The Ultimate Cowboy Caviar Dip Recipe

Black beans and an assortment of fresh ingredients combine with a sweet and savory dressing to create this Cowboy Caviar Dip. Served with tortilla chips, it will disappear in a flash.

Always Be Prepared

We love to entertain. Whether it’s a formal invite for dinner, a game day get-together or an informal gathering at the lake, we love having people over.

And, when they’re here, we must feed our guests! So, to make things easier on us, we make sure we always have a stock of dips, chips, crackers and fresh veggies available to get things started. I can just set these out and everyone can snack away.

One of my favorite things to serve that most everyone enjoys is fresh salsa along with our favorite chips for dipping. That, along with fresh vegetables, cherry tomatoes and a simple dip like ranch or hummus will pretty much please any crowd.

There are times, though, where I want a more hearty dip. Something not as light as a salsa or pico de gallo, but still can be handled with tortilla or corn chips. As I was doing a little research, I started coming across a lot of recipes for something called cowboy caviar.

What is Cowboy Caviar?

Cowboy caviar (or also called Texas Caviar), is basically a dish that combines beans, veggies and a dressing. There are a lot of cowboy caviar recipes out there, but to me, it comes down to making something that’s a hearty, little more complex version of a pico de gallo.

I also wondered where that name came from as it is a little bit unusual. What I found out was that a prominent chef and cookbook author by the name of Helen Corbitt, who spent quite a bit of time in Texas, is credited with making the first Texas or Cowboy Caviar.

Her original version was a combination of black-eyed peas, oil, garlic, vinegar and onions. She jokingly compared it to true caviar which is obviously a lot more expensive and harder to find. Kind of a cute little story and it sounds like she was quite a character!

Making the Cowboy Caviar

This cowboy caviar recipe does require a bit of chopping, but it’s such a flavorful dip that it’s worth the effort! As with many of my recipes, I try to use things you likely have in your pantry or fridge, or can find easily in your local grocery store.

The base of the dip starts with black beans. And bonus, they’re a great source of protein and nicely filling. Then, I build the flavor profile on top of that base:

• Heat: Jalapeño
• Bite: Red onion
• Sweetness and Crunch: Red pepper and fresh sweet corn
• Color and Taste: Roma tomatoes and a generous amount of fresh cilantro

It all comes together with an amazing sweet and savory dressing and you have yourself a tasty, colorful cowboy caviar. At this point, just put the cowboy caviar dip out with a big bowl of tortilla chips and watch it disappear!

Cowboy Caviar is Great for Many Occasions

I have made this recipe countless times and I find it works in all seasons and for all kinds of different get-togethers.

• Need an easy appetizer for a Super Bowl party?
• Need a party dip for a graduation party?
• Need the perfect appetizer for that summer bbq?

This wonderful recipe will take care of all those needs!

I have used this as a side dish with dinner and I also find it’s a great snack if you need something to take care of those late afternoon / late night hunger pangs. This easy recipe is a big hit with my family and friends and I’m sure it will be a crowd pleaser with yours.

Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

• This dip can be prepared up to two days in advance. I think the next day flavors are actually better than when it’s first made!
• If fresh corn is out of season, I recommend using frozen corn that’s been fully defrosted and drained.
• Substitute agave nectar for honey if you want this recipe to be vegan.
• I prefer using roma tomatoes over other varieties.
• To easily remove the seeds from the tomatoes, cut the tomato in half, gently squeeze and use your finger to scrape out the seeds.
• Substitute parsley for cilantro if you don’t have any on hand or you don’t care for the flavor of cilantro. It will add a brightness to the dip much like cilantro does.
• I keep this in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container or bowl wrapped with plastic wrap.

Ingredients Needed to Make Cowboy Caviar

Full instructions can be found below in the printable recipe card

• Fresh lime juice
• Apple cider vinegar – Apple cider vinegar is highly preferred as it’s a little sweeter and pairs so well with the honey. However, if you want to make this recipe and don’t have access to apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar are potential substitutes.
• Honey – To make this recipe vegan, use agave nectar as a substitute for the honey.
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil
• Black beans
• Red bell pepper
• Red onion
• Jalapeno – Remember to scrape out the seeds so the dip doesn’t become too spicy.
• Fresh Corn – You can use well-drained canned corn or frozen corn that’s been fully thawed and drained if fresh corn is not available.
• Roma tomatoes
• Fresh cilantro – Some people do not like the taste of cilantro, and in that case, you can substitute fresh parsley.
• Tortilla chips

How to Make Cowboy Caviar

• In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, vinegar, honey, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper.
• Slowly whisk in olive oil, until well combined. Set aside.
• Combine remaining ingredients on list through cilantro in a large bowl.
• Pour dressing over mixture and gently stir until ingredients are well coated.
• Serve with tortilla chips.

Here Are Some Other Dips That Pair Well With Cowboy Caviar

• Restaurant Style Salsa
• Texas Trash Dip
• The Best Guacamole
• Hatch Chili Pub Style Cheese Dip

ENJOY!