Cowboy Caviar is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors that come together in a symphony of taste and texture. Each bite offers the creaminess of avocado, the crunch of fresh vegetables, and the heartiness of beans, all tied together with a zesty, tangy dressing. It’s a dish that promises to bring life to any party or gathering.
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served as a dip, a side salad, or even as a main course for a light lunch. It’s a testament to the power of simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create something truly magical. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a casual get-together, or just looking for a healthy snack, Cowboy Caviar is the perfect choice.
Cowboy Caviar Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 Roma Tomatoes: Seed and dice them for a fresh, juicy addition.
- 2 Ripe Avocados: Dice these creamy delights.
- ⅓ Cup Red Onion: Adds a sharp, crunchy contrast.
- 15 oz Black Beans: Rinse and drain for a hearty touch.
- 15 oz Black-Eyed Peas: Also rinsed and drained, they bring a unique texture.
- 1 ½ Cups Frozen Sweet Corn: Thawed for sweetness (you can also use it frozen if in a hurry).
- 1 Bell Pepper: Dice it up. Mix and match colors for a vibrant look.
- 1 Jalapeno Pepper: Finely diced for a spicy kick. Remember to remove the seeds.
- ⅓ Cup Cilantro: Finely chopped for a burst of fresh, herby flavor.
For the Dressing:
- ⅓ Cup Olive Oil: The base of your dressing.
- 2 Tablespoons Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed for zest.
- 2 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a tangy twist.
- 1 Teaspoon Sugar: Just enough for a hint of sweetness.
- ½ Teaspoon Salt: To enhance the flavors.
- ½ Teaspoon Pepper: For a bit of spice.
- ¼ Teaspoon Garlic Powder: For a subtle, aromatic touch.
And, of course:
- Tortilla Chips: Perfect for serving.
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Instructions
- Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, avocados, red onion, black beans, black-eyed peas, sweet corn, bell pepper, jalapeno pepper, and cilantro. Stir or toss well to ensure a harmonious blend of all the ingredients.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This dressing is what brings the entire salad together.
- Combine: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and mix thoroughly, ensuring each ingredient is coated with the delicious dressing.
- Refrigerate and Serve: Keep the salad chilled. If not serving immediately, remember to give it a good stir or toss before serving to refresh the flavors.
This salad is a perfect combination of health and taste, ideal for those who love a mix of textures and flavors in their meals. It’s great for a family dinner, a friendly gathering, or even as a wholesome meal on its own. Enjoy the freshness and the delightful blend of flavors in every bite!
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Kcal: 214 kcal
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Cowboy Caviar FAQS
Cowboy caviar, also known as Texas caviar, is a colorful and flavorful dish made with a mix of black-eyed peas and/or black beans, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, corn, and avocado. It’s dressed with a tangy vinaigrette typically made from olive oil, lime juice, and various seasonings like garlic, cilantro, and sometimes jalapeño for a bit of heat. It’s often enjoyed as a dip with tortilla chips or as a side salad.
The dish is called Texas caviar as a playful nod to its humble ingredients compared to the luxury of traditional caviar. It was first created in Texas and features black-eyed peas, a staple in Southern cuisine. The name reflects both its Southern roots and its festive, party-friendly nature, similar to how caviar is often associated with celebrations.
Cowboy caviar was created by Helen Corbitt, a New York native who became a celebrated chef in Texas. She first served the dish on New Year’s Eve at the Houston Country Club in the 1940s. Later, as the director of Neiman Marcus’s Zodiac Room, she continued to popularize the dish. It was initially called Texas caviar as a humorous comparison to true caviar, and over time, it also became known as cowboy caviar.
Cowboy caviar can last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container. It’s important to note that the quality may decline slightly over time, especially if it contains avocado, which can brown. The acidity in the dressing helps preserve the freshness of the vegetables, but it’s best enjoyed within a few days for optimal taste and texture.
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Cowboy Caviar
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- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3 Roma Tomatoes: Seed and dice them for a fresh, juicy addition.
- 2 Ripe Avocados: Dice these creamy delights.
- ⅓ Cup Red Onion: Adds a sharp, crunchy contrast.
- 15 oz Black Beans: Rinse and drain for a hearty touch.
- 15 oz Black-Eyed Peas: Also rinsed and drained, they bring a unique texture.
- 1 ½ Cups Frozen Sweet Corn: Thawed for sweetness (you can also use it frozen if in a hurry).
- 1 Bell Pepper: Dice it up. Mix and match colors for a vibrant look.
- 1 Jalapeno Pepper: Finely diced for a spicy kick. Remember to remove the seeds.
- ⅓ Cup Cilantro: Finely chopped for a burst of fresh, herby flavor.
For the Dressing:
- ⅓ Cup Olive Oil: The base of your dressing.
- 2 Tablespoons Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed for zest.
- 2 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a tangy twist.
- 1 Teaspoon Sugar: Just enough for a hint of sweetness.
- ½ Teaspoon Salt: To enhance the flavors.
- ½ Teaspoon Pepper: For a bit of spice.
- ¼ Teaspoon Garlic Powder: For a subtle, aromatic touch.
And, of course:
- Tortilla Chips: Perfect for serving.
Instructions
Instructions:
- Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, avocados, red onion, black beans, black-eyed peas, sweet corn, bell pepper, jalapeno pepper, and cilantro. Stir or toss well to ensure a harmonious blend of all the ingredients.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This dressing is what brings the entire salad together.
- Combine: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and mix thoroughly, ensuring each ingredient is coated with the delicious dressing.
- Refrigerate and Serve: Keep the salad chilled. If not serving immediately, remember to give it a good stir or toss before serving to refresh the flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
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