This cowboy caviar is such a tasty and easy chip dip. It has guacamole feel, but I like it better. It is also great used as a salsa on tacos or other Mexican dishes.
Cowboy Caviar
There are few things that hit the snacking spot like a big pile of chips and something yummy to dip the chips in. Of course, chips on their own are great too. But whether it is salsa, bean dip, warm cheese, it makes those crisp, corn chips even more delicious.
That’s where this Cowboy Caviar comes in. It’s so simple! And, not to get all mathematical, but the flavors of the black beans, sweet corn, tomatoes, avacado, cilantro and lime all meld together to create a whole even greater than the sum of its parts.
Additions and Substitutions
This recipe 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. In the case of Cowboy Caviar, there are several things you can try. Roasting fresh corn before adding it gives a new flavor to this dish. Some people like to add diced red onions to the mix. A little cumin can add a unique flavor, or how about some black-eyed peas and orange bell pepper?
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 avacados turning a little brown.
Pass the Dip Please
While we are on the subject of dips, there are so many kinds to try. Check out some of these other popular recipes.
- Spinach Artichoke Dip served right in a bread bowl is a delicious combination of fresh spinach and three kinds of cheese.
- Easy Spinach Dip is delightfully creamy and a breeze to whip up for your next gathering.
- 5-Minute Dill Pickle Dip is great with potato chips, pretzels or buttery crackers.
- Try this Easy Cream Cheese Fruit Dip if you’re looking for a way to doll up a fruit platter.
- Skotidakis Jalapeno Greek Yogurt Dip is a favorite with its creamy and tangy with a little bit of spice.
- Warm Bacon Cheese Dip in Sourdough is a favorite appetizer at parties, baked right in the sourdough bowl.
- Cheater Restaurant Style Refried Beans are a great side dish, but they can also be the perfect chip dip.
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
guacamole feel, but I like it better. It is also great used as a salsa
on tacos or other Mexican dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can sweet white corn drained and rinsed
- 3 Roma tomatoes diced
- 2 avocados extra large, or 3 regular, diced
- 1/2 bunch cilantro finely chopped
- 1/8 cup lime juice more to taste
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Toss everything together in a large bowl, do not over-mix. Serve with tortilla chips.
Carl says
March 25, 2011 at 4:21 pmThis has been a favorite of my family for years. We like to add a bit of Worcestershire sauce (maybe 1-2 tbl. spoons). Also everyone thinks that it's better the day after, so we put it in the fridge overnight to let the flavors really come together.
the momma-kana says
March 27, 2011 at 8:03 pmI love this too!
Liz says
March 28, 2011 at 7:20 pmThank you for sharing this. I love this stuff!
Liz says
March 29, 2011 at 8:15 pmI made some last night and can't stop eating it. In fact, I'm eating some at my desk right now. I added some garlic granules to give a little more flavor, but that's the only addition I had. So, so good! Mmmm!
Becky says
May 2, 2012 at 9:29 amI paired this with your Chicken Lime Tacos and they were perfect! Looking for an excuse to make it again!
Crissy says
May 23, 2012 at 10:30 amIf you make this ahead will the avacados get brown the way guacamole does?
Emily says
May 23, 2012 at 1:27 pmYes, I wouldn’t make it more than a few hours ahead of time. It tastes best fresh.
Stacy says
December 31, 2013 at 5:16 pmLOVE THIS!!! I substituted black-eyed peas (for a NYE dish) and added a little chopped orange bell pepper. It is incredible!!! I may never eat any other salsa again… Happy New Year to you and your readers!
Erica says
January 1, 2014 at 7:04 pmThank you so much! Great idea with the black-eyes peas! I will have to try that next time. Best wishes to you for 2014!
Debi says
May 29, 2014 at 1:22 pmI also use diced red onion and I roast my corn
Rose Hanna says
March 2, 2015 at 2:18 pmYummy! Will do this soon, and taking in all the suggestions. Cumin comes to mind………
Echo says
March 2, 2015 at 2:40 pmYes, I love Cumin. Great suggestion!
Debi says
May 29, 2014 at 1:23 pmoops should say I roast fresh corn