Easy Cowboy Caviar Recipe – The Best Texas Caviar Dip!
Looking for a healthy dip that’s bold, vibrant, and full of flavor? This Easy Cowboy Caviar Recipe (also known as Texas Caviar) is a must-have at every party or picnic. With a zesty blend of black beans, black-eyed peas, corn, and colorful veggies tossed in a tangy lime dressing, it’s the perfect balance of nutrition and crave-worthy taste. Whether you’re googling “how to make cowboy caviar,” or “best vegan dip recipes,” you’re about to fall in love with this dish that’s always the first to disappear. 😍
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Caviar Recipe ❤️
- Easy to make and beginner-friendly 🥄
- Totally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free 🌿
- Great for meal prep and stays delicious for days!
- Full of plant-based protein, fiber, and crunch 💪
- Tastes even better the next day (yes, seriously!)
Black beans aren’t just tasty—they’re packed with nutrients! Healthline breaks down why they’re a superstar ingredient in every healthy bowl or dip.
Ingredients for Cowboy Caviar 🥑

- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup sweet corn (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for heat)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper to taste
How to Make Cowboy Caviar

- Prep your ingredients: Begin by draining and rinsing the black beans and black-eyed peas under cold water. Let them sit in a colander to drain completely while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Chop the vegetables: Dice the red onion, red and green bell peppers, and jalapeño into small, uniform pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and dice the avocado. Roughly chop the fresh cilantro. The smaller your cuts, the better the texture of your final salad.
- Combine the base: In a large mixing bowl, add the beans, black-eyed peas, corn, tomatoes, onion, bell peppers, jalapeño, avocado, and cilantro. Gently stir to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Make the dressing: In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. You can also shake it in a jar with a tight lid for easier mixing.
- Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss everything together, ensuring the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients.
- Chill and let flavors meld: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Cowboy Caviar for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the texture to firm up slightly.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve it cold as a dip with tortilla chips, as a taco topper, or even as a side salad. Give it a final gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Cowboy Caviar Recipe Secrets 🔥
- Dice veggies small for perfect texture 👌
- Let it rest! The flavor deepens with time 🕒
- Add mango or cucumber for a fun twist 🥭
- Want it spicy? Add serrano or chili flakes 🌶️
Recipe Variations
- No Corn? Swap it with crisp diced cucumber, juicy zucchini, or even crunchy celery for a low-sugar crunch.
- Protein Boost: Toss in roasted chickpeas, black lentils, or edamame for added texture and plant-based protein.
- Sweet & Tangy: Add diced mango, pomegranate seeds, or pineapple to balance the zest with a burst of sweetness.
- Creamy Twist: Crumble in vegan feta or swirl in a spoonful of tahini dressing for a creamy finish.
- Low-Carb Option: Leave out corn and reduce the black-eyed peas—load up on bell peppers, avocado, and herbs instead.
👉 “Looking to explore more dressings like the zesty lime one in this recipe? Check out this Ultimate Vegan Sauce Guide by Minimalist Baker.”
Delicious Ways to Serve & Enjoy
- As a dip with tortilla chips
- Stuffed in tacos or burritos
- On top of avocado toast
- As a side salad for BBQs or potlucks
Make This Cowboy Caviar Today! 🎉
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up a last-minute party appetizer, this Cowboy Caviar recipe is the answer. Full of real ingredients and flavor, it’s a true crowd-pleaser!
💡Pro Tip
Add chopped mango or pineapple for a sweet kick—and always make a double batch. Trust me, it disappears fast! 😋
👉 “For another colorful and nutritious meal, try our Rainbow Vegan Buddha Bowl—a vibrant combination of veggies and grains!”
👉 “Pair your dip with a refreshing Tropical Turmeric Shake for the perfect cooling combo on warm days.”
Easy Cowboy Caviar Recipe – The Best Texas Caviar Dip!
Description
A colorful and zesty dip made with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and lime dressing—perfect as a side, salad, or dip!
Ingredients
Instructions
How to Make Cowboy Caviar
-
Prep your ingredients:
Begin by draining and rinsing the black beans and black-eyed peas under cold water. Let them sit in a colander to drain completely while you prepare the other ingredients.
-
Chop the vegetables:
Dice the red onion, red and green bell peppers, and jalapeño into small, uniform pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and dice the avocado. Roughly chop the fresh cilantro. The smaller your cuts, the better the texture of your final salad.
-
Combine the base:
In a large mixing bowl, add the beans, black-eyed peas, corn, tomatoes, onion, bell peppers, jalapeño, avocado, and cilantro. Gently stir to mix the ingredients evenly.
-
Make the dressing:
In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. You can also shake it in a jar with a tight lid for easier mixing.
-
Dress the salad:
Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss everything together, ensuring the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients.
-
Chill and let flavors meld:
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Cowboy Caviar for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the texture to firm up slightly.
-
Serve and enjoy:
Serve it cold as a dip with tortilla chips, as a taco topper, or even as a side salad. Give it a final gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
Serving Size 1 generous bowlful (~1.5 cups)”
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 220kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 7g11%
- Saturated Fat 1g5%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 0mg
- Sodium 320mg14%
- Potassium 420mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 32g11%
- Dietary Fiber 9g36%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 9g18%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 40 mg
- Calcium 60 mg
- Iron 2.5 mg
- Vitamin D 2 IU
- Vitamin E 1.5 IU
- Vitamin K 30 mcg
- Thiamin 0.2 mg
- Riboflavin 0.3 mg
- Niacin 2 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.4 mg
- Folate 80 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0 mcg
- Biotin 0.8 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 1.2 mg
- Phosphorus 90 mg
- Iodine 30 mcg
- Magnesium 40 mg
- Zinc 1.5 mg
- Selenium 15 mcg
- Copper 0.2 mg
- Manganese 1 mg
- Chromium 10 mcg
- Molybdenum 12 mcg
- Chloride 80 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
You can swap black-eyed peas with kidney beans or chickpeas. Add pomegranate seeds or mango for a sweet twist. For creamy texture, toss in some vegan feta!
