The recipe prices will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. Please use what is posted as a guide.
Looking for a delicious and budget-friendly dip for your next party? Try Cowboy Caviar! This easy-to-make recipe is packed with flavor and protein.
It costs around $6.78 to make this recipe. The recipe makes ten servings which cost approximately $0.67 per serving.
We love serving this alongside our Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme (Copycat) and Mexican Fruit Salad.
Cowboy Caviar
Cowboy Caviar is a zesty and flavorful Tex-Mex salad perfect for any occasion. This vibrant dish is a medley of fresh vegetables, beans, herbs, and spices tossed with a tangy and slightly sweet dressing.
It takes just fifteen minutes to make this fresh and easy recipe. We love making this dish all summer to use all that delicious summer produce. Then, you can make it for potlucks, BBQs, or a fun afternoon snack.
The crisp and crunchy bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado are perfectly complemented by the tender black beans and hearty corn. The dish is delicious and packed with fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. Cowboy Caviar is a colorful and healthy addition to any meal or as a standalone snack.
Ingredients & Estimated Cost:
- 15 oz can corn – $0.58
- 15 oz can black beans – $0.78
- 15 oz can black eye pea beans – $1.18
- 1 cup mixed bell peppers – $1.24
- 2 medium Roma tomatoes – $0.52
- ½ cup red onion – $0.88
- ¼ cup sliced green onions – $0.16
- 1 small jalapeno – $0.27
- 1/4 cup olive oil – $0.43
- 2 Tablespoons honey – $0.36
- Juice of half a lime – $0.12
- ½ teaspoon lime zest – $0.12
- ½ teaspoon chili powder – $0.02
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – $0.02
- 2 Tablespoons fresh cilantro – $0.10
The recipe cost is calculated by the amounts needed for the recipe. Check out Budget Recipes Explained to learn more about how we price our recipes. The pricing for this recipe was updated in April 2023.
How To Make Cowboy Caviar
***For complete recipe instructions, see the recipe card below.
- First, stir together all of the ingredients.
- Then, add the salt and pepper to taste.
- Finally, serve with tortilla chips or set it in the fridge until ready to serve.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Feel free to substitute honey with your preferred sweetener.
- Swap black beans for kidney beans or chickpeas.
- Add diced avocado for a creamy twist.
- Use parsley instead of cilantro for an herby flavor.
- Add in an additional diced jalapeno for some extra heat.
- Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
Storage Tips
SERVE: Serve alone as a side dish, with tortilla chips as an appetizer, or serve over chicken or fish. You can keep this out for two hours before it needs to be covered and chilled.
STORE: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
FREEZE: To freeze, place in an airtight container or ziplock bag and keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
THAW: To thaw, remove the caviar from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator for a day before serving.
Recipe FAQs
Some theories suggest that the name may be because the salad is made with ingredients that cowboys could easily carry and store during long cattle drives, such as beans and corn. Others speculate that the name comes from the fact that the combination of beans, corn, and vegetables resembles the texture and appearance of caviar, a delicacy made from fish eggs. Regardless of its origins, cowboy caviar has become a popular and beloved dish in many households and is often served at gatherings and events.
This Tex-Mex cowboy caviar resembles pico de gallo with fresh ingredients and spices. However, a few more ingredients set this tasty appetizer apart from pico de gallo. Our recipe uses black beans, corn, black-eyed peas, bell peppers, tomatoes, green onions, jalapenos, a few spices, honey, cilantro, avocado oil, lime juice, and zest. As a result, the individual flavors meld and become more cohesive, resulting in a richer and more complex taste that is both delicious and satisfying.
Get Kids Involved
Ages 2-3: Let them wash the vegetables: Kids can help by washing them under running water. This can also be an excellent opportunity to teach them about food safety.
Ages 4-5: Have them mix the ingredients: Allow kids to combine them in a large bowl. This can be a fun and messy activity that will get them excited about cooking.
Ages 6-8: Use fun kitchen tools: Let kids use fun kitchen tools like a kid-safe knife or a vegetable chopper to help with the prep work. This will make them feel involved and important.
Ages 9-11: Supervise them while they prepare the entire recipe. Remember to have them read it twice before beginning the recipe.
Ages 12+: Let them prepare the entire recipe unsupervised while you do the happy dance in the corner!
Budget Tips
- Buy canned beans and corn: Instead of fresh black beans and corn, opt for canned ones as they are more affordable and readily available. Just make sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly before adding them to the salad.
- Use seasonal vegetables: Add vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions to keep the cost down. You can also purchase them in bulk for other meals throughout the week.
- Make your own dressing: Instead of buying pre-made dressings, use ingredients like olive oil, lime juice, and spices. Not only is it more budget-friendly, but you can also customize the flavor to your liking.
- Shop for ingredients on sale: Keep an eye out for sales on ingredients like avocados, which can be expensive when not on sale. Plan your recipe around what’s on sale and what you already have in your pantry.
- Skip the fancy chips: While pairing cowboy caviar with expensive tortilla chips is tempting, you can use a more affordable brand or make your own by cutting tortillas into strips and baking them.
By following these budget tips, you can enjoy delicious and healthy cowboy caviar without breaking the bank.
More Appetizer Recipes
- Chicken Enchilada Crescent Roll Wreath
- Jalapeno Dip
- Cheese Ball Recipe
- Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Easy Velveeta Queso Blanco Dip
- Nacho Fries
- Crockpot Chile Con Queso
- Rotel Sausage Dip
- Easy Taco Pizza
- Everything But the Bagel Dip
Cowboy Caviar
Recipe Cost 6.78 Serving Cost 0.67Equipment
- mixing bowl
- cutting board
- chef's knife
- mixing spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 15 oz can corn drained
- 15 oz can black beans rinsed and drained
- 15 oz can black eye pea beans rinsed and drained
- 1 cup mixed bell peppers diced
- 2 medium Roma tomatoes diced
- ½ cup red onion diced
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
- 1 small jalapeno seeds removed and diced
- ¼ cup olive or avocado oil
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- Juice of half a lime
- ½ teaspoon lime zest
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a large serving bowl and mix until combined.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- You can either serve the salad immediately or let it marinate in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
- Serve with tortilla chips. Enjoy!
Elena says
I love this recipe and I love your blog. So many helpful tips and ideas. I also like the let the kids involved table. Will definitely be back for more recipes.
Sara Welch says
This was such an easy and colorful dish that does not disappoint! Comes together in a snap and it a hit all around the table! Definitely, a favorite recipe!
Ieva says
Lovely combination! We really enjoyed the tang of the lime juice and all the beautiful textures in this dip! Great recipe!
Elisa says
Love this Cowboy Caviar recipe!! easy to make and looks delicious. Definitely will make it for the family, always looking meatless dishes as I do not eat any meat. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Jacqueline says
I make a similar salad so I know just how delicious this is. I’d love to dog into that right now!
Tavo says
Hey there, great post on Cowboy Caviar! Your recipe was an absolute hit with my family and friends. The combination of fresh veggies, black beans, and zesty dressing created a burst of flavors that had everyone going back for seconds. I appreciated the simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. The balance of textures and the hint of spice really elevated the overall experience. Thank you for sharing this delightful recipe—I’ll definitely be adding it to my regular rotation. Keep up the fantastic work!