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Cowboy Caviar Recipe

Cowboy Caviar is a zesty, colorful mix of beans, veggies, and a tangy chipotle-lime vinaigrette. It’s perfect as a party dip or vibrant side dish, bursting with bold flavors and fresh crunch in every bite—simple to make, refreshing to eat, and impossible to resist.
5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 7 cups
Calories 139 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Colander or sieve
  • Silicone spatula or mixing spoon

Ingredients
  

Caviar

  • 1 can black eyed peas drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2/3 cup finely diced red onion
  • 2 cups frozen corn
  • 1 ½ cups diced fresh bell peppers
  • 1 cup diced fresh tomato
  • 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1/3 cup diced pickled jalapeño peppers or other pickled peppers
  • 1/3 cup diced jarred roasted red peppers

Dressing

  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle pepper or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/3 cup avocado oil or other vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 lime juiced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/3 cup seasoned rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste

Instructions
 

  • Whisk together avocado oil, rice vinegar, lime juice, minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, sugar, ground cumin, paprika, and chipotle in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
  • Rinse the diced red onion thoroughly under cold water, then drain well.
  • To the bowl of dressing, add diced bell peppers, roasted red peppers, jalapeños, drained black beans, black-eyed peas, corn, chopped tomato, and the rinsed onion.
  • Stir everything together until evenly coated.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 12, giving it a toss now and then to keep the flavors mingling.
  • Just before serving, mix in freshly chopped cilantro and taste for seasoning, adding more salt if needed.
  • Serve chilled with tortilla chips.

Notes

  • Rinsing the red onion removes harsh bitterness and helps balance the dip's bright flavors.
  • For even more depth, lightly char the corn before adding it.
  • Use gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation or eye contact.