Cowboy Caviar is also lovingly known as Texas Caviar. It's a zesty and easy recipe that's full of your favorite veggies and is made with a tangy vinegar dressing. It's a healthy vegan dip, salsa, or salad topping.

Overhead view of cowboy caviar in a blue bowl showing corn, beans and more veggies all waiting to be dipped with a chip.

Full of fresh vegetables, beans, corn, and a tangy red wine vinegar dressing, this cowboy caviar recipe is a hit in our household — and with all of our friends.

Plus, it’s ready to serve in minutes.

This delicious recipe is also called “Texas caviar” and it is the perfect companion for any get-together.

Table of Contents

What is Texas Caviar

Texas caviar is commonly referred to as a salad or a dip. It can be used as a condiment on things like sandwiches, salads, and bean burgers or eaten as a dip on chips, crackers etc.

But it is also splendid to eat by itself. It is extremely versatile and one of the easiest dishes to make. Just like this Loaded Black Bean Salad recipe you can also have it as a side dish with no problem.

The dressing adds a zestiness to the dip, all while the vegetables remain crunchy. It’s the perfect mix.

To make Texas caviar, you simply chop, pour, stir and chill.

Overhead view of three bowls full of this Texas caviar recipe and a bowl of tortilla strips on the side.

Overhead view of each ingredient pared and diced and in their own small bowl.

This cowboy caviar dip is the perfect healthy dish to bring along to any summer picnic — your family and friends will be asking for it on every occasion after the first bite.

FAQ's

How long does Cowboy caviar keep

Texas caviar typically does well in the refrigerator for three to four days.

Can you add avocado to this salad

Yes, you can. Although Texas Caviar typically does not call for avocado, it is an excellent addition to the dip. Simply chop an avocado and add it into the dip right before serving to keep it from discoloring.

I like the flavors, but I don’t like spice — can I omit the jalapeno

Jalapenos are pretty darn good and add a lot but you can sure omit them if you aren’t a fan of the heat that it brings, consider adding a quarter of the amount called for in the recipe and add more in as desired.

I don’t have red wine vinegar, what can I use instead?

If you don’t have any red wine vinegar on hand, you could substitute apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, or lime juice.

One bite of dip on a chip and being held up close to the lens.

Making the dressing

You can't beat the simplicity and special flavors using lime along with red wine vinegar. Just mix all of the ingredients together in the measurements called for in the recipe card.

Extra virgin olive oil has deep rich flavors that are perfect for an addition to a vinegar dressing.
Red wine vinegar is richer than white vinegar and works well with bean salads.
Lime juice is such a nice alternative to lemon and offers a milder dressing.
Ground cumin gives a little bit of a spicy twist.
Salt and pepper are the perfect seasonings.

The mixed dressing is in a white bowl sitting in front of corn, black eyes peas and squeezed lime.

Cowboy caviar dip serving suggestions

Try it as a side, or as a topping on these wonderful Black Bean Burgers.
Serve it alongside any of your favorite tacos and especially with this Crispy Tenders Meatless Tacos recipe.
How about making it a lunch and have some delicious Focaccia Bread on the side.

Three full bowls angled towards the camera and filled with fresh veggies for a dip or cold side.

📋 Recipe