Cowboy Caviar

Cowboy caviar, also known as Texas caviar, is not just another salsa recipe. This fresh, chunky dip is full of black-eyed peas, black beans, bell pepper, onion, tomato, and jalapeño for a kick of heat. It can be whipped up in just 15 minutes, or you can make it ahead of time to give all those delicious flavors a chance to meld. Call it a salsa, a salad, an appetizer, or one of your favorite vegetable side dishes—it's the perfect year-round potluck or party dish that will make everyone giddy up and eat!

Is cowboy caviar a salad or dip?

Salad is a loose term—just take this strawberry pretzel salad recipe for example! Cowboy caviar is whatever you want to make it. Scoop it up with tortilla chips as a party dip, or spoon some on a your picnic plate with barbecue and baked beans. No matter how you categorize it, it's darn delicious!

What else can you add to cowboy caviar?

Corn would be delicious in this recipe. Use a 15-ounce can of corn kernels, drained and rinsed, or 1 ½ cups frozen corn kernels, thawed. You could also add diced avocado, but wait to add it until just before serving so it remains fresh.

Can you make cowboy caviar with bottled Italian dressing?

Yes. This recipe calls for making a simple, homemade dressing, but bottled Italian dressing will work in a pinch. If you go that route, substitute about 1/3 cup of dressing in place of the olive oil, vinegar, and Worcestershire, and decrease the salt and pepper slightly.

Do you use canned beans and peas for cowboy caviar?

Yes, canned black beans and black-eyed peas make this dish super easy. All you have to do is crack open the cans, drain and rinse, and toss the beans and peas into the bowl, no cooking required! However, if you have a pot of black-eyed peas leftover from Sunday lunch, this is a great way to use 'em up! Feel free to start with fresh or dried beans and peas and cook them yourself for cowboy caviar, but don't shy away from canned goods either.

What does cowboy caviar taste like?

Like a cross between pico de gallo and black bean salsa, cowboy caviar is bright, fresh and full of crunch. Eat it with chips or serve it as a side dish on a summer cookout menu.

Is cowboy caviar spicy?

This is up to you! This recipe calls for one chopped jalapeño, which, when leaving the seeds and white flesh intact, adds a little spice to the dish. If you like it just a little spicy, remove the seeds. Don't like spice at all? Skip the jalapeño completely.

How long does cowboy caviar last in the refrigerator?

Cowboy caviar can be made up to two days in advance and refrigerated until ready to serve. It is fine to hold even longer, but the vegetables will start to lose their crunch. Pro tip: Add the cilantro right before serving in order to keep it bright and fresh.