Cowboy Caviar recipe is a vibrant party salad from the 1940s that has gained a dedicated following. With its healthy mix of black-eyed peas, vegetables, and beans, it’s considered a good luck charm, making it perfect for your next barbecue or potluck.
This classic recipe balances sweetness and tanginess. If you prefer a less sweet option, I’ve included some low-sugar alternatives.
Everyone has different preferences when it comes to sweetness, and I want you to enjoy a dish you’ll want to make repeatedly. Some readers find the original version overly sweet, while others think it’s just right!
If you need to feed a crowd, simply adjust the number of servings on the recipe card below, and it will automatically calculate the ingredient amounts for you—it’s that simple.
What is Cowboy Caviar?
Cowboy Caviar, also known as Texas Caviar, can serve as a dip, salad topping, relish, or side dish. It’s a staple at Texas barbecues and a fantastic way to incorporate more beans and vegetables into your meals.
Who Created Cowboy Caviar?
You can thank Helen Corbitt, a non-Texan chef at Neiman Marcus in the 1940s, for this dish. Tasked with creating a Texas-themed menu using black-eyed peas—which she didn’t particularly enjoy—she decided to pickle the beans in a sweet vinegar dressing. The result was a hit, and thus, Cowboy Caviar was born.
Is Cowboy Caviar Vegan?
Yes, it is vegan as long as you omit honey.
Is Cowboy Caviar Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Since it consists entirely of beans and vegetables, it’s gluten-free. Just be sure to choose corn tortilla chips for dipping.
Can You Reduce Sugar in Cowboy Caviar?
While the original dressing is sweet—a Midwest tradition—there’s no need to skip this dish if you’re looking to cut back on sugar. Here are some ways to reduce sweetness without losing flavor:
- Gradually add 1 tablespoon of sugar at a time, tasting as you go.
- Mix in a tablespoon of sugar with a quarter cup of lime juice.
- Combine 3 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of honey and a dash of tequila.
Can You Prepare Cowboy Caviar in Advance?
You can make it ahead of time, but note that fresh veggies may soften if made more than a day in advance. However, the beans can be prepared in advance without issue. It’s perfectly fine to let it sit overnight, and it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Can You Make Cowboy Caviar Without Cilantro?
If you dislike cilantro, feel free to substitute it with parsley, chopped scallions, or minced chives.
What Type of Vinegar Works Best?
While the recipe calls for red wine vinegar, you can also use apple cider vinegar or plain white vinegar, and it will still taste great.
Can You Use Italian Dressing?
If you prefer Italian dressing, skip the olive oil, sugar, white wine vinegar, chili powder, and salt. Start with about 1 cup of dressing, taste it, and adjust as needed.
How Long Does Cowboy Caviar Last?
This dish will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.
Can You Freeze Cowboy Caviar?
Freezing is not recommended, but enjoy the leftovers on various dishes until they’re gone! It pairs well with scrambled eggs, salads, or as a topping for steak.
Should You Use Canned or Dried Beans?
For convenience, opt for canned black-eyed peas and beans. If you want to limit sodium or need to prepare a large batch, dried beans are a great alternative.
How to Make Low-Sodium Cowboy Caviar?
If you’re on a low-sodium diet, look for low-sodium canned beans or cook dried beans at home. Typically, you’ll boil dried beans for about an hour or use a pressure cooker for a quicker option.
What Type of Corn Is Best for Cowboy Caviar?
The original recipe calls for canned extra sweet corn (often labeled super sweet or shoepeg corn). If you can’t find it, regular canned sweet corn or frozen corn works well, and fresh corn off the cob adds a delightful crunch when in season.
Variations and substitutions:
- Add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to add a spicy kick.
- Use red onion instead of white onion for a sweeter flavor.
- Substitute the black beans with kidney beans or chickpeas.
- Swap out the corn with grilled fresh corn kernels for extra smoky flavor.
- Replace cilantro with parsley if you’re not a fan of cilantro’s taste.
- Try adding diced mango, pineapple, or peaches to give it a tropical twist.
I hope these suggestions help you create your own unique version of Cowboy Caviar!
What Else Can You Add to Cowboy Caviar?
For a twist, consider adding:
- Chopped green bell peppers
- Finely chopped celery
- Crumbled goat cheese or feta
- Minced garlic
- A splash of tequila
- One can of drained Ro*tel tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes
- Cooked chickpeas
- A few dashes of Tiger Sauce
Cowboy Caviar Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 10 serving 1x
Description
Cowboy Caviar is a vibrant party salad from the 1940s that has gained a dedicated following. With its healthy mix of black-eyed peas, vegetables, and beans, it’s considered a good luck charm, making it perfect for your next barbecue or potluck.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup sugar (see notes)
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
- 1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can wash black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (11-ounce) can super sweet corn, drained (see notes)
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup of chopped cilantro (from 1 bunch)
Instructions
- First of all In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, sugar, white wine vinegar, chili powder, and salt.
- Add the diced tomatoes, black-eyed peas, black beans, corn, red onion, and bell peppers. Mix well to combine.
- Gently fold in the cilantro. Cover the bowl and chill for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can substitute regular canned sweet corn or frozen corn for the super sweet corn. The equivalent measurement is about 3/4 cup, but you can also use the full 15-ounce can.
- A sweet onion or a bunch of green onions can replace the red onion.
- You can use one bell pepper instead of 1/2 cup each of red and green bell peppers.
- The sugar adds a nice sweetness to the dish, which is a Midwest tradition. If you find 1/4 cup too sweet, feel free to reduce the amount. Start with 1 tablespoon at a time. Some readers have found it overly sweet, which is disappointing. If you want to adjust after mixing, you can add more vinegar and salt to balance it out. This is how we enjoy it in America’s Dairyland, and we love it!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hours 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 194 kcal