browning, add the lime juice immediately after dicing.
• You can make this recipe ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, but add avocado just before serving for best freshness.
• Adjust the amount of jalapeño according to your heat preference.
• For a vegan version, omit the honey and substitute with agave syrup or maple syrup.
• This dish is naturally gluten free and vegetarian.

Keywords: Cowboy Caviar, black bean salad, no-cook salad, vegetarian appetizer, gluten free snack, healthy salad, avocado salad, party dip