This cowboy caviar recipe is a healthy and filling dip that is full of flavor and fresh veggies. Using juicy corn, diced peppers, onions, and tomatoes mixed with beans and avocado makes this satisfying side dish the perfect summer snack.
Toss with a blend of seasonings and lime juice for the very best flavor.
This easy recipe is simple to make and great for sharing. Make a big bowl of this flavorful dip for a cookout, party or tailgate and serve with corn chips or lettuce wraps.
What I love About Cowboy Caviar
- Hearty dip for sharing
- Delicious flavor
- Makes a big batch
- Fresh Ingredients
- Healthy side dish
Ingredients Needed
This traditional cowboy caviar (or Texas cowboy caviar as it is also known) is full of fresh, simple ingredients.
It’s the perfect cold dip to serve with burgers and chips, on top of chicken or with lettuce as a side salad. Just look at this freshness!
Here’s what you need:
- Tomatoes
- Black beans
- Pinto beans
- Corn
- Red onion
- Red bell pepper
- Green bell pepper
- Avocados
- Jalapeños
- Cilantro
- Fresh lime juice
- Olive oil
- Granulated sugar
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Garlic powder
How to Make It
This is one of my very favorite recipes for summer because it is the perfect side dish to mix up when you don’t have tons of time. And if you are lucky enough to have leftovers, they are even better the next day!
Below is a visual walk through of the steps. The full recipe amounts and instructions can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
Get started by dicing the tomatoes, onion, bell peppers, avocado and cilantro.
Add the fresh vegetables to a large bowl with the beans and give it a good stir to combine. Set aside to prepare the dressing.
In a small bowl, blend the olive oil and lime juice with the dry seasonings. Adjust to taste as needed.
Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss to combine.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 20-30 minutes for maximum flavor.
This is the perfect party dip for tortilla chips or you can eat it in burrito bowls or salads.
Texas Caviar Recipe Tips
- Feel free to use fresh or lightly cooked corn in this recipe. Frozen or canned sweet corn will also work but won’t be as crisp. If using canned, be sure to drain all the liquid before adding to the other vegetables.
- Try black-eyed peas if you want to swap out the pinto beans. Or use all black beans.
- For more spice, keep the jalapeño seeds in with the mixture or choose spicier peppers like serrano.
- After allowing the flavors to blend, be sure to stir the dip before serving as the homemade dressing will settle to the bottom of the bowl.
- Use yellow or orange bell pepper in place of green peppers if desired.
- Top with some green onions for added flavor.
How to Store
Refrigerate leftover cowboy caviar in an airtight container. This healthy dip should keep for up to 3 days when stored properly. Be sure to stir it up before eating.
Print the Recipe Card
This healthy cowboy caviar is a great addition to just about any meal. It’s the perfect recipe when you want something fresh and flavorful with little prep. I hope you love it!
Cowboy Caviar
Be sure to check out my tips and tricks in the post. Scroll up to read!
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 4 tomatoes diced (roma tomatoes or cherry tomatoes)
- 15 oz black beans drained
- 15 oz can pinto beans drained
- 3 cups corn fresh it's about 4 cobs shucked
- ½ red onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 2 avocados diced
- 2 jalapenos diced
- 1 bunch cilantro chopped (about 1 cup packed)
For the Dressing:
- 3 limes juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large serving bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, beans, corn, red onion, bell pepper, avocado, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, stir together the ingredients for the dressing. Adjust the seasonings to taste as needed.
- Pour the dressing over the cowboy caviar and toss to combine.
- Refrigerate for at least 20-30 minutes for maximum flavor.
- Serve with tortilla chips or eat it in burrito bowls or salads.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is estimated. For the most accurate info, always doublecheck with your ingredients.