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Cowboy caviar, also known as Texas caviar, is a zesty, colorful, Midwestern dish that’s the perfect meat-free option for a healthy lunch or snack! Full of fresh ingredients and pantry staples, it’s easy to make and so delicious. Serve it on its own, as a side, or stuffed into burritos or tacos!
Not only is cowboy caviar budget-friendly, but it’s also loaded with vitamins, nutrients, and plant-based protein. Plus, it’s super versatile and literally ready in minutes.
Why Is It Called Cowboy Caviar?
Cowboy caviar was actually originally known as Texas caviar and was invented by Helen Corbitt, a head chef at the famous Neiman Marcus restaurant, in 1940. Helen’s version contained black-eyed peas, cilantro, garlic, red bell pepper, and red onion tossed in an oil and red wine vinegar dressing. Due to the appearance of the black-eyed peas that resembled traditional caviar, the name originated as a play on words and persists today.
Ingredient Notes
- Beans – Pinto beans, black beans, and garbanzo beans form the base of the dish creating a unique texture and contributing lots of fiber and plant-based protein.
- Corn – Adds a pop of color and sweet taste.
- Avocado – Provides a good source of healthy fats and creates a creamy texture.
- Vegetables – Tomatoes, jalapeño, chili peppers, garlic cloves, and red onion create a colorful dish and satisfying crunch while packing just a bit of heat that makes the flavor out of this world.
- Cilantro – Brightens the dish.
- Oil – I use olive oil, but avocado oil can be substituted to create the dressing.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – For a bit of tang. Feel free to substitute red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar instead.
- Salt & Pepper – Add as little or as much as you’d like.
- Sugar – Just a pinch of sweetness levels out the heat from the rest of the ingredients. Adjust the amount used according to your preferences.
- Lime Juice – Adds a vibrant taste you’ll love!
Flavor Variations
Although the basic recipe for this dish is simple, you can easily switch it up with alternative ingredients and add-ins. For instance, some common options include:
- Mixing in protein like cooked chicken or shrimp
- Swapping out the dressing with a classic Italian dressing instead
- Adding grains like rice or quinoa
- Stirring in feta or goat cheese
Top Tips
- For the best flavor, let your recipe chill in the fridge for at least an hour if not longer. This gives the flavors enough time to marinate and really sink in, making for an even tastier recipe.
- Give the ingredients a good stir before serving to reincorporate any dressing that sank to the bottom while it sat.
- If you know you won’t be serving your cowboy caviar immediately, I highly recommend saving the avocado until just before you eat. This will prevent it from becoming brown and mushy.
Serving Suggestions
This recipe is awesome served with tortilla chips as a dip. However, it’s also great to incorporate into complete meals! For example, some of my favorite ways to use it include:
- Layered over a bed of greens for a salad
- Added to a rice bowl
- As a topping for protein like chicken or tilapia
Storage Options
This recipe is best served right away to prevent the ingredients from becoming soggy. However, if you do happen to have leftovers, they can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Cowboy Caviar
Ingredients
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans , drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can whole corn , drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans , drained and rinsed
- 2 ripe avocados , diced
- 3 roma tomatoes , deseeded and chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 jalapeno, deseeded and diced
- ½ cup red onion , diced
- ⅓ cup cilantro, chopped
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 lime, juiced
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain the canned beans and corn, rinse, and add to a large bowl.
- Add the tomatoes, jalapenos, avocado, mini peppers, onions, garlic, and cilantro to the corn and bean mixture and mix until well combined.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, sugar, salt, and pepper and mix until well combined.
- Pour the olive oil mixture over the salad and mix well to evenly incorporate.
- Check for seasoning and add salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For the best flavor, let your recipe chill in the fridge for at least an hour if not longer. This gives the flavors enough time to marinate and really sink in, making for an even tastier recipe.
- Give the ingredients a good stir before serving to reincorporate any dressing that sank to the bottom while it sat.
- If you know you won’t be serving your cowboy caviar immediately, I highly recommend saving the avocado until just before you eat. This will prevent it from becoming brown and mushy.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How To Make Cowboy Caviar Step By Step
Add the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, sugar, salt, and pepper to a bowl and mix until well combined.
Pour the olive oil mixture over the salad and mix until well combined.
Check for seasoning, serve with tortilla chips, and enjoy!
More Side Dishes You Might Enjoy
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