Also known as Texas Caviar, this spicy and colorful dip is a crowdpleaser. Made with loads of veggies, beans and spices, Cowboy Caviar is packed with flavor, hearty and perfect to serve as a dip, salad or relish at your summer BBQs and parties.

Are you looking for an appetizer or side dish with a big punch of flavor? Yes? Then this simple fiber packed “salsa” is for you.

Cowboy Caviar originally came from Texas and is known by a few other names including Texas Caviar, Cowboy Salad, Cowboy Salsa or Cowboy Dip. Whatever you call it, it tastes amazing when everything is combined together. A must for every cookout!

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And no, it has no fish eggs in it! It was originally created in the 1940’s by a woman named Helen Corbitt. She worked at the Zodiac Room in Dallas, Texas and created it for a new year’s eve celebration.

I’m so glad she did because it is darn delicious!

Why You’ll Love Cowboy Caviar

Fiber packed
Healthy appetizer or side dish
Perfect side dish for BBQ or appetizer served with tortilla chips
Easy to make
Tastes even better the next day
Can be served cold or at room temperature
Bright, colorful addition to your table
Incredible fresh flavor with loads of complementary tastes and textures

Ingredients

Caviar Ingredients

Black beans – Rinsed and drained.
Red kidney beans – Rinsed and drained.
Cooked corn – You can use frozen corn or fresh corn.
Green pepper
Red pepper
Roma tomatoes – Use regular tomatoes if you don’t have Roma tomatoes.
Jalapeno – Remove the seeds and mince.
Green onions
Fresh cilantro

Dressing

Extra virgin olive oil
Lime juice
Chili powder
Dry coriander
Cumin
Salt and pepper

How to Make Cowboy Caviar

Step One: Add the caviar ingredients to a large bowl.
Step Two: In a medium bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.
Step Three: Add the dressing ingredients to the caviar ingredients and mix until well combined. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Equipment Needed

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What to Serve with Texas Caviar

Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
Pita chips
Celery sticks
Bell peppers

Variations and Substitutions

Substitute black eyed peas or other canned beans for the red kidney beans and/or black beans.
Add a red onion instead of green onions.
Add two jalapenos to give it more of a spicy kick
Include diced avocado for a creamy pop of flavor
No lime juice? Add apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar in its place.
Use cherry tomatoes instead of Roma tomatoes.
Not a fan of cilantro? Use fresh parsley or even fresh basil.

Storage Instructions

Best Way to Store Leftover Cowboy Caviar

Store any leftover cowboy caviar in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I Freeze?

I wouldn’t recommend freezing Texas caviar. The fresh veggies will not hold up as well as the beans will and it won’t be the same as making it fresh.

Can I Make in Advance?

Yes, you can prepare in advance and store in the fridge, covered, up to one day ahead of time.

How to Use Leftover Cowboy Caviar

Add it to a tortilla with some salsa, lettuce and mashed avocado for a delicious wrap.
Serve it as a side salad for lunch or dinner.
Use it in quesadillas for a cheesy, spicy lunch.
Add it to rice for a dinner side dish.
Pile it on top of grilled chicken.

Dip Recipes

You’ll also like these Devilish Eggs.

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Cowboy Caviar

Why You’ll Love Cowboy Caviar