Cowboy Caviar… what a funny name for a recipe! What is it, you ask? It’s basically a tasty version of caviar 😉 haha not really, but it is something you can dip chips in for an appetizer or snack! I’ve seen a million different versions of this dish all over the internet and in cookbooks and every time I see it I always think to myself, “I’m going to make that” and then I never do. Well this week I decided it was time.
I already had 95% of the ingredients in my fridge or pantry, the only thing I didn’t have was black eyed peas. Have you ever used black eyed peas before? I never have. I could’ve sworn I could buy them in a can in the canned bean aisle but I couldn’t find any, and I was determined to make the recipe, so I bought them dried. Let me tell you, I’m not going to do that next time. So let me save you the trouble, definitely buy them in a can. I went home and followed all the directions exactly and after 30 minutes of simmering (after I had already let them soak for an hour) they were over done! And the directions said to simmer for two hours. So they ended up being way too soft and some of them got mushy, but they still worked for this recipe.
This recipe is super easy, you literally just combine all the ingredients into a bowl, add in the vinaigrette, and toss to combine. It tastes even better after it’s had a few hours to “marinade”. Cowboy caviar is a great accompaniment to any fiesta meal and a perfect dish to take to a party with a bag of tortilla chips if you need an appetizer, or invite the party to your house!
Enjoy!
Cowboy Caviar
Ingredients
- 1 14 oz can Black Beans drained and rinsed
- 1 14 oz can Black Eyed Peas drained and rinsed
- 1 14 oz can Corn drained (or frozen)
- 1 lb Tomatoes diced. (About 4 Roma tomatoes)
- 1 Green Bell Pepper diced
- 1/4 Red Onion diced
- 1/2-1 cup Cilantro chopped, most of one bunch
Vinaigrette
- 1/2 cup Canola Oil
- 1/3 cup White Wine Vinegar
- Juice of 1 Lime
- 2 T Sugar
- 1 teas. Chili Powder
- Salt/Pepper
Instructions
- Combine all the caviar ingredients in a bowl and toss to combine.
- Then in a separate smaller bowl, combine vinaigrette ingredients and whisk. Taste and adjust accordingly. Add part of the dressing to the caviar and then add more if necessary.
- I didn't end up needing the whole amount of vinaigrette, just about half.
