This ultimate cowboy caviar recipe features three easy and delicious variations—classic, spicy, and Greek—making it the perfect healthy and colorful dip, salad, or party appetizer. Packed with protein-rich beans, fresh veggies, and a tangy cowboy caviar dressing, it’s a versatile dish that is sure to please a crowd!

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If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably seen some version of cowboy caviar taking over your feed. This viral cowboy caviar recipe—also known as Texas caviar—is a colorful, crave-worthy dip that’s as healthy as it is versatile. Packed with fresh veggies, beans, and a zippy homemade dressing, it works as a salad, side dish, or scoopable dip with tortilla chips.

In this post, I’m sharing not just the classic version of this crowd-pleaser, but also two delicious twists: a bold, Spicy Cowboy Caviar and a Mediterranean-inspired Greek Cowboy Caviar (made with my salt-free Greek seasoning blend). Whether you love a tangy bean dip, are looking for a healthier party appetizer, or just want to try a fun new way to eat more veggies, this post has a cowboy caviar dip for you.

This post is all about Ultimate Cowboy Caviar Recipe (3 Easy Variations).

What Is Cowboy Caviar?

Cowboy caviar, also known as Texas caviar, is a vibrant bean and veggie salad that originated in Texas in the 1940s. It was created by chef Helen Corbitt, who first served it at a New Year’s Eve party at the Houston Country Club. The dish was originally a way to elevate humble black-eyed peas—traditionally eaten for good luck—into something fresh and unexpected.

So why the name cowboy caviar? Legend has it the name was a cheeky nod to the fancy hors d’oeuvre real caviar—this was Texas’s version: rustic, hearty, and a lot more affordable.

This cowboy caviar dip is now a viral favorite, made with simple ingredients like black-eyed peas, black beans, corn, tomatoes, peppers, and red onion, all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. It’s often served cold as a dip or side dish, but it’s so versatile you can eat it as a salad, spoon it over grilled meats, or scoop it with chips like salsa.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the ultimate cowboy caviar recipe with three easy variations: Classic, Spicy, and Greek cowboy caviar—each with bold flavors and a slightly different twist.

Cowboy Caviar Ingredients

Cowboy caviar is as flexible as it is flavorful, but most recipes follow a simple formula: beans + veggies + tangy dressing. Here’s a breakdown of the core ingredients you’ll find—plus the swaps we make to keep things interesting.

The Base:

Black-eyed peas – A nod to the original Texas roots. They add a soft, creamy texture.
Black beans – Extra protein, extra fiber, extra yum.
Corn – Sweet, juicy, and perfect for texture contrast. Fresh, canned, or frozen (thawed) all work.
Cherry tomatoes – Juicy pops of color and freshness.
Bell pepper – Red, yellow, orange… pick your favorite or mix them for maximum color.
Red onion – For sharpness and crunch. Soak in water if you want to mellow the bite.
Cilantro – Adds freshness, unless you’re team #NoCilantro—in which case, feel free to skip.

The Dressing:

Each variation has a slightly different spin, but they all start with:

Olive oil – A good-quality EVOO gives the best flavor.
Red wine vinegar – Adds tang and balances the richness.
Lime juice – Brightens everything up.
Garlic – Minced or grated. Fresh makes a difference.
Honey or maple syrup – Just a touch for balance.
Spices – Here’s where we customize:
- For the Classic and Spicy versions, we use The Spice Girl Kitchen Okie Rub and Tri-Salt Blend. (If you don’t have those, you can sub in smoked paprika, cumin, and salt.)
- For the Greek Cowboy Caviar, we use The Spice Girl Kitchen Greek Seasoning and Tri-Salt Blend to bring out bold Mediterranean flavor. (If you don’t have those, you can sub in dried oregano and salt.)

Optional Add-Ins:

Avocado – Best added just before serving.
Jalapeño or Fresno chili – For heat lovers.
Feta (in the Greek version) – Salty, briny goodness.
Cucumber (Greek version) – Adds crunch and freshness.

You can mix and match based on what you have, but the key is keeping it colorful, crunchy, and balanced.

Cowboy Caviar Calories

Wondering about cowboy caviar calories? You’ll be happy to know this colorful dip isn’t just tasty—it’s surprisingly nutrient-dense, too.

Each serving of cowboy caviar (about ¾ cup) clocks in at approximately 150–200 calories, depending on your variation and portion size. Here’s a general breakdown:

Carbs & Fiber: Thanks to black beans, black-eyed peas, and corn, you’re getting complex carbs and a solid dose of fiber—about 6–8g fiber per serving.
Protein: The beans also provide plant-based protein, with each serving offering around 6–7g of protein.
Fats: Heart-healthy fats from the olive oil in the dressing come in at around 8–10g per serving, mostly unsaturated.
Sugar: Naturally occurring sugars from corn and tomatoes are minimal, with just a touch of honey or maple syrup in the dressing. You can skip the sweetener entirely if you’re watching added sugar.
Sodium: Beans and canned corn can add up in sodium. Rinse them well, or go for low-sodium options. Using our salt-free seasonings and The Spice Girl Kitchen Tri-Salt Blend helps you control your salt levels while adding mineral-rich flavor.

If you want the full nutrition facts per variation, you can plug the ingredients into a free app like MyFitnessPal or Cronometer—both make it easy to customize based on what you add or swap.

This is a snack (or side!) that works hard for you—packed with nutrients, big on flavor, and super satisfying.

How to Make Cowboy Caviar (Step-by-Step)

Whether you’re prepping for a potluck, game day, or just want a fresh and flavorful dish in the fridge, this cowboy caviar recipe is as easy as it gets. Here’s everything you need to know to make it from scratch.

Classic Cowboy Caviar

This is your go-to base recipe—bright, tangy, and full of texture.

Step 1: Combine beans, corn, peppers, tomatoes, onion, and cilantro in a large bowl. See Recipe Below

Step 2: Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat.

Step 3: Chill for 1–2 hours to let flavors meld.

Spicy Cowboy Caviar

This version brings the heat and bold flavor.

Ingredients: (Same as Classic, with these additions)

1–2 jalapeños, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
1 chipotle pepper in adobo

Step 1: Prepare base as above.

Step 2: Add jalapeños, chipotle pepper, and extra lime juice before tossing with dressing.

Greek Cowboy Caviar

A Mediterranean twist with briny, fresh flavor.

Step 1: Toss all ingredients in a large bowl. See Recipe Below

Step 2: Adjust seasoning to taste with the Greek blend and salt.

Step 3: Chill before serving.

Cowboy Caviar Dressing

This is the secret that pulls everything together.

Base Ingredients:

¼ cup olive oil
2–3 tbsp red wine vinegar or lime juice
1–2 tsp honey or maple syrup
1 garlic clove, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
Salt and black pepper to taste (or Tri-Salt Blend)

Optional Flavor Boosters:

½ tsp cumin
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp onion powder
Or 1 tsp The Spice Girl Kitchen Okie Rub in place of spices (or The Spice Girl Kitchen Greek Seasoning for Greek variation)

How to Make It: Whisk all dressing ingredients in a small bowl or shake in a jar until emulsified. Pour over the salad and toss just before serving.

Cowboy Caviar Variations

This dish is incredibly versatile—here are some favorite ways to switch it up:

Serve as a salad over a bed of greens or cooked quinoa.
Tuck it into tacos or burrito bowls with grilled shrimp or chicken.
Top with feta or cotija for extra flavor.
Make a wrap by spooning into a tortilla with avocado and hummus.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Cowboy caviar keeps 3–5 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
For best results, store dressing separately and toss just before serving.
Add avocado last (just before serving) to keep it fresh and bright.
Great for lunchbox meal prep or bringing to BBQs.

FAQ About Cowboy Caviar

What is Cowboy Caviar?

Cowboy caviar, also called Texas caviar, is a bean-based salad or dip made with black-eyed peas, black beans, tomatoes, corn, and a tangy vinaigrette.

How to Make Texas Caviar?

Simply combine drained beans, corn, chopped veggies, and fresh herbs, then toss with a tangy homemade dressing. Chill before serving. Jump to Recipe

Is Cowboy Caviar Healthy?

Yes! It’s loaded with fiber, plant protein, and healthy fats, and naturally low in sugar. Use low-sodium canned ingredients, our salt-free seasonings, or rinse canned ingredients thoroughly to control salt.

Can You Make Cowboy Caviar Ahead of Time?

Definitely—it gets better after sitting for 1–2 hours. It’s the perfect make-ahead dip or side.

Can You Freeze Cowboy Caviar?

Freezing isn’t recommended. Fresh vegetables lose their texture when thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge.

Ultimate Cowboy Caviar Recipe (Classic Version)

This ultimate cowboy caviar recipe is a vibrant, flavor-packed dip made with simple, fresh ingredients like black beans, corn, bell peppers, and tomatoes, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing. Whether you're serving it with chips, spooning it over grilled chicken, or meal-prepping it for the week, this Texas caviar-inspired dish is guaranteed to be a hit.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 0

Chill Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American, Okie Rub

Servings 10

Ingredients

For the Cowboy Caviar:

1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 15-oz can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups corn (canned, frozen, or fresh grilled corn)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
1/2 orange or yellow bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Cowboy Caviar Dressing:

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 clove garlic, minced
1 lime, juiced
1/2 tsp The Spice Girl Kitchen Okie Rub (or cumin as a substitute)
Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, add the black beans, black-eyed peas, corn, tomatoes, peppers, onion, and cilantro.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, garlic, lime juice, Okie Rub (or cumin), salt, and pepper until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and beans. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours) to let the flavors meld.
Serve cold with tortilla chips, over greens, or in tacos.

Video

Notes

Tips:

Let it sit! Cowboy caviar tastes even better the next day.
Want extra crunch? Add diced cucumber or celery.
Going low-carb? Skip the corn and swap chips for sliced cucumbers.

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Spicy Cowboy Caviar Recipe (with Jalapeño + Chipotle)

Turn up the heat with this spicy cowboy caviar recipe—a bold twist on the classic Texas caviar. With jalapeños, chipotle in adobo, and a smoky lime vinaigrette, this fiery dip is perfect for spice lovers who still want a fresh, healthy party appetizer or weekday snack.