This cowboy caviar recipe brings together the best of Southern comfort food in one colorful bowl. Also known as Texas caviar, this fresh bean salad combines black-eyed peas, black beans, corn, and crisp vegetables with a tangy homemade dressing.

Perfect for parties, potlucks, or healthy snacking, this versatile dish works as both a hearty salad and a crowd-pleasing dip. I’ve been making this recipe for family gatherings for years, and it never fails to disappear from the table first.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Texas Caviar

Here are the key components that make this black-eyed pea salad truly special:

Black-eyed peas (2 cans) – The star ingredient that gives this dish its name and hearty texture
Black beans (1 can) – Adds protein and creates a beautiful color contrast
Fresh corn kernels (1½ cups) – Sweet corn balances the tangy dressing perfectly
Ripe tomatoes (1½ cups chopped) – Choose Roma or cherry tomatoes for best flavor
Bell pepper (1 medium) – Red, orange, or yellow varieties work equally well
Red onion (¾ cup chopped) – Provides a sharp bite that mellens with marinating
Fresh cilantro (½ cup) – Essential for authentic Southern flavor
Jalapeños (1-2 peppers) – Remove seeds for less heat if desired
Avocado (optional) – Add just before serving to prevent browning

Homemade Italian Dressing Ingredients

Skip the store-bought dressing with these simple pantry staples:

Olive oil (⅓ cup) – Use extra virgin for the best flavor
Red wine vinegar (3 tablespoons) – Creates the signature tangy taste
Fresh garlic (2 cloves) – Minced or pressed for maximum flavor
Salt (1-1½ teaspoons) – Season to taste preferences
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon) – Classic Italian herb blend base
Dried basil (½ teaspoon) – Complements the oregano perfectly
Maple syrup (1 teaspoon) – Balances acidity with natural sweetness
Red pepper flakes (⅛ teaspoon) – Adds subtle warmth
Black pepper – Freshly ground works best

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this cowboy caviar dip is surprisingly simple:

Prepare the vegetables – Drain beans and corn thoroughly to prevent watery dressing
Chop ingredients finely – Keep pieces small for authentic “caviar” texture
Combine in large bowl – Mix black-eyed peas, black beans, corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, cilantro, and jalapeños
Whisk dressing separately – Blend all dressing ingredients until smooth
Toss together – Pour dressing over vegetables and mix well
Season to taste – Add extra salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed
Marinate – Let flavors meld for at least 20 minutes before serving
Add avocado last – Mix in just before serving to maintain freshness

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This versatile bean salad works in many different ways:

As a dip – Serve with sturdy tortilla chips for parties
Salad style – Enjoy as a healthy side dish with grilled meats
Over greens – Spoon over lettuce with lime juice and feta cheese
With eggs – Perfect breakfast accompaniment with scrambled eggs
Sandwich filling – Use as a fresh addition to wraps or quesadillas
Meal prep option – Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days

Pro Tips from My Kitchen Experience

After making this recipe countless times for family events, I’ve learned these helpful tricks:

Drain thoroughly – Excess liquid from canned ingredients dilutes the dressing flavor
Chop uniformly – Similar-sized pieces create better texture and appearance
Taste and adjust – Every batch needs slight seasoning tweaks based on ingredient variations
Make ahead – Flavors improve with time, so prepare several hours in advance
Skip avocado for storage – Add fresh avocado only to portions you’ll eat immediately
Double the recipe – This disappears quickly at gatherings, so make extra

Nutritional Benefits of This Healthy Recipe

This vegan and gluten-free dish packs impressive nutritional value:

High protein – Black-eyed peas and black beans provide plant-based protein
Rich in fiber – Supports digestive health and keeps you satisfied longer
Loaded with vitamins – Fresh vegetables contribute essential nutrients
Heart-healthy fats – Olive oil and avocado provide beneficial monounsaturated fats
Low sodium option – Homemade dressing lets you control salt content
Antioxidant-rich – Colorful vegetables deliver protective compounds

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Keep this fresh bean salad at its best with proper storage:

Refrigerate promptly – Store covered for up to 4 days
Stir before serving – Dressing separates naturally over time
Refresh with lime – Add citrus juice to brighten day-old portions
Freeze portions – Freezes well for up to 3 months (texture changes slightly)
Transport safely – Keep chilled for outdoor gatherings and potlucks

This cowboy caviar recipe has become my go-to contribution for every family gathering.

The combination of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and healthy nutrition makes it a winner every time.

Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or need a quick weeknight side dish, this Texas caviar delivers satisfaction in every bite.

Easy Cowboy Caviar Recipe

This fresh and flavorful cowboy caviar recipe combines black-eyed peas, black beans, corn, and crisp vegetables with a tangy homemade Italian dressing. Perfect as a dip with tortilla chips or served as a hearty bean salad, this Texas caviar is vegan, gluten-free, and ideal for parties, potlucks, or healthy meal prep.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 0

Marinating Time 20

Total Time 50

Servings: 8 cups

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Southern, Tex-Mex

Calories: 180

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Cowboy Caviar Ingredients

2 cans (14 oz each) black-eyed peas rinsed and drained, or 3 cups cooked
1 can (14 oz) black beans rinsed and drained, or 1½ cups cooked
1½ cups corn kernels fresh, frozen (defrosted), or canned (drained)
1½ cups ripe tomatoes chopped (about ¾ pound)
1 medium bell pepper red, orange, or yellow, chopped
¾ cup red onion chopped (about ½ small onion)
½ cup fresh cilantro chopped, leaves and stems
1-2 jalapeños ribs removed, seeded and finely chopped
1 avocado optional, add just before serving

Italian Dressing Ingredients

⅓ cup olive oil extra virgin preferred
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar or lime juice
2 medium cloves garlic pressed or minced
1-1½ teaspoons salt to taste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

Large serving bowl
Small Mixing Bowl
Whisk
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Can Opener
Colander

Method

In a large serving bowl, combine the drained black-eyed peas, black beans, corn, chopped tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. Make sure to drain the beans and corn thoroughly to prevent watery dressing.
In a small bowl or cup, whisk together all the Italian dressing ingredients: olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, oregano, basil, maple syrup, red pepper flakes, and black pepper until well blended.
Drizzle the homemade dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together until well coated and evenly mixed.
Taste and season with additional salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed. For more pickled flavor, add another tablespoon of vinegar. For richness, add 1-2 more tablespoons of olive oil.
For best flavor, let the cowboy caviar marinate for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
If using avocado, dice it just before serving and gently fold it into the salad to prevent browning. Serve with sturdy tortilla chips as a dip or enjoy as a bean salad.

Notes

Storage: This cowboy caviar keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when covered. Stir before serving as the dressing may separate.

Make-Ahead Tip: This recipe actually improves with time, so feel free to make it several hours or even a day in advance. Just add the avocado right before serving.

Serving Suggestions: Serve as a dip with tortilla chips, spoon over lettuce for a green salad, or enjoy alongside grilled meats. It’s also delicious with scrambled eggs for breakfast.

Customization: Feel free to adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapeños. You can also substitute lime juice for the red wine vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.