My family recipe for Texas caviar can be served as a hearty dip or delicious salad. Filled with beans, corn, veggies, and a light, flavorful dressing, this recipe can be made in about 10 minutes from start to finish.

 

Growing up in the south, beans and corn were a staple ingredients in our house. My dad especially loved using canned beans for a variety of things, especially this cowboy caviar.

His recipe uses a very simple homemade dressing instead of a bottled version. Trust me, the fresh dressing really makes this salad!

Colorful Texas caviar recipe can be served in a variety of ways like as a dip, side dish, or even topping on a taco or sandwich.

It’s the ultimate dish to bring to your next Summer BBQ, potluck, or picnic.

Don’t forget to try these other Texas inspired recipes, Texas toast sloppy Joes, Texas ranch water, and cowboy baked beans.

Ingredients needed for cowboy caviar

• Black eyed peas – One can of black eyed peas are used. Make sure to drain and rinse.
• Black beans – One can of black beans are needed. They also need to be drained and rinsed.
• Corn – I am using canned corn but you can substitute with fresh or thawed frozen corn.
• Green onion – Diced green onions is used but you could substitute with diced red onion.
• Bell peppers – Choose your favorite color bell pepper. I like using a red on for color.
• Jalapeno pepper – This is optional depending on how much heat you want your Texas caviar to have.
• Cilantro – Fresh cilantro gives this recipe a bright, fresh flavor. If you don’t like cilantro you can leave it out or replace with fresh parsley.
• Tomatoes – Use your favorite diced tomatoes. I find that cherry tomatoes work well.
• Olive oil – This is needed for the dressing.
• Vinegar – Red wine vinegar is used but you could substitute with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
• Lime juice – Fresh lime juice adds a nice tang to the dressing.
• Chili powder – Adds a hint of smokey flavor.
• Garlic salt
• Ground black pepper

How to make Texas caviar

The full printable recipe is in the recipe card below.

Step one: Dressing – Pour the olive oil, vinegar, lime juice, chili powder, garlic salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk to combine and set aside.

Step two: Dip – Pour black eyed peas, black beans, corn, peppers, jalapeno, onion, and cilantro in a large bowl. Toss to combine. Pour the dressing over the cowboy caviar and toss again to coat everything in the dressing.

How to serve Texas cowboy caviar recipe

There are many ways to serve this bean salad. Here are a few favorites:

Dip – We love serving this as a dip with tortilla chips, crackers, or bite-sized toast.

Side – This makes the perfect side dish to a variety of proteins like steak, chicken, pork, fish, and more.

Topping – Try piling this on a taco, burrito bowl, or salad.

Variations

There are many ways to make this cowboy caviar recipe your own.

Cowboy caviar with Italian dressing – Replace the simple dressing with a bottle of zesty Italian dressing.

Avocado – Add in diced avocado to give this recipe a little bit of a creamy texture.

Veggies – Try adding in other chopped vegetables like cucumbers, red onion, celery, or carrots.

Rice– Try mixing cowboy caviar with some leftover rice for an even heartier meal.

How to store leftover cowboy caviar

Store: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure to give it a stir before serving again.

Common questions

More easy dip recipes

• Million dollar dip – Made with cream cheese, ranch seasonings, bacon, and cheese.
• Taco dip – A layered dip using ground beef.
• Knorrs spinach dip – Classic recipe using a pack of Knorrs soup mix.