Cowboy Caviar – Peas and Crayons

This totally crave worthy Cowboy Caviar salsa is fast, flavorful, and super easy to throw together as an appetizer for parties and potlucks!

Now that I’m starting my 5th year in Texas residency, it’s time to cowboy my caviar.

If you’ve had this delish dip before, you absolutely understand the hype.

If you haven’t, make sure you serve yourself a big ole scoop of this salsa. Otherwise you’ll find yourself going back for seconds, thirds, or maybe just hovering over the bowl with a big pile of chips because you simply can’t stop eating it!

You may hear it called Texas Caviar, Cowboy Caviar, Cowboy Salsa, Southwestern Salad, or even Bean Salsa. Whatever you call it, you’re going to want to keep it on speed dial.

OMG WAIT. Speed dial is not even a thing anymore is it? Did I just millenialize myself?! Gahhhh if you need me I will be crying in the corner while you make this baller salsa.

SALSA INGREDIENTS NEEDED

There’s a pile of fresh produce as well as some canned pantry staples that make up this salsa. It seems like a lot of ingredients but if you’re making this dip close to taco night, it’ll all be stuff you have on hand to throw in a bowl and subsequently, your face. Easy peasy!

For the fresh ingredients, you’ll grab some ripe tomatoes and your favorite type of onion. I love using red onion here but white onion works fantastic as well! Fresh cilantro and lime add flavor and, for some spice, a fresh jalapeno or two is an excellent mix-in.

While you can be extra and grill up some corn (helloooo added flavor boost!) I simply toss canned or steamed frozen corn and call it a day. Canned black beans and pinto beans are also a nice time saver in this recipe. Black-eyed peas can be used in place of pinto beans if you’d like.

Cowboy Caviar

This salsa can be enjoyed right away, but it’s also even more flavorful once it’s had some time to chill overnight in the fridge. You know what that means people — MEAL PREP! It’s an easy make-ahead option to make once and enjoy all week long.

Leftovers are amazing served over taco salads, burrito bowls, and as a side for tacos, quesadillas, and more!

Need less? You can 100% whip up a half batch of this party-sized salsa if needed!

Print Recipe

This totally crave worthy Cowboy Caviar salsa is fast, flavorful, and super easy to throw together as an appetizer for parties and potlucks!

Course Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword Cowboy Caviar, Texas Caviar

Prep Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 18 minutes mins

Servings 16

Calories 92

Author Jenn Laughlin – Peas and Crayons

• 2 cups chopped ripe tomatoes approx. 1 pound
• 2 jalapeños
• 1 small red onion
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans
• 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans or black-eyed peas
• 2 cups corn canned or thawed from frozen
• ½-¾ cup fresh chopped cilantro leaves
• 2 limes
• 2-3 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
• 1 TBSP white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar
• ½ tsp sea salt plus extra to taste
• ½ tsp cumin
• ¼ tsp garlic powder

• First prep the vegetables. Chop tomatoes and onion. For a spicy salsa, leave the seeds and insides in tact when dicing the jalapeños, for a milder dip, use a spoon to scoop out the insides before chopping.

• Drain and rinse beans. Drain corn if using canned or defrost/steam if using frozen. Fresh corn is amazing as well so feel free to use it!

• In a large bowl, combine prepped beans, vegetables, and cilantro.

• Squeeze juice from limes and whisk together in a small bowl with olive oil, vinegar, salt, cumin, and garlic powder. Pour over veggie mixture and mix well.

• Give it a taste (dig in with a spoon or a tortilla chip) and adjust spices and oil/vinegar/cilantro to taste. Add more of your favorites for a totally custom cowboy caviar that rocks your socks!

• For advance party prep, cover and chill overnight in the refrigerator. Depending on preference, this salsa can be enjoyed at room temp or chilled for 30-60 minutes for a cold salsa. As it sits the flavors meld and mingle – love it so!

• Serve with crunchy tortilla chips as a tasty dip or serve on top of your favorite protein, tacos, salads, burrito bowls, etc… It’s fantastic every which way! Avocado makes an excellent add-in too, just chop it up and mix it in just before serving and you’re good to go.

Nutrition Facts below are estimated using an online recipe nutrition calculator and yields approx. 16 servings at 1/2 cup per serving. Adjust as needed based on extras added and enjoy!

Calories: 92kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 146mg | Potassium: 281mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 265IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg