Cowboy Caviar
This cowboy caviar is the easiest crowd-pleasing dip that somehow disappears every single time. Black beans, black-eyed peas, sweet corn, peppers, tomatoes, avocado and feta get tossed in a zesty honey lime dressing. This cowboy caviar recipe takes just 15 minutes, needs no cooking and is perfect with tortilla chips.
Bring it to potlucks, game days and summer cookouts, or eat it with a spoon straight from the bowl. For another party favorite, make my Mexican Street Corn Dip.
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Caviar
- No cooking, just chopping and tossing.
- Fresh and colorful with tons of veggies and beans.
- Zesty honey lime dressing that soaks into every bite.
- Great for a crowd and serves 8 as a dip or side.
Ingredients for Cowboy Caviar
The Beans and Corn
Black beans, black-eyed peas and corn, all drained and rinsed.
The Veggies
Cherry tomatoes, red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, jalapeño, fresh cilantro and a diced avocado.
The Cheese
Crumbled feta adds a salty, creamy pop.
The Dressing
Olive oil, fresh lime juice, red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, kosher salt and black pepper.
Dietary note: Cowboy caviar is naturally gluten free and vegetarian. Skip the feta to make it dairy free, and swap the honey for maple syrup or agave to make it vegan.
How to Make Cowboy Caviar
Step 1: Make the dressing
Whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Step 2: Toss it together
Add everything except the feta to a large bowl and toss with the dressing.
Step 3: Fold in the feta
Gently fold in the crumbled feta so it stays in nice chunks.
Step 4: Let it marinate
Let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes so the flavors come together, then serve with tortilla chips.
Carly’s Expert Tips
- Rinse the beans well. It removes the starchy liquid and keeps the dip fresh and bright.
- Dice everything small so you get a little of everything on each chip.
- Add the avocado last if making ahead, so it stays green.
- Taste before serving. Add a squeeze of lime or pinch of salt to brighten it up.
Make It Your Own
- Grilled corn: Use charred corn for a smoky flavor.
- Spicier: Keep the jalapeño seeds or add a diced serrano.
- Make it a meal: Toss with grilled chicken or shrimp and serve over greens.
- Different cheese: Try cotija instead of feta.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep: Make cowboy caviar up to 2 days ahead without the avocado and feta. Stir them in right before serving so the avocado stays fresh.
What to Serve With Cowboy Caviar
Serve cowboy caviar with tortilla chips, spoon it over tacos or grilled chicken, or pile it onto a salad. It is a great side for Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Sliders with Tangy Coleslaw and any cookout spread.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftover cowboy caviar in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
The avocado may brown a little, so a fresh squeeze of lime helps. Do not freeze it.
What People Ask About Cowboy Caviar
What is cowboy caviar made of?
Cowboy caviar is made with black beans, black-eyed peas, corn, chopped veggies and a tangy vinaigrette. This version also has avocado and feta.
How long does cowboy caviar last?
It lasts up to 3 days in the fridge, or up to 4 days if you leave out the avocado.
What do you eat cowboy caviar with?
Tortilla chips are classic, but it is also great on tacos, salads, grilled chicken and fish.
Can I make cowboy caviar the night before?
Yes. It gets even better as it marinates. Add the avocado and feta just before serving.
Cowboy Caviar
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients.
- Add everything except the feta to a large bowl and toss with the dressing.
- Gently fold in the feta.
- Let it sit for 20–30 minutes before serving so all those flavors can come together.
- Serve with tortilla chips.
