Name: Cowboy Caviar Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: PT-492144H44M7S
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 4 large Roma tomatoes (seeded and diced); ½ red onion (diced); 15 oz can black beans (rinsed and drained); 15 oz can black eyed peas (rinsed and drained); 10 oz package frozen corn kernels (thawed); 1 green bell pepper (seeded and diced); 1-2 jalapenos (seeded and diced); 1 bunch cilantro (chopped); ⅓ cup olive oil; 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 lime (juiced); ½ teaspoon chili powder; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for more spice); Salt and pepper (to taste)

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Introduction

Cowboy caviar is a colorful and flavorful dip packed with fresh vegetables, beans, and a zesty dressing. Perfect for parties or a healthy snack, it combines a variety of textures and tastes that everyone will love.

A white bowl filled with a colorful three-layer bean salad sits on a wooden board with a white marbled background. The salad has black beans, light brown beans, yellow corn, green bell pepper pieces, diced red onions, and chopped cilantro, all mixed together, creating a vibrant mix of black, yellow, green, purple, and red colors. Two lime wedges are placed on the right edge of the bowl. Around the bowl, there are several light-colored tortilla chips and a whole green chili pepper on the wooden board, with a red and white checkered cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 large Roma tomatoes (seeded and diced)
½ red onion (diced)
15 oz can black beans (rinsed and drained)
15 oz can black eyed peas (rinsed and drained)
10 oz package frozen corn kernels (thawed)
1 green bell pepper (seeded and diced)
1-2 jalapenos (seeded and diced)
1 bunch cilantro (chopped)
⅓ cup olive oil
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 lime (juiced)
½ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for more spice)
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, sugar, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, red onion, black beans, black eyed peas, thawed corn, green bell pepper, jalapenos, and chopped cilantro.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the ingredients in the large bowl and toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 4: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together. Serve chilled with tortilla chips.

Tips & Variations

For a milder version, remove all the seeds from the jalapenos or substitute with a milder pepper.
Add a diced avocado just before serving for extra creaminess.
Use fresh corn instead of frozen when in season for a sweeter crunch.
Swap white wine vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a slightly tangier flavor.

Storage

Store cowboy caviar in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be served chilled or at room temperature. Avoid storing with tortilla chips to prevent them from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a colorful bean salad, showing a mix of black beans, brown beans, yellow corn kernels, chopped green bell peppers, red diced tomatoes, and small pieces of purple onion, all mixed with green herbs and a slight shine suggesting a light dressing. To the right side of the bowl, a lime wedge rests on the rim. In the background, another white bowl contains light yellow tortilla chips, with some more chips scattered on a white marbled texture. A red and white checkered cloth is partially visible at the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make cowboy caviar ahead of time?

Yes, preparing it a few hours or even a day in advance helps the flavors meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated and toss before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, cowboy caviar is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free chips or dippers.