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Cowboy Caviar is a classic dip made with a colorful mix of black beans, corn, tomatoes, green onion, cilantro, avocado and dressed with a zesty Italian dressing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
Cowboy Caviar goes by a lot of names such as Texas Caviar, black bean salsa, or Southwestern bean dip. No matter what you call it, this classic dip should make frequent appearances at your summer cookouts.
It the perfect addition to your tailgate party, neighborhood barbecues and potlucks, Memorial Day cookout, the 4th of July or any holiday!
I love that it is pantry friendly so you can enjoy it any time, all year long. It does involve a few minutes of chopping – tomatoes, avocado, cilantro and green onions but it comes together quickly and it will disappear from the bowl just as fast! It tastes amazing.
Ingredients Needed
- Corn. Use canned corn or you can use fresh corn that has been cooked and cut off the cob.
- Black Beans, drained. You could also use pinto beans or black -eyed peas.
- Roma Tomatoes. You can also use cherry tomatoes cut in half.
- Avocado
- Green Onions
- Cilantro
- Lime
- Zesty Italian Salad Dressing
How To Make Cowboy Caviar
- Drain and rinse canned black beans and corn.
- Cut tomatoes and remove the seeds.
- Chop cilantro and green onions.
- Combine corn, beans, tomatoes, green onion and cilantro in a large bowl and stir to combine.
- Add lime juice and dressing.
- Refrigerate.
- Dice avocado and add to the bowl just before serving
- Serve cold with tortilla chips.
Tips
- Make ahead and refrigerate it before serving so all the flavors can meld together.
- Hold off adding the avocado until right before you serve it to prevent any browning.
- For variations, add in chopped bell pepper, red onion, olives or garlic.
- Add a sprinkle of Feta cheese on top for additional flavor.
- If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapeno pepper to it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different kind of dressing?
Absolutely, if you have a favorite vinaigrette style dressing use it or make your own from scratch at home.
How long will cowboy caviar last?
Kept stored in an airtight container in the fridge it will last 3-4 days.
Can I use fresh corn on the cob instead of canned?
Absolutely, you can use it raw or cooked. My favorite way to use it though is roasted and then cut off the cob.
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Cowboy Caviar
Ingredients
- 15 oz corn drained
- 15 oz black beans rinsed and drained
- 5 roma tomatoes seeds removed and diced
- 1 bunch green onions chopped
- 1 bunch cilantro chopped
- 1 cup Zesty Italian salad dressing
- 1 lime
- 1 avocado chopped
Instructions
- Combine corn, beans, tomatoes, green onion and cilantro. Stir to combine
- Add juice of lime and dressing
- Just before serving add avocado
- Serve cold with chips
Tips & Notes:
- Make ahead and refrigerate it before serving so all the flavors can meld together.Â
- Hold off adding the avocado until right before you serve it to prevent any browning.
- For variations, add in chopped bell pepper, red onion, olives or garlic.
- Add a sprinkle of Feta cheese on top for additional flavor.
- If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapeno pepper to it.
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Nutrition Facts:
Joy Lohr says
My friend makes this with tri-colored peppers (red, yellow, green) and uses a vinegar-oil-sugar dressing. It’s great with grilled chicken, fish (especially salmon) and pita chips.
Linda says
I first ate this last year.. amazed I had never before. It took me about a week to make my ownm my spouse and I ate it until gone..one way to keep the avacado from turning is powered asorbic acid, or put lime all over the avacados. I’d never heard of this before but truly have enjoyed it since. We use it as a whole meal during hot summer days when cooking is just too hot.
Shelby says
I love this stuff! I make it for my whole meal with tortilla chips or cucumber slices sometimes! I was just looking to see how others made it 🙂 Great recipe and post!
Sarah says
Think I’ll try this at a block party tomorrow for the 4th. All your recipes are so yummy!
Beth says
One of my favorite recipes! I use is as a salsa over a salad with grilled chicken, similar to Chili’s Quesadilla Explosion salad. It’s awesome!