Introducing the ultimate Cowboy Caviar Recipe – a versatile vegan dip that’s perfect for any occasion. Also known as Texas Caviar, this delicious bean-based dip is sure to please with its bold flavors and satisfying texture. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a tasty snack, Cowboy Caviar is the way to go.
This dip is a crowd-pleaser and a staple at BBQs and parties, loved by guests for its perfect balance of flavors and mix of textures. It can be served as a vegan appetizer with corn tortilla chips or as a side salad, making it a versatile addition to any menu.
Personally, I always turn to this recipe when I’m entertaining guests. It’s so good that people always come back for seconds and ask for the recipe. Trust me, one taste and you’ll understand why Cowboy Caviar is a must-have vegan dip. Give it a try and see for yourself how it’ll elevate your next gathering.
Ingredients & Substitutions: What Is In Vegan Cowboy Caviar
Cowboy Caviar is a simple yet flavorful vegan dip made with a variety of ingredients. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious vegan dip:
- Black beans (canned, rinsed, and drained)
- Black-eyed peas (canned, rinsed, and drained)
- Whole kernel corn (canned, drained)
- Orange bell pepper (diced)
- Red bell pepper (diced)
- Roma tomatoes or cherry tomatoes (diced)
- Red onion (diced)
- Ripe avocados (diced, optional)
- Cilantro (finely diced)
For the Chili Lime Vinaigrette, you’ll need:
- Olive oil
- White vinegar (red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar can be substituted)
- Fresh lime juice
- Pure maple syrup (organic sugar or agave can be substituted)
- Chili powder (use less for a milder flavor)
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
With these ingredients, you can easily make a delicious Cowboy Caviar that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Helpful Tools
- Mixing Bowl: Use a large mixing bowl to combine all the ingredients together. Make sure it is big enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably.
- Whisk: Use a whisk to blend the ingredients of the chili lime dressing together. It helps to create a smooth and well-combined dressing.
- Jar or Separate Bowl: Use a jar or a separate bowl to prepare the chili lime dressing. You can also use a dressing shaker bottle to make the process easier.
- Cutting Board and Knife: Use a cutting board and knife to chop the vegetables. You can use a food processor to save time and effort.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Use measuring cups and spoons to measure the ingredients accurately. This ensures that the recipe turns out the same each time you make it.
- Serving Bowl and Utensils: Use a serving bowl and utensils to present your cowboy caviar in an appealing way. You can also use it to toss the ingredients together before serving.
By using these helpful tools, you can make the process of making Cowboy Caviar more efficient and enjoyable.
Make To Make This Cowboy Caviar Recipe
To a large mixing bowl, add in the black beans, black-eyed peas, orange and red bell peppers, cilantro, corn, tomatoes, avocados, and onion. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

In a separate bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, white vinegar, fresh lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
Pour the chili lime dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture into the mixing bowl.

Mix everything together thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
If you’re not serving immediately, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Give the Cowboy Caviar a good stir before serving, to ensure that everything is well mixed.

Cowboy Caviar can be served cold or at room temperature. It’s best served with tortilla chips or as a side salad. So grab your chips and dig in! This tasty vegan dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Tips & Tricks For This Cowboy Caviar
- For extra flavor, try adding diced jalapeño or green chilies to the mix.
- Make sure to fully drain and rinse the beans and corn before adding them to the mixture.
- If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try using parsley instead.
- This recipe can easily be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. Experiment with different spices and vegetables to find your perfect combination.
FAQ: Cowboy Caviar Recipe
The cowboy caviar can stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored properly in the fridge. It’s best to enjoy it within the first day or two for the best taste and texture. Adding avocado just before serving can help maintain its freshness.
This Cowboy Caviar recipe is vegan as it’s made with beans, vegetables, and a vegan vinaigrette. However, some variations may include meat, so be sure to check the ingredients.
Absolutely! Cowboy caviar is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Not only is it a delicious dip, but it also makes a fantastic salad. Simply toss all the ingredients together in a bowl, and enjoy as a hearty and healthy lunch or side dish. It’s perfect for vegan meal prep, as it stays fresh in the fridge for several days.
Yes, you can make cowboy caviar without sugar by using natural sweeteners like diced gala apples or even a small amount of maple syrup, agave, or honey. This will give the dip a subtle sweetness without adding processed sugar. It’s a great way to make the recipe healthier while still keeping the delicious flavor.
Yes. This bean-forward dip gluten-free. It’s also packed with nutrients from the variety of veggies and beans used in the recipe.

The Best Cowboy Caviar (Texas Caviar)
Ingredients
- 1 19 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 19 oz can black eyed peas, rinsed and drained
- 1 12 oz can whole kernel corn, drained
- ½ an orange bell pepper, diced
- ½ a red bell pepper, diced
- 3 roma tomatoes OR 12 cherry tomatoes, diced
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- 1-2 ripe avocados, diced (optional)
- ⅓ cup cilantro, finely diced
Chili Lime Vinaigrette
- ½ cup olive oil
- ⅓ cup white vinegar (red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar work too)
- the juice of one fresh lime (about 2 tbsps)
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup (organic sugar or agave can be substituted)
- 1 tbsp chili powder (use 1 tsp for less of a kick)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- To a large mixing bowl, combine the beans, peppers, cilantro, corn, tomatoes, avocados, and onion.
- In a jar or separate bowl, add in the olive oil, vinegar, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly to combine.
- Next, add the chili lime dressing overtop of the bean and vegetable mixture.
- Mix thoroughly to combine. If you're not serving immediatly, toss well before serving.
- It can be served cold or at room temperature. Serve with tortilla chips and ENJOY!
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Notes
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the Best Cowboy Caviar Recipe is a delicious, vegan, and gluten-free dip that is perfect for parties and gatherings. It’s packed with plant-based ingredients and can be served as a dip with tortilla chips or as a salad. You can customize it to your liking by adding jalapeños for a kick or avocados for creaminess. It’s best served within the first day or two and can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to use maple syrup instead of sugar for a healthier option and add a diced gala apple for natural sweetness. Try this recipe at your next gathering, and you will be sure to impress your guests.
So good. My favorite go to appetizer or quick snack. You are going to want to try this 😋👍
Thanks so much for trying out my recipe so happy you loved it 😀
This is so tasty always make this for family gatherings easy, healthy and delicious 😋
I’m so happy your whole family loves the cowboy caviar! Thank you so much!!