This Cowboy Caviar Dip has many names and variations, but at its core, it’s a quick and zesty appetizer that resembles a salsa, similar to pico de gallo. Serve my personal version of cowboy salsa as a side, a topping, or a snack. It’s sure to be an instant hit with your family!
Why I Love This Cowboy Caviar Dip Recipe
Texas caviar, cowboy caviar, cowboy salsa – call it whatever you want, but I’ll call it delicious! The reason this dish can go by so many slightly different names is because it’s so easily personalized to your family and friends’ preferences with a few simple ingredient swaps!
This salsa is my version of the classic, and it’s perfect for a game-day snack or appetizer. Plus, it’s pretty darn healthy. You can sneak this nutritious dip onto your kids’ plates because it’s so flavorful that they won’t even notice it’s good for them too!
This cowboy caviar dip is the perfect combination of zesty, crunchy, sweet, and oh-so-yummy. It’s also really filling because of the beans so it won’t leave you wanting. I hope you all enjoy!
Basic Cowboy Caviar Ingredients
So like I said, you can switch up the ingredients to your liking, but I’m going to share the ingredients that remain consistent in my version.
You’re going to want black-eyed peas, black beans, white shoepeg corn, diced tomatoes, red onion, green onion, a can of Rotel, and Zesty Italian Salad Dressing.
If you want to increase the heat, you can add cayenne pepper or some hotter Rotel. You can also switch up the flavor by using a different kind of tomato, dressing, corn, or even add in some extra seasonings you like.
Go crazy experimenting and make your very own version of Cowboy Caviar!
How To Make Cowboy Caviar Salsa
It’s so quick and easy! There’s really only one step but I’m going to really break it down for us.
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Combine all of the ingredients listed.
Step 2: Get Creative
Add other ingredients you love! Want to swap out the Zesty Italian Dressing for a homemade dressing to cut down on some calories? That’s perfect. Have some favorite herbs you’d like to include? Please do! This is the kind of dish that is truly customizable.
Step 3: Let it Sit
The cowboy caviar is best when it has had a chance to sit (preferably in the fridge overnight) so the flavors can all work together to create a party on your taste buds. That makes it perfect for a party – you can prep it the day before!
FAQs
It’s a dip that originated out of Texas – which is why it’s sometimes called Texas Caviar – and there are some cowboys in Texas. That’s how the name originated!
It’s full of whole ingredients like veggies and beans, so yes, I’d consider it a healthy option.
If you’re not a fan of black-eyed peas you can just omit them! If you’d like to include another ingredient to fill the void, you can try pinto beans.
How To Enjoy Your Cowboy Salsa
Now, this is where things get even more fun because you can enjoy this caviar in SO many different ways. I could honestly just eat it with tortilla chips as a meal itself (and I have)!
You could also use it as…
- A topping on any sort of sandwich (it would be great on a burger!),
- A dip for veggies
- Serve it with guacamole
- Throw it into the mix on your Taco Tuesdays
- Serve it on your chicken or fish when you grill out
- Eat it alongside rice
Additional Dips to Try
- Mexican Dip
- Slow Cooker Bean Dip
- Homemade French Onion Dip
- Homemade Chili Cheese Dip
- Chile Con Queso Dip
Let me know how you serve your Cowboy Caviar Dip by commenting below or tagging me on Instagram! I’d also love to hear if you switch up some ingredients – it’s so fun to see how you all take recipes and cater them to your own family.
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Cowboy Caviar Dip
Ingredients
- 1 (15 ounce) (425g) can black eyed peas drained and rinsed
- 1 (15.5 ounce) (439g) can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 (11 ounce) (311g) can white shoe peg corn drained
- 1 (14.5 ounce) (411g) can petite diced tomatoes drained
- 1 (10 ounce) (283 g) can Rotel
- 1 small red onion chopped
- 5 green onions chopped
- 1 cup (235ml) Zesty Italian Salad Dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Your favorite tortilla chips
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Let sit for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator to combine the flavors. Serve with chips.
Notes
- You can turn up the heat with this recipe by using hotter Rotel or by adding cayenne pepper.
- STORAGE: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If adding an avocado to this dip do so just before serving because avocado darken over time.
- LEFTOVERS: Mix leftover caviar with cold rice for a new side dish!
- Recipe from my mother-in-law.
I’m from the east coast and I had never heard of this before, but now I’m going to make it as an app for every party.
It’s one of those dips you can’t leave alone!