Texas Caviar {aka Cowboy Caviar}

A fresh bean and corn dip appetizer with a cowboy flair! Texas Caviar {or Cowboy Caviar} is packed with colorful southwestern ingredients in a zesty marinade. Scoop it up with tortilla chips or grab a fork and dig in.

How many recipes can be a dip, a salad and a topping all in one?

This Texas Caviar checks all those boxes and then some.

SAVE THIS EASY TEXAS CAVIAR (Cowboy Caviar) RECIPE TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD!

This dip brings together the perfect combination of fresh, tangy and spicy ingredients. It’s a crowd pleasing appetizer, snack or side dish that you can make ahead of time!

What is Texas Caviar?

Lots of folks have their own variation on Texas Caviar.
Many also know it to be called Cowboy Caviar.
But they all boil down to more or less the same concept. Beans, corn and chopped veggies are tossed with a tangy-sweet dressing. After marinating for a while in the fridge, it’s typically served with chips but it doubles perfectly as a side salad too!

In our version, we use black beans and a mixture of bell peppers, red onion and celery. The apple cider vinegar dressing gets a touch of sweetness from sugar (or your preferred sugar substitute). You can throw in some jalapeño for eat, or not–it’s up to you. Get even more creative and add an avocado, too!

I love the combination of textures in Texas Caviar: tender beans, crisp veggies and the burst of juicy corn. This colorful dip looks as delicious as it tastes, too.

Make this for your next party or get-together and watch how quickly it disappears.

Cilantro or Flat Leaf Parsley?

Have an aversion to cilantro?
I know, to some people it tastes like soap. I’m not one of them, but I have been asked many times if it can be substituted in other recipes, like my Pico de Gallo.
Sure can!
The best substitute would be flat leaf parsley. It doesn’t have a strong taste, but will definitely add a bit of freshness to your recipe.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Texas Caviar tastes best when it’s had at least 24 hours to chill in the fridge. This gives time for all the ingredients to mingle, soaking up the marinade.

While nothing bad will happen to you if you eat this dip right away, it won’t taste as nearly as spectacular. Like many of the best things in life, a perfect Texas Caviar is worth the wait!

How long is it good for?

With all that talk about letting the dip marinate, I recommend eating Texas Caviar within 3-4 days of making it for best results. After 5 days, some ingredients may become mushy and lackluster.

Don’t forget to store it tightly covered and keep it cold when you’re not eating it!

Serving Suggestions for This Bean Salad

I’ve been known to enjoy my Texas Caviar straight from the bowl with a fork or spoon.

For sharing, serve the dip with plenty of tortilla chips or pita chips for scooping. Corn chips are another popular choice.

You can also add a serving of Texas Caviar to a green salad to add heartiness and flavor. Add some grilled chicken and you have a perfect light summer meal.

Need a little freshness and color on your tacos? Texas Caviar to the rescue!

Easy Appetizers

For a great party, the only thing more important than a good guest list is a good spread of appetizers.

I never pass up an opportunity to make this 7-LAYER DIP for my friends. Everyone loves this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip too.

Check out these other reader favorite dip and appetizer recipes next:

• Chicken Enchilada Bites
• Classic Guacamole
• Edamame Guacamole
• Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites
• Easy Pepperoni Pizza Dip
• Black Bean, Corn & Feta Dip

Take a few minutes today to toss together this colorful, flavorful Cowboy Caviar! By tomorrow night, you’ll be ready to party.