Cowboy Caviar

Photo of author
Author: Olivia
Published:
Bowl of colorful Cowboy Caviar with beans, corn, and vegetables

Here is an easy, fresh Cowboy Caviar recipe.

introduction

Cowboy Caviar is a bright, simple salad of beans, corn, and fresh veggies. It works as a snack, side, or light meal. If you like bold, fresh flavors, you may also enjoy the Cowboy Butter Chicken recipe.

why make this recipe

  • It is quick to make.
  • It uses pantry items and fresh vegetables.
  • It tastes fresh and bright after chilling.
  • It fits parties, picnics, and weeknight meals.

how to make Cowboy Caviar

  1. Drain and rinse the canned beans and corn well. Pat them dry.
  2. Chop the cilantro, bell peppers, and red onion.
  3. Mix beans, corn, and chopped vegetables in a large bowl.
  4. Whisk the spices, sugar, oil, vinegar, lime juice, and garlic powder for the dressing.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad and stir gently to coat.
  6. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes so the flavors blend.

Ingredients :

  • 15.5 oz. black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 15.5 oz. black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
  • 15 oz. sweet corn, drained
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
  • ½ cup orange bell pepper, diced
  • ½ cup red onion, diced
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • ½ tsp. kosher salt
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • ⅓ cup white wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp. fresh lime juice
  • ¼ tsp. garlic powder

Directions :

  1. Prepare black beans, black-eyed peas, and corn by draining and rinsing them, then pat dry.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine beans and corn with chopped cilantro, red and orange bell peppers, and red onion.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together chili powder, kosher salt, granulated sugar, olive oil, white wine vinegar, fresh lime juice, and garlic powder until smooth.
  4. Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture and stir gently until evenly coated.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.

how to serve Cowboy Caviar

  • Serve chilled or at room temperature.
  • Spoon over tortilla chips for a dip.
  • Use as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
  • Serve with tacos or on a bed of greens as a salad.

how to store Cowboy Caviar

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
  • It stays good for 3 to 4 days.
  • Stir before serving. If it looks dry, add a splash of lime juice or a little oil.

tips to make Cowboy Caviar

  • Rinse beans well to remove canning liquid.
  • Dice vegetables small for even bites.
  • Taste the dressing and adjust salt, sugar, or lime as needed.
  • Let it chill for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.

variation (if any)

  • Add chopped avocado just before serving.
  • Use black beans only, or swap chickpeas for a different texture.
  • Add jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
  • Swap white wine vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a milder tang.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Make it the day before and chill. Add avocado only when serving.

Q: Is this gluten free?
A: Yes, the basic recipe is gluten free. Check labels on canned items to be sure.

Q: Can I use frozen corn?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain well before mixing.

Q: How can I make it less sweet?
A: Reduce the granulated sugar or skip it. Taste and adjust the dressing.

Print
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Cowboy Caviar

  • Author: arianarecipes
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

A bright and fresh salad of beans, corn, and veggies, perfect as a snack or side dish.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 15.5 oz. black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 15.5 oz. black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
  • 15 oz. sweet corn, drained
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
  • ½ cup orange bell pepper, diced
  • ½ cup red onion, diced
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • ½ tsp. kosher salt
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • ⅓ cup white wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp. fresh lime juice
  • ¼ tsp. garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse the canned beans and corn well. Pat them dry.
  2. Chop the cilantro, bell peppers, and red onion.
  3. Mix beans, corn, and chopped vegetables in a large bowl.
  4. Whisk the spices, sugar, oil, vinegar, lime juice, and garlic powder for the dressing.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad and stir gently to coat.
  6. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes so the flavors blend.

Notes

Let the Cowboy Caviar chill for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors. Serve chilled or at room temperature.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Ariana’s Delicious Moments
Hi, I’m Ariana!

A self-taught home cook who loves creating everyday recipes that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly. This blog is where I share the meals I actually make from quick weeknight dinners to sweet weekend treats.Let’s cook together!

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