Go Back
–+ servings
Ultimate Cowboy Caviar (Tex-Mex Bean Salad Dip) 1

Ultimate Cowboy Caviar (Tex-Mex Bean Salad Dip)

A healthy, cold Tex-Mex bean salad dip perfect for summer parties or picnics, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional high-calorie appetizers while still delivering incredible flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine Mexican, Tex-Mex
Servings 12 servings
Calories 172 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife

Ingredients
  

For the base

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black-eyed peas drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels drained (or 1½ cups fresh corn, off the cob)
  • 1 red bell pepper finely diced
  • 1 green bell pepper finely diced
  • 1/2 red onion finely diced
  • 2 ripe avocados diced
  • 2 medium tomatoes seeded and diced
  • 1 jalapeño seeded and minced
  • 1/3 cup fresh cilantro chopped

For the dressing

  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed from about 2 limes
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave optional for sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Drain and rinse the black beans and black-eyed peas thoroughly. Place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the drained corn.
  • Finely dice the bell peppers, red onion, tomatoes, and jalapeño. Add all vegetables to the bean mixture.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, honey (if using), cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture. Gently fold all ingredients together using a large spoon or spatula. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  • Just before serving, dice the avocados and gently fold them in along with the fresh cilantro. Give the mixture a final gentle toss and adjust seasonings if needed.

Notes

- For lower calories: Reduce olive oil to 1/4 cup and increase lime juice slightly
- If making ahead, prepare all ingredients except avocado and cilantro, which should be added just before serving
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days (without avocado)
- For less heat, remove all jalapeño seeds and membrane. For more heat, keep some seeds or substitute with serrano peppers
- Serve with whole grain tortilla chips, pita chips, or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish

Nutrition

Calories: 172kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 5gFat: 10gSodium: 210mgFiber: 6gSugar: 3gVitamin C: 45mgIron: 10mg
Keyword Cowboy Caviar, Bean Salad, Tex-Mex Dip, Healthy Appetizer, Party Dip
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!