This refreshing and flavorful Cowboy Caviar is a vibrant medley of colorful veggies and beans, tossed together in a zesty lime vinaigrette. It's a quick and easy dip that brings a Southwestern twist to any gathering.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Cowboy Caviar Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients for Cowboy Caviar
• 🔪 How to Make Cowboy Caviar
• 💡 Tips
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 Ways to Serve Cowboy Caviar
• 🔄 Texas Caviar Substitutions and Additions
• Where Did Cowboy Caviar Come From?
• Is Cowboy Caviar Healthy?
• Can I Freeze This Dip?
• Is Texas Caviar Spicy?
• 🍽️ More Easy Appetizer Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Cowboy Caviar Recipe

• Colorful combination of fresh vibrant veggies
• A mix of creamy black beans and black-eyed peas
• Fresh avocado, jalapeño and cilantro bring a Southwest kick
• Tossed in a flavorful lime vinaigrette
• Quick and easy to make, perfect last-minute appetizer
• Vegan and gluten-free

This vibrant Cowboy Caviar bursts with a colorful mix of cherry tomatoes, black-eyed peas, creamy avocados, and more. Drizzled with a zesty lime dressing, it's a hearty and delicious Southwestern-inspired dip that's loaded with amazing flavors and textures.

Just in case you're wondering, Cowboy Caviar (Texas Caviar) doesn't actually have any caviar in it. The name just comes from the diced veggies and the way the dip is scooped up with crackers or tortilla chips. Easy to make and transport, it's a great choice for potlucks, BBQs, holiday gatherings, and tailgate parties.

I love to serve this dip with an array of crispy tortilla chips and pita chips. For an extra homemade touch, you can also serve it with these homemade Tortilla Chips or these homemade Gluten-free Seasoned Tortilla Chips.

🛒 Ingredients for Cowboy Caviar

• Cherry tomatoes
• Corn
• Black beans
• Black eyed peas
• Avocado
• Bell pepper
• Red onion
• Jalapeño pepper
• Lime juice
• Honey (or Agave if Vegan)
• Olive oil
• Apple cider vinegar
• Garlic
• Smoked Paprika
• Cilantro
• Salt

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Mixing bowl
• Bullet blender or immersion blender

🔪 How to Make Cowboy Caviar

Add all of the dressing ingredients to the cup of a bullet blender or immersion blender. If you don't have either, you can whisk the ingredients together in a mixing bowl.

Mix until well combined and emulsified, then set aside so the flavors can meld.

In a large mixing bowl, add all the remaining ingredients.

Pour the dressing over the top.

Gently toss to combine, making sure everything is well coated in the dressing.

Serve with tortilla chips on the side.

💡 Tips

• While the lime in this dip will prevent the avocados from turning brown, if you're not going to serve it immediately or by the next day, wait to add them. They can become a little mushy the longer the dip sits.

• You want to make sure to use perfectly ripened tomatoes and avocados for this recipe. The tomatoes should be juicy and sweet, while the avocados should be soft and creamy, but not too overripe or the chunks won't hold their shape and become mushy. It makes all the difference in the texture of the dip.

• Dice all the vegetables uniformly to create the classic cowboy caviar appearance. This also makes it easier to scoop up with chips or crackers.

☑️ Storage Instructions

You can store this dip in an airtight container up to a couple of days in the fridge. I do not recommend freezing it.

🍴 Ways to Serve Cowboy Caviar

• Endive Leaves: Use endive leaves as edible cups for the dip.  

• Sliced baguette: Thin slices of a baguette add a nice texture and taste. Toast the slices for added crunch.

• Lettuce wraps: Use romaine lettuce leaves to make vegan, low-carb wraps.

• Avocado halves: Serve cowboy caviar in halved avocados. Scoop out a bit of the flesh to create a well for the dip.

• Grilled chicken topping: Top grilled chicken breasts or thighs with a spoonful of cowboy caviar for a protein-packed topping.

• Quesadilla topping: Spoon some on top of your favorite quesadilla. The Southwest flavors work great with the quesadilla filling.

• Stuffed mini peppers: Hollow out mini sweet peppers and stuff them with cowboy caviar. This creates bite-sized, colorful appetizers.

• Baked potato topping: Use cowboy caviar as a topping for these Air Fryer Baked Potatoes.  

• Salmon topping This dip tastes amazing on top of this Baked Salmon or this Air Fryer Salmon.

• Pasta add-in: Add a big scoop to your favorite type of pasta, and you’ll have a quick and easy pasta salad.

🔄 Texas Caviar Substitutions and Additions

• Dressing: You can swap the lime vinaigrette with your favorite red wine vinaigrette or this Homemade Italian Dressing.

• Added protein: For a heartier dip, you can add diced grilled chicken, shrimp, or diced cooked bacon.

• Cheese: Crumbled feta, cotija, or queso fresco can make a great creamy and salty addition.

• Fruits: Diced mango, pineapple, or peach will add delicious bites of sweetness.

• Herbs: Chopped fresh parsley, basil, or mint can add a pop of freshness.

• Other veggies: Add diced cucumber, zucchini, or celery for additional crunch, or roasted red peppers or diced, roasted poblano peppers for more of a smoky flavor.

• Toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds): Pepitas add the perfect amount of crunch. 

• Salsa: For more of a tomatoey flavor, mix in a spoonful of this Homemade Salsa.

Where Did Cowboy Caviar Come From?

The original cowboy caviar got its start thanks to Chef Helen Corbitt. Back in 1940, she worked as the food director at Neiman Marcus in Dallas, Texas. She introduced a dish called Texas caviar to the menu, and eventually, it became known as cowboy caviar.

Is Cowboy Caviar Healthy?

The dip is loaded with protein, fiber, and nutrients from the beans and other veggies. What you serve it with can determine how healthy it is. Serve it with fresh veggies like mini peppers for the healthiest option.

Can I Freeze This Dip?

While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the dip without the fresh vegetables. Thaw in the refrigerator and then add fresh veggies just before serving.

Is Texas Caviar Spicy?

It's not overly spicy, but it does have diced jalapeño that adds a slight kick of heat. If you'd like it spicier you can always add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.

🍽️ More Easy Appetizer Recipes

• Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese Crostini
• Easy Bruschetta
• Roasted Garlic Hummus
• Burrata Caprese
• Mushroom Nut Sausage Rolls