Cowboy Caviar, also known as Texas Caviar, is a bright and lively dish filled with fresh veggies, beans, corn, and jalapeño peppers, all tossed in a zesty dressing. It's a flexible option that works great as a dip with tortilla chips, a hearty side salad, or a fresh topping for grilled meats and fish.
What You’ll Find On This Page
This dish features a blend of crunchy vegetables, creamy avocados, and soft beans, spiced up with jalapeños. The tangy vinaigrette dressing enhances its flavors, making it not only a feast for the eyes with its vibrant ingredients but also a nutrient-packed choice.
What's more, it's super simple to prepare, perfect for making ahead of time for any gathering like BBQs, picnics, or potlucks. Ready in just about 15 minutes, Cowboy Caviar is your go-to for a quick, flavorful dish.
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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
The ingredients you'll need for making this Cowboy Caviar include basic pantry staples for the vinaigrette dressing and fresh produce for the salad. Let's check them out below.
Ingredients for Dressing
- Olive Oil: This forms the base of the dressing, adding a slightly fruity and robust flavor to your salad. I used classic olive oil, but you can go for a light-tasting one if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Vinegar: I favor red wine vinegar for its sweet, tangy, and slightly sharp flavor, but feel free to use any vinegar that fits your taste. For more options, check out my post on making vinaigrettes with different types of vinegar.
- Lemon Juice: This brings a citrusy, zesty punch to your dressing. You can also use lime juice, which has a slightly stronger flavor than lemon juice, if that's what you have on hand.
- Garlic: I suggest using fresh garlic cloves, either finely minced or grated, for their rich garlicky flavor. It adds depth to the dressing.
- Brown Sugar: This introduces a touch of sweetness, balancing out the flavors. If you'd prefer, you can skip it or swap it with honey or maple syrup.
- Salt and Black Pepper: These essential seasonings boost the taste of your dressing. For extra flavor, consider adding chili flakes or dried herbs like thyme or oregano.
Ingredients for Salad
- Veggies: I used red onion, Roma tomatoes, bell peppers, and cilantro leaves as the base for my salad. While these are classic choices for Cowboy Caviar, you can also use cherry or grape tomatoes and yellow onion based on your taste preference.
- Beans: Black beans and white kidney beans are my choices for a creamy, protein-packed salad. Red kidney beans and black-eyed peas are also good options. I used store-bought canned beans for convenience, but you can boil dried beans from scratch if you prefer.
- Corn: You can use either frozen or canned corn for this recipe. If using frozen corn, thaw it before adding. For canned corn, drain the liquid and rinse the corn with water. Alternatively, you can boil corn on the cob and scrape the kernels off for a from-scratch option.
- Jalapeno: It adds a touch of heat to the salad. If you find jalapeños too spicy, you can remove the seeds and veins to reduce the heat.
- Avocado: Look for avocados that are firm but yield slightly to gentle pressure. They’re perfect for adding a creamy layer to the salad. Avocados are also packed with essential nutrients and fiber.
- Tortilla Chips: While not part of the salad ingredients, they add a crispy and crunchy element when served alongside.
How to Make Cowboy Caviar at Home?
Let's make a healthy and flavorful Cowboy Caviar together! I'll guide you through making the tangy salad dressing, prepping the veggies and beans, and assembling everything into a delicious salad. Each step comes with a photo and a detailed video to make everything visually clear. So, let's get started!
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Texas Cowboy Caviar
Ingredients
For Dressing
- ¼ cup Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
- 1 tsp Brown Sugar
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- 2 cloves Garlic, grated
- Salt, to taste
For Salad
- 3 Roma Tomatoes, diced
- ½ medium Red Onion, diced
- 1 Avocado, sliced
- 15 oz Black Beans, rinsed and drained
- 15 oz White Beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup Frozen Corn, thawed
- ½ medium Bell Pepper, any color, diced
- 1 Jalapeño Pepper, diced, seeds removed
- 1 small bunch Cilantro Leaves, chopped
- Tortilla Chips, for serving
Instructions
Making Salad Dressing
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients listed under "dressing" into a bowl. Whisk them together until everything is thoroughly combined. Set this simple vinaigrette dressing aside for later use.
Preparing Veggies
- Start by thoroughly washing all the veggies—like tomatoes, bell peppers, jalapeños, and herbs. Pat them dry. Then, chop your Roma tomatoes into small, bite-sized pieces, removing any hard core parts. Transfer the chopped tomatoes into a bowl.
- Next, peel the outer papery layer of your red onions and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Add the onions to the bowl.
- Now, halve your bell peppers, remove the hard core and seeds, and chop them into small, uniform pieces.
- Slice your jalapeño peppers in half, discard the veins and seeds to reduce the heat, and chop them into small pieces. If you're sensitive to the heat, consider wearing gloves while handling them, or wash your hands thoroughly afterward to avoid any irritation.
- Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and slice the flesh inside. Scoop it out and add it to the bowl. Chop your cilantro and include it as well.
Assembling Salad
- Add the drained and rinsed black beans, white kidney beans, and corn to the bowl. Then, pour the prepared dressing over everything.
- Gently mix all ingredients using a spatula or spoon, making sure the dressing evenly coats all the veggies and beans. This helps blend the flavors together. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and enhance the salad's taste and texture. Your Cowboy Caviar is now ready to be served and enjoyed.
Serving
- Serve your Cowboy Caviar on its own or alongside tortilla chips for added crunch. For more pairing ideas, be sure to check out our Serving Suggestions section below.
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Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your salad heavily relies on the freshness of the veggies and herbs. Always opt for vibrant, fresh ingredients to achieve a perfectly balanced salad in both flavor and texture.
- Uniform Size: Chop the veggies into uniform pieces to help them distribute evenly and provide a consistent texture throughout the salad.
- Mix Gently: When combining all the ingredients, use a spatula or spoon to mix gently. This prevents the beans and avocado from breaking apart, maintaining a well-mixed salad with perfect textures.
- Add Avocado Last: Though the avocado is added to the mixing bowl to combine with the dressing, it's best to add it just before serving. This preserves the avocado’s creamy texture and prevents it from browning or becoming mushy, keeping it fresh and visually appealing.
- Boost the Protein: If you're looking for a heartier dish, try adding chopped grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, or tofu chunks to the Cowboy Caviar. This can easily transform it from a simple side into a satisfying main course.
- Spice Things Up: For an extra kick, sprinkle some taco seasoning or a Cajun spice mix over the veggies before mixing. This will infuse the salad with an additional layer of bold flavor.
- Other Dressing Options: While a simple vinaigrette is a classic choice for Cowboy Caviar, exploring other dressings like avocado, ranch, cilantro lime, or tahini dressing can introduce different flavors and add a unique twist to the classic version.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Serving Suggestions
Cowboy Caviar is a satisfying salad on its own, thanks to its fresh veggies and protein-rich beans. But it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes for a complete meal. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:
- Tortilla Chips: Perfect for dipping, crunchy tortilla chips help scoop up the salad and add a satisfying crunch to every bite.
- Tacos or Burritos: It’s great as a filling for chicken, fish, or shrimp tacos, or even tucked inside burritos alongside your favorite Mexican rice.
- Grilled or Roasted Meats: Top off grilled or roasted chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks with this salad for a hearty meal.
- Roasted or Baked Seafood: Complement baked salmon or tilapia with this vibrant salad for a delightful seafood dinner.
- Grains: For a more filling meal, add grains like quinoa or farro. Serve alongside various rice dishes, such as white, brown, or wild rice. Consider a side of guacamole for an extra flavorful touch, especially if you're leaning towards Mexican-style cuisine.
Storage Suggestions
I recommend enjoying this Cowboy Caviar salad fresh to fully appreciate its vibrant flavors. However, you can certainly prepare it ahead or store any leftovers. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and it should stay fresh for up to 2 days. If you're making it in advance, add the avocado and dressing right before serving to keep the ingredients crisp and prevent them from becoming soggy or wilted.
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