{The BEST} Cowboy Caviar Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (2024)

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Cowboy Caviar, also known as Texas Caviar, is a cold salad recipe consisting of black eyed peas, a light vinaigrette dressing, and colorful vegetables! There are a lot of ingredients, both fresh and canned, and there’s quite a bit of chopping, but every single bite will have a little bit of everything! This recipe makes a fantastic dish to bring to a potluck or summer BBQ and a fantastic meal prep option for weekday lunches.

{The BEST} Cowboy Caviar Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (1)

Table of Contents

  • What is Cowboy Caviar?
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  • Why this recipe works:
  • Ingredients needed:
    • Salad ingredients:
    • Dressing ingredients:
  • How to make this recipe:
    • Step 1: Chop and measure the ingredients.
    • Step 2: Make the Cowboy Caviar dressing.
    • Step 3: Add dressing to salad.
  • Make ahead directions:
  • Storage:
  • Serving recommendations:
  • Cowboy Caviar Recipe

What is Cowboy Caviar?

If you’ve ever eaten Cowboy Caviar, you know what it is. Mostly because it’s a surprisingly delicious recipe and if anyone is ever trying it for the first time, they ask what it is.

But if you’re wondering why it’s called Cowboy Caviar, I’ll share what I could find.

Interestingly, there isn’t even a wikipedia entry for Cowboy Caviar. It goes straight to Texas Caviar and the information given is rather scarce.

This recipe originated around the 1940s in Texas as a dip consisting of black-eyed peas in a vinaigrette. It was often served with tortilla chips. It was given it’s caviar name almost as a joke because it’s basically a very poor man’s version of the more expensive real caviar.

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Why this recipe works:

Go ahead and google Cowboy Caviar and you’ll be treated to tons of recipes that look basically the same.

  • Best combination of ingredients: Although my recipe follows the same notion of covering black-eyed peas in a light homemade vinaigrette, I add a few ingredients that not only add texture and color, but this recipe really does have the best flavor of any recipe for Cowboy Caviar that I’ve tried.
  • Consistency makes a difference: A good cowboy caviar recipe relies on how good of a chopper you are. For real. I try my best to make every little piece of food no larger than a single bean. You want to be able to shove a spoonful in your mouth and get a little bit of each ingredient into each bite.
{The BEST} Cowboy Caviar Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (2)

Ingredients needed:

Salad ingredients:

You can always vary these to match your preferences, but these are my go-to Cowboy Caviar ingredients:

  • black beans – I use Trader Joe’s canned Cuban black beans because they have a lot of great flavor
  • black-eyed peas – of course
  • tomatoes – I remove the seeds and any wet pulp and chop up the flesh
  • corn – I use canned or Trader Joe’s frozen roasted corn if fresh corn is not in season, but grilled corn (like you’d make for Mexican street corn) is fabulous when removed from the cob
  • black olives – this is what I consider my secret ingredient. Yum!
  • avocado – find one that’s firm but ripe
  • red bell pepper – you can use a different color if you prefer
  • red onion – I dice this real small
  • cilantro – if you’re not a fan, you can leave out

Dressing ingredients:

My Cowboy Caviar vinaigrette consists of lime juice, raw honey, chili powder, cumin, salt, and olive oil.

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How to make this recipe:

Step 1: Chop and measure the ingredients.

Combine all of the salad ingredients into one large bowl.

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{The BEST} Cowboy Caviar Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (5)
{The BEST} Cowboy Caviar Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (6)

Step 2: Make the Cowboy Caviar dressing.

Whisk together all of the ingredients except for the oil. Then, simply pour a thin steady stream of the oil into the other ingredients while whisking constantly until the dressing has emulsified.

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{The BEST} Cowboy Caviar Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (8)
{The BEST} Cowboy Caviar Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (9)

Step 3: Add dressing to salad.

Pour the dressing over all of the remaining ingredients in a large bowl and toss to combine.

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{The BEST} Cowboy Caviar Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (12)

Make ahead directions:

Sometimes we all need a good make ahead recipe, especially when our long summer days are full of fun and activities.

To make my cowboy caviar recipe ahead of time, simply mix together the salad ingredients together except for the avocado and mix the dressing separately. When you’re ready to serve, cut up the avocado and then toss everything together.

Storage:

I still think Cowboy Caviar tastes best if eaten immediately, however it’s still good if kept refrigerated for at least a couple of days.

The acid from the lime juice in the dressing helps keep the veggies fresh, but the tomatoes will release liquid over time. If you’re eating leftovers, just be sure to use a slotted spoon to scoop each serving out of the bowl.

Serving recommendations:

Since Cowboy Caviar is often considered a dip, people usually serve it with tortilla chips.

I consider this recipe more of a salad, so I prefer to serve it as a side dish. This recipe goes great withSlow Cooker Carnitas,Jalapeno Popper Chicken Flautas, orMahi Mahi Fish Tacos.

Every time I’m invited to a potluck, I bring one of three different recipes and they’re always a hit.

It’s always a toss up between this Cowboy Caviar, my classic deviled eggs, or my fruit salad recipe, all of which are really good! Plus, you can blow people’s minds by also making myDessert Cowboy Caviar!

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Cowboy Caviar

Prep20 minutes mins

Total5 minutes mins

Servings 12 servings

Author Krissy Allori

{The BEST} Cowboy Caviar Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (14)

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Cowboy Caviar, also known as Texas Caviar, is a cold salad recipe consisting of black eyed peas, a light vinaigrette dressing, and colorful vegetables!

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Equipment

Ingredients

Caviar:

  • 15 ounce can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 15 ounce can black eyed peas drained and rinsed
  • 2 medium tomatoes seeds removed, diced (about 1 cup once chopped)
  • 15 ounce can corn drained, can use 1-2 cups of fresh or frozen instead if available
  • 15 ounce can olives drained and chopped
  • 1 avocado pit removed, peeled, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper seeds and stem removed, diced
  • 1/2 medium red onion diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro minced

Dressing:

Instructions

  • Make the salad: Combine all ingredients except for those designated for the dressing in a very large bowl. Toss to combine.

  • Make the dressing: Combine all of the remaining ingredients except for the olive oil. While whisking, slowly pour a thin stream of olive oil in, whisking constantly, until it all has been added. Continue to whisk until fully emulsified.

  • Combine and serve: Add dressing to the salad and toss to coat. Transfer to a clean bowl for serving, if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate to serve later. Best if served same day. If you want to make ahead, omit the avocado and keep dressing separate until you're ready to serve. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 269kcal, Carbohydrates: 29g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 753mg, Potassium: 486mg, Fiber: 9g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 815IU, Vitamin C: 21.2mg, Calcium: 44mg, Iron: 2.3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave me acomment below

This recipe was originally published in May 2019 and has been updated with helpful information, ingredient and process photos, as well as recipe tips. Don’t worry – the recipe hasn’t changed!

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{The BEST} Cowboy Caviar Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (15)

Hi! I’m Krissy.

I love to create the BEST versions of your favorite recipes. If you love to cook, love to eat, or just have a deep appreciation for good food, you're in the right place! Stick around... I have hundreds of recipes for you to make.

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{The BEST} Cowboy Caviar Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (2024)

FAQs

What is cowboy caviar controversy? ›

After Bria's recipe got popular on TikTok, several people called her out for cultural appropriation, claiming that cowboy caviar was a white-washed version of the popular Mexican salsa, pico de gallo, which is traditionally made with chopped tomato, onion, serrano peppers, and cilantro.

What is the cowboy caviar dressing? ›

I've been making this Texas Caviar for over 40 years. We use bottled Italian Dressing, fresh squeezed lime juice as our dressing. We also use diced tomatoes, green bell peppers, jalapeños cilantro & white onions, then canned black eyed peas, black beans, and whole kernel corn.

What is cowboy caviar actually called? ›

Texas caviar, also called cowboy caviar, is a bean salad consisting of black-eyed peas lightly pickled in a vinaigrette-style dressing, often eaten as a dip accompaniment to tortilla chips.

Why is cowboy caviar so good? ›

It's packed with dietary fiber and plant-based protein, too. This healthy cowboy caviar recipe is essentially a fresh salsa packed with amazing-for-you simple ingredients like tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, beans, and corn and then tossed in an easy delicious lime dressing.

Why is caviar banned in us? ›

Harvesting. The beluga sturgeon is currently considered to be critically endangered, causing the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to ban in 2005 the importation of beluga caviar which originated in the Caspian Sea and Black Sea basin.

What to eat with cowboy caviar? ›

Serve your caviar either as a dip with tortilla chips, or as a salad over lettuce leaves. It also makes a great salsa like topping for grilled chicken breast, London broil, grilled salmon, quesadillas or steak tacos. You could also try some cowboy caviar on a burrito bowl.

How long can you keep cowboy caviar in the fridge? ›

Store cowboy caviar in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. We don't recommend freezing this dish, as some of the ingredients don't freeze well.

Is Trader Joe's cowboy caviar spicy? ›

Pickled in a blend of chipotle peppers, adobo sauce and lime juice, this crunchy, savory, salsa sensation carries southwestern character and enough heat to take note.

Who invented cowboy caviar? ›

Cowboy Caviar is an old recipe that was created by Helen Corbitt, famed 1950s Neiman Marcus food director, it was first served as “pickled black-eyed peas” on New Year's Eve at the Houston Country Club. Soon after, it was dubbed “Texas caviar.” I found this tidbit of history interesting.

How many carbs are in cowboy caviar? ›

Nutrition Information
NutrientsAmount
Sodium100 mg
Carbohydrates14 g
Dietary Fiber4 g
Total Sugars2 g
10 more rows

What are the three types of caviar? ›

There are differences in colour, taste and size between Russian, Iranian and Siberian caviar varieties. These are obtained from different female sturgeon species from the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov, the Caspian Sea and the Arctic Ocean.

What is Mexican caviar called? ›

Escamoles (Spanish: [eskaˈmoles]; Nahuatl languages: azcamolli, from azcatl 'ant' and molli 'puree'), known colloquially as Mexican caviar or insect caviar, are the edible larvae and pupae of ants of the species Liometopum apiculatum and L. occidentale var.

What is the number 1 caviar in the world? ›

While Beluga caviar has cemented its name as one of the finest caviars in the world, there are many other types of caviar with similar qualities. Plus, these varieties are harvested from sustainably farmed sturgeon species, making them an eco-friendly Beluga caviar substitute.

What is the most delicious caviar? ›

Beluga caviar is widely regarded as the rarest and most sought-after type of caviar. This luxurious delicacy comes from the Beluga sturgeon, a species that swims in the unpolluted waters of the Caspian Sea. It boasts an unadulterated rich, buttery, and creamy flavor enhanced by mild hazelnut essences.

What makes caviar taste so good? ›

The flavors associated with caviar do have common explanations: a breath of the sea, a touch of salt, the delicate flavor of fresh fish, sometimes smooth and nutty, full of sweet brine that pops in your mouth and fills your nose, like good raw oysters but richer.

Why is caviar controversial? ›

Caviar has been criticized and even banned in some jurisdictions for its extreme impact on wild sturgeons, which are the most endangered species group on earth.

What's the big deal about caviar? ›

Beluga, Ossetra, Sevruga, and Hackleback are popular sturgeon varieties used for caviar. The eggs from these fish are carefully extracted and cured with salt to develop their signature texture and complex flavor. Caviar is considered a luxury due to its scarcity, labor-intensive production, and exorbitant pricing.

Is caviar farming ethical? ›

Caviar farming is rife with overfishing and questionable operations. Fishers extract the females from families and inhumanely scrape the ovaries of roe. Most of the time, the mother sturgeon dies while her eggs are obtained.

What is up with caviar? ›

Technically, caviar refers to the cured eggs of sturgeon (a type of fish). Uncured eggs are called roe, but, over time, the word “caviar” has come to be used for several types of roe, even uncured and non-sturgeon varieties. The very small spheres range in color from bright orange to nearly black.

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