Cowboy Caviar is your go-to dish when you need something fresh and functional in a flash. This dish is perfect for using up summer produce and comes together in under 15 minutes. Whether you enjoy it as a dip or a salad, it’s apt for picnics, potlucks, or any casual gathering.

• Cuisine: Tex-Mex
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 6-8

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare, taking only 15 minutes.
• It’s healthy, packed with fresh vegetables and beans.
• Versatile as a dip or side dish, accommodating various meals.
• Perfect for using up leftover produce from your garden or fridge.

Ingredients

• 3 Roma tomatoes (seeds removed, diced): These add a fresh, juicy texture. Great for balancing the creaminess of the avocado.
• 2 avocados (diced): Brings creamy richness. Make sure they’re ripe but firm.
• ⅓ cup diced red onion: Offers a sharp bite. If red onion is too strong, substitute with green onions.
• 15 ounces canned black beans (1 can, rinsed and drained): Provides protein and texture. Rinsing removes excess sodium.
• 15 ounces canned black eyed peas (1 can, rinsed and drained): Complements the black beans, adding a hearty element. Also benefits from rinsing.
• 1 ½ cups frozen corn kernels (thawed): Adds sweetness and crunch. Fresh or canned corn can substitute.
• 1 bell pepper (diced, any color): Introduces crunch and color. Red, yellow, or orange varieties lend sweetness.
• 1 jalapeño (seeds removed, finely diced): Adds heat. Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
• ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro: Imparts fresh herbaceous notes. If not a fan of cilantro, use parsley.
• Tortilla chips (for serving): Offers a crunchy vehicle for scooping up the dip.
• ⅓ cup olive oil: Forms the base of the dressing, adding richness.
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice: Provides a zesty, bright contrast. Lemon juice can substitute.
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Adds tanginess to the dressing, enhancing flavor depth.
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Balances the acidity in the dressing.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth.
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a subtle, savory background note.

How to Make It

Step 1: Combine Fresh Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, avocado, red onion, black beans, black eyed peas, corn, bell pepper, jalapeño, and cilantro. Toss thoroughly to mix the ingredients, ensuring even distribution of textures and flavors.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk until the dressing is emulsified and smooth, balancing all the flavors perfectly.

Step 3: Dress the Salad

Pour the dressing over the bowl of combined vegetables and beans. Stir or toss until the dressing coats all the ingredients well. This step ensures that each bite is flavorful and cohesive.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

Refrigerate the Cowboy Caviar until ready to serve. This helps meld the flavors. Stir again just before serving to redistribute the dressing, which may have settled.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare Cowboy Caviar a day in advance. The flavors develop over time, but consider adding avocados just before serving to prevent browning.

What can I use instead of black eyed peas?

If black eyed peas are unavailable, you can substitute with chickpeas or an extra can of black beans for a similar texture and protein content.

How can I adjust the spice level?

To reduce heat, use half a jalapeño or omit it entirely. For more spice, leave the jalapeño seeds in or add a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.