The Best Cowboy Caviar Recipe (2024)

Cowboy Caviar is the one recipe I make that everyone raves about! This fresh and simple side dish can be put together in less than 15 minutes. With a handful of simple ingredients, it makes a great side dish for potlucks, picnics, or parties. It is also a great way to use up your summer produce. This Texas caviar recipe also makes a great dip with tortilla chips or on top of a toasted crostini! Take your pick on how you serve it! As a result, it will be a crowd-pleaser!

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Texas caviar a colorful and zesty side dish is made with fresh bell peppers, corn, tomatoes, onions, black-eyed peas, black beans, jalapeno, cilantro, and optional avocado. Another great idea is to use it as a fresh taco filling! For this reason, there are so many endless ideas when it comes to this texas caviar!

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Why is it called Cowboy Caviar?

Cowboy caviar gets its name from its Texas origins. It was invented by a woman in the 1940’s in Texas as a way to add flavor to eating black-eyed peas, which are traditionally eaten for good luck on New Year’s Eve. All of the ingredients in cowboy caviar are chopped small to mimic true caviar, though the tastes are very different! I don't know about you but I prefer this version!

Some refer to this cowboy caviar recipe as texas caviar, redneck caviar, or cowboy salsa. Whatever you call it, it is the perfect summer side dish or as an easy and quick appetizer. Even the pickiest eaters will be satisfied! In addition, this recipe along with our Avocado Crack Dip are huge party favorites. They're both my go-to options for making ahead and bringing along to a party.

Clearly, I've made this cowboy caviar recipe, or texas caviar so many different ways. Occasionally, I will toss one or two avocados in for added flavor. For example, my husband doesn't like tomatoes so I have made it multiple times with more bell peppers as a substitute. Whatever your preference, this Texas caviar will taste delicious!

Preparation Tips:

• First, rinse, drain and pat the beans and corn dry before adding them to the bowl. Doing so will help reduce the liquid.
• The longer you let the flavors settle, the richer the flavor becomes.
• Add more cilantro and jalapenos for a little extra kick! Sometimes I leave the seeds in and boy does it give it extra flavor!
• This recipe can be customized to your liking. For example, substitute bell peppers in place of tomatoes.
• Swap out the homemade dressing for Italian Dressing. This is my favorite Italian dressing and I've used it when I've been low on certain ingredients.
• Press and roll the lime to release liquid before cutting it in half.
• Lastly, Mix together with homemade dressing and serve!

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