Ultimate Cowboy Caviar Recipe

Cowboy caviar recipe showing colorful bean and vegetable mixture with tortilla chip being dipped into fresh salad

4 from 1 vote

This Ultimate Cowboy Caviar brings together fresh vegetables, beans, and a zesty lime dressing that creates pure magic in every bite. Colorful, healthy, and absolutely addictive — it's the crowd-pleasing dip that transforms any gathering into a memorable feast your family will request again and again.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 8

Marinating Time 30

Total Time 58

Servings:10

Course:Appetizer, Dinner, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine:American, Southern, Tex-Mex

Calories:145kcal

Cost:$8.75

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

1¾ cups sweet corn Fresh or frozen, cooked and cooled
1¾ cups cherry tomatoes Quartered for perfect bite size
1 cup bell peppers Mix of red and green, diced
⅓ cup red onion Finely diced for mild flavor
2 tablespoons jalapeño Finely diced, seeds removed for less heat
⅓ cup fresh cilantro Finely chopped measured after chopping
1 can black beans 15.25 oz, drained and rinsed
1 can black-eyed peas 15.5 oz, drained and rinsed
2 whole ripe avocados Optional, dice just before serving
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar For tangy dressing base
1 large lime Zested and juiced
1 teaspoon chili powder Adds warm spice
1 teaspoon sugar Balances acidity
½ teaspoon ground cumin For earthy depth
½ teaspoon paprika Adds color and mild heat
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard Creates emulsion
¼ teaspoon garlic powder For savory base
⅓ cup olive oil High quality for best flavor
- - salt and pepper To taste
- - tortilla chips For serving

Equipment

1 Large mixing bowl For combining all vegetables and beans
1 Mason jar To shake and mix the dressing ingredients
1 Sharp knife For dicing vegetables uniformly
1 Cutting board For safe vegetable preparation

Method

Step 1: Prepare corn by cutting kernels off cob if using fresh. Sauté corn in olive oil over medium-high heat for 5-8 minutes until cooked. Cool completely.
Step 2: Dice all vegetables to the same size as beans for uniform texture. Quarter cherry tomatoes, dice bell peppers, and finely dice jalapeño and cilantro.
Step 3: Combine all prepared vegetables with drained and rinsed black beans and black-eyed peas in large bowl.
Step 4: Make dressing by adding lime zest, juice, and all dressing ingredients to mason jar. Shake vigorously until well combined.
Step 5: Season dressing with salt and pepper to taste, typically ½ teaspoon each.
Step 6: Just before serving, dice avocados and gently fold into caviar mixture. Drizzle with prepared dressing.
Step 7: Toss gently and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or let marinate 30 minutes for enhanced flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 130gCalories: 145kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 6gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 320mgPotassium: 385mgFiber: 7gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 850IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 1.8mg

Notes

The secret to incredible cowboy caviar is letting it marinate for at least 30 minutes before serving — the flavors meld together beautifully and the vegetables release their natural juices. Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning and maintain that perfect creamy texture.