Cowboy Caviar sounds like a strange name. What is it exactly? Basically it is a healthy dip full of black beans, black eyed peas, bell peppers, purple onions, tomatoes, and cilanto in a light vinagrette dressing. It’s kind of an oxymoron though. The cowboy part tells us that this is nothing fancy, however, the caviar description means that the nothing fancy IS, in fact, fancy! I can tell you firsthand that this is delicious!
Cowboy Caviar can be classified as a dip or salsa. It is loaded with healthy ingredients such as black beans, peppers, black eyed peas, purple onion, etc etc etc. You really could add/subtract whatever you want and make it spicy or keep it mild, you can tweak it to include whatever ingredients you want. To keep things simple, let’s stick with the recipe I know and love, shall we?
When To Serve
Cowboy caviar is a favorite among kids and adults. The recipe makes a huge batch, but you know what is crazy? At a family party, there are never leftovers! And if I make it just because for my family, it only lasts a day or two. It’s crazy how much everyone enjoys this healthy salsa. It’s great though.
I love making this for parties because it is a great appetizer that pairs well with Tostitos, especially Tostitos Hint Of Lime. The tangy lime chip really brings this salsa an extraordinary level.
I also love making this salsa for my family as a side dish to our dinners. You can serve this in place of a pasta salad and save the carbs for something else, maybe a yummy dessert such as a Cheesecake Cookie Cup. Sounds like an idea! Or you could pair cowboy caviar with homemade cheeseburgers. Skipping the fries and adding some veggies to your kids’ plates. And they will be happy about that! Did you think skipping french fries could be a good thing in their minds? It can!
Easy To Make
Cowboy Caviar is super easy to make. There is NO COOKING. Nothing! No need to preheat the oven because you don’t need it! Just chop up the veggies, wash the beans, and whip up the easy to make dressing and you are done. This is a raw salsa that consists of:
- Black Beans
- Black Eyed Peas
- Green Bell Peppers
- Red Bell Peppers
- Yellow Bell Peppers
- Orange Bell Peppers
- Roma Tomatoes
- Purple Onion
- Corn
- Cilantro
- Olive Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- Lime Juice
- Honey
- Chili Powder
The list of ingredients is pretty long (as far as I’m concerned), but since you don’t have to chop AND cook, it is okay. Just wash, chop, and combine. No cooking or baking skills required which makes this recipe a super-duper easy recipe!
How To Store
If you are lucky enough to have leftover cowboy caviar, make sure you store it in a container that is air tight. This salsa lasts a few days and actually tastes better the longer it sits. You could make it the day before your party (huge time saver!).
The flavors of all the ingredients break down in the bowl and merge together. When you go to re-serve it, mix it up well and taste a small portion. You might want to add a touch of lime or salt and then remix it up.
Family Favorite
Cowboy Caviar is super easy to make, delicious to eat, and it is such a pretty dish to serve. The peppers, onions, beans, and corn bring a variety of vibrant colors such as green, yellow, orange, red, purple, and black. It’s almost too pretty to serve. However, it’s too good not to eat!
Just writing about this recipe is making my mouth water, it’s just SO GOOD! I’m positive that this cowboy caviar dip/salsa, whatever you want to call it will become a staple appetizer for your family.
Cowboy Caviar
Ingredients
Salsa
- 1 Purple Onion chopped
- 1 Green Bell Pepper chopped
- 1 Orange Bell Pepper chopped
- 1 Red Bell Pepper chopped
- 4 Roma Tomatoes seeded and chopped
- 1 bunch Cilantro chopped
- 1 can Corn
- 15 oz Black Beans rinsed and drained
- 15 oz Black Eyed Peas rinsed and drained
Dressing
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 4 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
- 4 tbsp Lime Juice
- 3 tbsp Honey
- 2 tsp Chili Powder
Instructions
Dressing
- In a small bowl, combine all ingredients for dressing and whisk well. Set aside.
Salsa
- In a large bowl combine all salsa ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix together well.
- Add dressing to the salsa and mix well. Salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
- Serve with corn chips, crackers, etc.
- ENJOY!
