Cowboy Caviar

Cowboy Caviar is a easy Tex-Mex recipe that serves 8. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Marie's Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 35 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 45 min

Cost: $20.60 total, $2.58 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 can Black-Eyed Peas (15 oz, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 can Black Beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 can Corn Kernels (15 oz, drained and rinsed (or 1 cup fresh corn))
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper (diced)
  • 1 large Jalapeño (seeded optional, diced)
  • 0.5 medium Red Onion (diced)
  • 1 cup Tomatoes (diced; cherry, Roma, or any variety)
  • 0.5 cup Cilantro Leaves (loosely packed, chopped (optional))
  • 1 cup Hatch Chili Vinaigrette (or any vinaigrette or Italian dressing)
  • to taste Salt
  • 2 stalks Green Onions (sliced for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and Drain Beans & Corn

    Place the black‑eyed peas, black beans, and corn in a fine mesh strainer, rinse under cold water, and let drain well.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Dice Red Bell Pepper

    Cut the bell pepper in half, remove seeds, slice into strips, then dice into small pieces.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Dice Jalapeño

    Slice the jalapeño lengthwise, remove seeds if less heat is desired, then dice finely.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Dice Red Onion

    Trim the ends, halve the onion, slice, then dice. Use a separate cutting board if you want to keep fruit flavors separate.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Dice Tomatoes

    If using cherry tomatoes, halve them then chop; if using larger tomatoes, dice into bite‑size pieces.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Chop Cilantro (Optional)

    Roughly chop the cilantro leaves.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Combine All Ingredients

    In the large mixing bowl, add the drained beans, corn, diced bell pepper, jalapeño, onion, tomatoes, and cilantro.

    Time: PT3M

  8. Add Vinaigrette and Season

    Pour the hatch chili vinaigrette over the mixture, add salt to taste, and toss until everything is evenly coated.

    Time: PT3M

  9. Transfer and Garnish

    Spoon the caviar into a serving bowl, sprinkle sliced green onions on top, and serve with tortilla chips.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
150
Protein
5g
Carbohydrates
25g
Fat
3g
Fiber
5g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan (if using vegan vinaigrette), Gluten-Free (check dressing label)

Allergens: Beans (legume)

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Cowboy Caviar

Recipe by Marie's Kitchen

A colorful, tangy bean and corn salad known as Texas Caviar or Cowboy Caviar. Perfect for parties, tailgates, or any gathering, this make‑ahead dip is tossed with a spicy vinaigrette and served with tortilla chips.

EasyTex-MexServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
33m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
43m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$20.60
Total cost
$2.58
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Rinse and drain canned beans and corn thoroughly to avoid a watery dish.
  • Dice vegetables uniformly for even texture and flavor distribution.
  • Add enough vinaigrette to coat all ingredients and season with salt.
  • Toss well before serving to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the chef's knife carefully while chopping.
  • Wash hands thoroughly after handling jalapeño seeds to avoid skin irritation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Texas Caviar (Cowboy Caviar) in Tex-Mex cuisine?

A

Texas Caviar was created by chef Alan Corbett for a Neiman Marcus event in Dallas, using only Texas ingredients like black‑eyed peas. It quickly became a party staple, celebrated for its bright colors and tangy flavor, and is now a beloved Tex‑Mex appetizer served at gatherings across the state.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Texas Caviar in Texas?

A

In East Texas the dish often includes diced avocado and a sweeter honey‑lime dressing, while West Texas versions may add roasted poblano peppers and a spicier chili vinaigrette. Some coastal areas swap black‑eyed peas for black beans and add fresh corn off the cob.

cultural
Q

How is Texas Caviar traditionally served in Texas gatherings?

A

It is typically presented in a large bowl alongside a platter of tortilla chips, and guests scoop it up as a dip. It also appears on buffet tables at barbecues, tailgates, and holiday potlucks, often accompanied by fresh salsa and guacamole.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Texas Caviar traditionally associated with in Texas culture?

A

Texas Caviar is a go‑to dish for summer barbecues, Fourth of July picnics, tailgate parties, and holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving and Christmas because it can be made ahead and stays tasty at room temperature for a short time.

cultural
Q

How does Texas Caviar fit into the broader Tex-Mex cuisine tradition?

A

The dish embodies Tex‑Mex’s love of bold flavors, fresh produce, and convenient, shareable foods. It combines Mexican‑style beans and corn with American-style party dips, bridging the two culinary traditions.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Texas Caviar versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional Texas Caviar uses black‑eyed peas, black beans, corn, bell pepper, jalapeño, red onion, tomatoes, cilantro, and a chili vinaigrette. Substitutes can include fresh corn instead of canned, other beans like pinto, or a simple oil‑and‑vinegar dressing if the specific vinaigrette isn’t available.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Texas Caviar?

A

Common errors include not draining the canned beans, over‑mixing which can mash the beans, using too little dressing so the salad feels dry, and forgetting to season with salt. Also, handling jalapeño seeds without washing hands can cause irritation.

technical
Q

Why does this Texas Caviar recipe use a hatch chili vinaigrette instead of a simple oil and vinegar dressing?

A

The hatch chili vinaigrette adds a subtle smoky heat and a touch of sweetness that balances the sweet corn and beans, creating a more complex flavor profile than a basic oil‑vinegar mix.

technical
Q

Can I make Texas Caviar ahead of time and how should I store Texas Caviar?

A

Yes, Texas Caviar improves after resting. Make it up to a day ahead, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and give it a quick toss before serving. If storing longer, keep the dressing separate and combine just before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Marie's Kitchen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Marie's Kitchen specializes in easy, family‑friendly American and Tex‑Mex recipes that can be prepared quickly with pantry staples, focusing on approachable techniques for home cooks of all skill levels.

channel
Q

What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Marie's Kitchen?

A

Marie’s Kitchen emphasizes simple, make‑ahead meals, clear step‑by‑step instructions, and practical tips that boost confidence in the kitchen. The style is upbeat, conversational, and often includes cultural background for each dish.

channel

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