Cowboy Caviar
A Delightful Summer Salad
Cowboy caviar, also known as Texas caviar, is a delightful and versatile dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings or as a vibrant side dish. While its exact origins are unclear, this recipe has been a hit in kitchens across the country with countless variations. Here’s how I make mine, and it never fails to impress!
What is Cowboy Caviar?
Cowboy caviar is a colorful and flavorful salad or dip made with a variety of ingredients such as black beans, corn, bell peppers, onions, and feta, mixed with a dressing of lime juice, olive oil, honey, and spices. It’s sometimes referred to as Texas caviar and is popular at parties and gatherings due to its vibrant appearance and delicious taste. Cowboy caviar can be served as a side dish, salad, or as a dip with tortilla chips. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences.
Ingredients for Cowboy Caviar
Salad
- 3 bell peppers (assorted colors)
- 2 jalapeno peppers
- 1 avocado
- 1 small or ½ large red onion
- 5 oz container crumbled feta
- 12 oz bag of frozen elote or corn (the elote I used is a seasonal find at Aldi)
- 15 oz can black beans
Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup lime juice
- ½ TBSP honey
- 1 pack (or ¼ cup) taco seasoning
For serving
- Chips (optional)
Instructions
- Wash produce
- Remove seeds from peppers
- Dice peppers and onion. I used the chopper for this step to make it quick and easy.
- Cut avocado into chunks
- Wash and rinse black beans
- Into a bowl, combine diced veggies, avocado, black beans, frozen corn (it will defrost quickly), and feta
- Stir to combine
- Mix ingredients for the dressing
- Pour dressing over salad and stir to combine
- Serve as a salad with dinner or as a dip with chips
- Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to two days
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Choose Bright, Fresh Ingredients
I start by gathering my ingredients, making sure to choose bell peppers in assorted colors for a visually stunning summer salad. The peppers, along with jalapenos, avocado, frozen elote (or frozen corn), black beans, red onion, and crumbled feta, provide a colorful and flavorful base for this dish.
One of my secret weapons for this recipe is using a chopper to dice the peppers and onions into uniform pieces. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture in every bite.
For the cowboy caviar dressing, I combine olive oil, lime juice, honey, and taco seasoning. This dressing adds a zesty and slightly sweet flavor that complements the fresh ingredients beautifully.
When choosing your produce, it’s important to select ripe, vibrant vegetables. Look for bell peppers that are firm and have a glossy skin. The jalapenos should be firm and free of blemishes. Choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but are not mushy.
I love making cowboy caviar in the summer when produce is at its peak. The flavors of the fresh ingredients really shine, making this dish a true crowd-pleaser.
Try cowboy caviar paired with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
It’s Versatile
Cowboy caviar is not only delicious on its own, served as a side salad, but it also pairs perfectly with chips for a fun and flavorful dip. Serve this summer salad at your next barbecue or picnic, and watch as it disappears before your eyes!
So, gather your ingredients, chop away, and enjoy this delicious and colorful summer salad that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!
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Cowboy Caviar
Ingredients
Salad
- 3 bell peppers assorted colors
- 2 jalapeno peppers
- 1 avocado
- 1 red onion 1 small or 1/2 large
- 5 oz container crumbled feta
- 12 oz bag of frozen elote or corn the elote I used is a seasonal find at Aldi
- 15 oz can black beans
Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup lime juice
- ½ TBSP honey
- 1 pack taco seasoning or ¼ cup
For serving
- Chips optional
Instructions
- Wash produce
- Remove seeds from peppers
- Dice peppers and onion
- Cut avocado into chunks
- Wash and rinse black beans
- Into a bowl, combine diced veggies, avocado, black beans, frozen corn (it will defrost quickly), and feta
- Stir to combine
- Mix ingredients for the dressing
- Pour dressing over salad and stir to combine
- Serve as a salad with dinner or as a dip with chips
- Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to two days
Video
@injamieskitchen I LOVE this stuff. Cowboy Caviar is great for cinco de Mayo but we will be enjoy this summer salad all season long. Its great as a dip or a side salad. Store leftover in a container in the fridge. Full recipe is posted on my website. Chopper in my Amazon storefront. #cowboycaviar #summersalad #partyrecipe #cincodemayorecipes #texascaviarrecipe
♬ original sound – In Jamie’s Kitchen
I have made many “cowboy caviars,” honestly, this recipe is AMAZING!!! I couldn’t stop eating it- great with tortilla chips and also great alone as a side dish with a quick grilled dinner. Thank you, Jamie! I very much looking forward to trying out more of your recipes!
So glad you loved it. It’s one of our favorites for summer.
Made this yesterday, it was just delicious!! My family and I loved it. So fresh, and all of the veggies give it a great crunch! My 2nd or 3rd ‘Jamie’ recipe, all have been great!!