{The BEST} Cowboy Caviar Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (2024)

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Cowboy Caviar, also known as Texas Caviar, is a cold salad recipe consisting of black eyed peas, a light vinaigrette dressing, and colorful vegetables! There are a lot of ingredients, both fresh and canned, and there’s quite a bit of chopping, but every single bite will have a little bit of everything!

This recipe makes a fantastic dish to bring to a potluck or summer BBQ and a fantastic meal prep option for weekday lunches.

{The BEST} Cowboy Caviar Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (1)

Table of Contents

  • What is Cowboy Caviar?
  • Why this recipe works
  • Ingredients needed
    • Salad ingredients
    • Dressing ingredients
  • How to make this recipe
    • Step 1: Chop and measure the ingredients
    • Step 2: Make the Cowboy Caviar dressing
    • Step 3: Add dressing to salad
  • Make ahead directions
  • Storage
  • Serving recommendations
  • Cowboy Caviar Recipe

What is Cowboy Caviar?

If you’ve ever eaten Cowboy Caviar, you know what it is. Mostly because it’s a surprisingly delicious recipe and if anyone is ever trying it for the first time, they ask what it is.

But if you’re wondering why it’s called Cowboy Caviar, I’ll share what I could find.

Interestingly, there isn’t even a wikipedia entry for Cowboy Caviar. It goes straight to Texas Caviar and the information given is rather scarce.

This recipe originated around the 1940s in Texas as a dip consisting of black-eyed peas in a vinaigrette. It was often served with tortilla chips. It was given it’s caviar name almost as a joke because it’s basically a very poor man’s version of the more expensive real caviar.

Why this recipe works

Go ahead and google Cowboy Caviar and you’ll be treated to tons of recipes that look basically the same.

  • Best combination of ingredients: Although my recipe follows the same notion of covering black-eyed peas in a light homemade vinaigrette, I add a few ingredients that not only add texture and color, but this recipe really does have the best flavor of any recipe for Cowboy Caviar that I’ve tried.
  • Consistency makes a difference: A good cowboy caviar recipe relies on how good of a chopper you are. For real. I try my best to make every little piece of food no larger than a single bean. You want to be able to shove a spoonful in your mouth and get a little bit of each ingredient into each bite.
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Ingredients needed

Salad ingredients

You can always vary these to match your preferences, but these are my go-to Cowboy Caviar ingredients:

  • black beans – I use Trader Joe’s canned Cuban black beans because they have a lot of great flavor
  • black-eyed peas – of course
  • tomatoes – I remove the seeds and any wet pulp and chop up the flesh
  • corn – I use canned or Trader Joe’s frozen roasted corn if fresh corn is not in season, but grilled corn (like you’d make for Mexican street corn) is fabulous when removed from the cob
  • black olives – this is what I consider my secret ingredient. Yum!
  • avocado – find one that’s firm but ripe
  • red bell pepper – you can use a different color if you prefer
  • red onion – I dice this real small
  • cilantro – if you’re not a fan, you can leave out

Dressing ingredients

My Cowboy Caviar vinaigrette consists of lime juice, raw honey, chili powder, cumin, salt, and olive oil.

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How to make this recipe

Step 1: Chop and measure the ingredients

Combine all of the salad ingredients into one large bowl.

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Step 2: Make the Cowboy Caviar dressing

Whisk together all of the ingredients except for the oil. Then, simply pour a thin steady stream of the oil into the other ingredients while whisking constantly until the dressing has emulsified.

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Step 3: Add dressing to salad

Pour the dressing over all of the remaining ingredients in a large bowl and toss to combine.

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Make ahead directions

Sometimes we all need a good make ahead recipe, especially when our long summer days are full of fun and activities.

To make my cowboy caviar recipe ahead of time, simply mix together the salad ingredients together except for the avocado and mix the dressing separately. When you’re ready to serve, cut up the avocado and then toss everything together.

Storage

I still think Cowboy Caviar tastes best if eaten immediately, however it’s still good if kept refrigerated for at least a couple of days.

The acid from the lime juice in the dressing helps keep the veggies fresh, but the tomatoes will release liquid over time. If you’re eating leftovers, just be sure to use a slotted spoon to scoop each serving out of the bowl.

Serving recommendations

Since Cowboy Caviar is often considered a dip, people usually serve it with tortilla chips.

I consider this recipe more of a salad, so I prefer to serve it as a side dish. This recipe goes great withSlow Cooker Carnitas,Jalapeno Popper Chicken Flautas, orMahi Mahi Fish Tacos.

Every time I’m invited to a potluck, I bring one of three different recipes and they’re always a hit.

It’s always a toss up between this Cowboy Caviar, my classic deviled eggs, or my fruit salad recipe, all of which are really good! Plus, you can blow people’s minds by also making myDessert Cowboy Caviar!

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Cowboy Caviar

Prep20 minutes mins

Total5 minutes mins

Servings 12 servings

Author Krissy Allori

Cowboy Caviar, also known as Texas Caviar, is a cold salad recipe consisting of black eyed peas, a light vinaigrette dressing, and colorful vegetables!

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Equipment

Ingredients

Caviar:

  • 15 ounce can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 15 ounce can black eyed peas drained and rinsed
  • 2 medium tomatoes seeds removed, diced (about 1 cup once chopped)
  • 15 ounce can corn drained, can use 1-2 cups of fresh or frozen instead if available
  • 15 ounce can olives drained and chopped
  • 1 avocado pit removed, peeled, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper seeds and stem removed, diced
  • 1/2 medium red onion diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro minced

Dressing:

Instructions

  • Make the salad: Combine all ingredients except for those designated for the dressing in a very large bowl. Toss to combine.

  • Make the dressing: Combine all of the remaining ingredients except for the olive oil. While whisking, slowly pour a thin stream of olive oil in, whisking constantly, until it all has been added. Continue to whisk until fully emulsified.

  • Combine and serve: Add dressing to the salad and toss to coat. Transfer to a clean bowl for serving, if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate to serve later. Best if served same day. If you want to make ahead, omit the avocado and keep dressing separate until you're ready to serve. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 269kcal, Carbohydrates: 29g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 753mg, Potassium: 486mg, Fiber: 9g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 815IU, Vitamin C: 21.2mg, Calcium: 44mg, Iron: 2.3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave me acomment below

This recipe was originally published in May 2019 and has been updated with helpful information, ingredient and process photos, as well as recipe tips. Don’t worry – the recipe hasn’t changed!

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Hi! I’m Krissy.

I love to create the BEST versions of your favorite recipes. If you love to cook, love to eat, or just have a deep appreciation for good food, you're in the right place! Stick around... I have hundreds of recipes for you to make.

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{The BEST} Cowboy Caviar Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (2024)

FAQs

What is the cowboy caviar dressing? ›

We use bottled Italian Dressing, fresh squeezed lime juice as our dressing. We also use diced tomatoes, green bell peppers, jalapeños cilantro & white onions, then canned black eyed peas, black beans, and whole kernel corn. Pour the dressing and lime juice over the mixture and set over night in the refrigerator.

What is the actual name of cowboy caviar? ›

Texas caviar, also called cowboy caviar, is a bean salad consisting of black-eyed peas lightly pickled in a vinaigrette-style dressing, often eaten as a dip accompaniment to tortilla chips.

Why is cowboy caviar so good? ›

WELL, the Cowboy Caviar is full of different colorful plants such as peppers, jalapeno, tomatoes, onion, corn, cilantro, and more which means a large variety of nutrients in every bite! The punch of nutrition packed with the fiber rich beans is a great gut-friendly combo to enjoy!

How long does cowboy caviar last in the fridge? ›

How long can you keep Cowboy Caviar in the fridge? If stored in an airtight container this dip can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Keep in mind, the longer your dip sits in the fridge the more excess liquid that will accumulate. Just drain off excess juices and enjoy!

What can I use instead of black-eyed peas? ›

Other Legumes: Many legumes can be used as substitutes for black-eyed peas in recipes. Examples include lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans, navy beans, pinto beans, or black beans. These legumes have different flavors and textures, so choose one that complements your dish.

How long will cowboy caviar keep? ›

Yield: This recipe makes about 12 cups of Cowboy Caviar (more or less depending on the size of your bell peppers). Storage: This recipe keeps about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make ahead: You can make the dressing up to 3 days in advance.

What is the controversy with cowboy caviar? ›

Some members of the Latinx community felt the dish was an appropriation of pico de gallo, a popular salsa originating in Mexico, which typically calls for chopped tomatoes, onions, serrano peppers, salt, lime and cilantro.

Who invented cowboy caviar? ›

Invented in the 1950s by Helen Corbitt, famed 1950s Neiman Marcus food director, it was first served as "pickled black-eyed peas" on New Year's Eve at the Houston Country Club. Soon after, it was dubbed "Texas caviar."

What is Texas caviar made of? ›

Cowboy caviar is made with black-eyed peas and black beans, chopped tomatoes, corn, bell pepper, onion and cilantro tossed in tangy Italian dressing. I typically think of cowboy caviar as a warm weather salad, but it's made with ingredients that are readily available year-round.

What's in Trader Joe's Cowboy Caviar? ›

Ingredients. CORN, BLACK BEANS, RED BELL PEPPERS, ONIONS, JALAPENO PEPPERS, CANE SUGAR, LIME JUICE CONCENTRATE, CHIPOTLES IN ADOBO (CHIPOTLE PEPPER, WATER, TOMATO PUREE, VINEGAR, SALT, SUGAR, ONION, GARLIC, PAPRIKA), SPICES, SEA SALT, CHIPOTLE PEPPER, GUAR GUM.

Is Trader Joe's Cowboy Caviar spicy? ›

The store-bought version had a much stronger flavor.

I thought Trader Joe's cowboy caviar was both sweeter and spicier than the homemade version, and it kind of tasted like a hot barbecue sauce to me.

What is the most delicious caviar in the world? ›

If you ask chefs and other authorities in the culinary industry about the best caviar in the world, you'll probably hear Beluga caviar repeatedly. It comes from Beluga sturgeons that swim in the pollution-free waters of the Caspian Sea.

Can you eat cowboy caviar by itself? ›

This cowboy caviar recipe is adapted from The Well Plated Cookbook by Erin Clarke. Served with tortilla chips, it's a fantastic party appetizer, but it's also delicious as a salad. Toss it with greens, or enjoy it on its own.

When did Cowboy Caviar come out? ›

Cowboy caviar's origin story starts with chef Helen Corbitt. In 1940, she was the food director at Neiman Marcus in Dallas, Texas and added something called Texas caviar to the menu, which later was dubbed cowboy caviar.

What happens when caviar goes bad? ›

If that same container of caviar is pasteurized or frozen, it can last as long as a year if it remains sealed, however, freezing black caviar will completely ruin the texture. Once the container is opened it will begin to dry from air contamination, losing its flavor and texture in as little three to seven days.

What is cowboy caviar made of? ›

Cowboy Caviar (or Cowboy Salsa) is a popular chip dip that originated out of Texas. It's also sometimes called Texas Caviar and it's made with simple, healthy ingredients including: beans, corn, bell pepper, avocado, and tomato. It is the perfect appetizer for parties, potlucks, or game day!

Why is cowboy caviar called that? ›

Neiman Marcus food director Helen Corbitt introduced this dish at the party as a simple pickled black-eyed pea salad, but the combination of the buttery legumes and vinegary dressing became such a hit that guests dubbed it "cowboy caviar" (because of its "humble" ingredients and luxe flavor dynamics) and started ...

Is Trader Joe's cowboy caviar spicy? ›

Pickled in a blend of chipotle peppers, adobo sauce and lime juice, this crunchy, savory salsation carries southwestern character and enough heat to take note.

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