Easy Cowboy Caviar

This Cowboy Caviar is such a tasty and easy chip dip, like guacamole but with more textures and flavors. It is also great used as a salsa on tacos, burritos or other Mexican dishes.

There are few things that hit the snacking spot like a big pile of chips and something yummy to dip the chips in. That’s where this Easy Cowboy Caviar recipe comes in. It’s so simple! We make a big batch of this for game days, potluck parties, or movie nights and it’s always the first bowl cleaned out! It’s perfect to make ahead of time and let all the ingredients get to know each other in the bowl. And, not to get all mathematical, but the flavors of the black beans, sweet corn, tomatoes, avocado, cilantro and lime all meld together to create a whole even greater than the sum of its parts.

Ingredients in Cowboy Caviar

This easy side dish or dip comes together with just a few fresh ingredients. Stir your favorites together and you’ll be absolutely amazed at the flavors! Here’s what you need:

• Black beans – One can of your favorite brand of black beans. You can substitute for pinto beans or black eyed peas if you like.
• Corn – one can, or a cup of frozen sweet white corn.
• Roma tomatoes – dice three (or more!) fresh tomatoes into small or bite size pieces.
• Avocados – two extra large, ripe avocados, or three medium, diced.
• Cilantro – half a bunch, finely chopped. Find fresh cilantro in the produce section of the grocery store.
• Lime juice – use the juice of one lime, or a couple of tablespoons of bottled lime juice. Add more to taste.
• Salt  – one teaspoon, or more to taste
• Pepper – to taste

What to Serve with Cowboy Caviar

Serve with a giant pile of your favorite chips (regular or gluten-free) or use a scoop or two as a salad topping with some olive oil and red wine vinegar to make a simple vinaigrette. 

This is the kind of dip that is best served fresh. If you do make it in advance, don’t give it more than a few hours to sit. Otherwise you risk the avocados turning a little brown.

Additions and Substitutions

This Cowboy Caviar recipe (or Texas Caviar as it’s also called) is great all on its own. But it’s always so great to see how readers have adapted or enhanced recipes to fit their family’s tastes. Put a scoop on top of grilled chicken, or a side of tortilla chips. In the case of Cowboy Caviar, there are several things you can try. 

• Roasting corn kernels before adding it gives a new flavor to this dish. 
• Using fresh cobs of corn is a perfect way to use up summertime produce. Cut the fresh corn kernels off the stalk and roast or add in fresh.
• Some people like to add diced red onions to the mix. 
• A little cumin, chili powder or red wine vinegar can add a unique flavor
• Substitute black beans for pinto beans, or black-eyed peas. They’re high in fiber and nutrients.
• Add any veggies you like! Try some red, green or orange bell pepper, green onions or diced garlic.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cowboy Caviar

READ MORE: 75+ Cinco de Mayo Recipes

More Mexican Fare

This Cowboy Caviar can be used in a bunch of different ways. But if you’re cooking up some great Mexican dishes, like our Crock Pot Mexican Shredded Beef, or the tasty Mexican Lasagna, consider adding Cowboy Caviar and chips on the side.

How To Make Cowboy Caviar