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Move over guacamole and salsa, there’s a new hero in town—and it’s bringing all the vibrant colors, textures, and bold flavors with none of the guilt. Say hello to Cowboy Caviar, the zesty, nutritious salad that's basically a party for your taste buds and a superpower for your body.

What Is Cowboy Caviar?

Cowboy Caviar, sometimes called Texas Caviar, is a fresh, tangy salad made from a mix of black beans, black-eyed peas, corn, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and sometimes avocado. It’s usually tossed in a zesty marinade loaded with lime juice and a kick of spice. Originating in the South and popularized everywhere from backyard barbecues to potlucks, this salad is all about healthy ingredients and crave-worthy flavor.

Why We Love Cowboy Caviar

1. Nutrient Powerhouse

Black beans and/or black-eyed peas pack a protein and fiber punch. Corn adds a touch of natural sweetness and antioxidants, while peppers and tomatoes bring in immune-boosting vitamins like C and A. This is not just a salad; it's a bowl brimming with nutrients that keep you feeling fuller, longer.

2. Guilt-Free Flavor Fiesta

All the bold flavors, fresh juices, and crunchy textures without a hint of heaviness or unhealthy fats. It's fresh, tangy, and slightly sweet with just the right amount of spicy zing. Perfect for those who want their food fierce with flavor but light on calories.

3. Super Versatile

Need a quick snack? Scoop it up with some baked tortilla chips. Looking for a protein boost? Toss it over a bed of quinoa or brown rice. Want to amp up your greens? Lay it on a bowl of mixed baby spinach or kale. Cowboy Caviar fits seamlessly into any meal, any time.

Extra Tips to Make It Your Own

Spice it up or tone it down: Add diced jalapeños for extra heat or a touch of honey if you like it sweeter.
Add crunch: Toss in some chopped celery or radishes.
Make it creamy: Stir in a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt or a dollop of guacamole.
Keep it vegan and gluten-free: This recipe is naturally both!

Final Thoughts

Cowboy Caviar is a total winner when you're craving something fresh, festive, and full of flavor—but still want to keep things healthy. It’s a versatile, easy-to-make recipe that proves you don’t have to sacrifice taste for nutrition. So next time you need a guilt-free snack or a side dish that steals the show, remember: cowboy boots aren’t required, but a big spoon and an appetite definitely are.

Yeehaw and happy munching!

Cowboy Caviar

Yield: 6

Author: The Skinny Fork (Amanda Plott)

Cowboy Caviar, sometimes called Texas Caviar, is a fresh, tangy salad made from a mix of black beans, black-eyed peas, corn, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and sometimes avocado.

Ingredients

2 (15 Oz.) Can Whole 'No Salt Added' Black Beans, Drained & Rinsed
1 (15 Oz.) Can Corn, Drained
1/2 Red Onion, Chopped
2 Roma Tomatoes, Chopped
1/4 C. Fresh Cilantro, Minced
1/4 C. Fresh Lime Juice
1 Jalapeno, Minced
1 Tbsp. Honey
1 Tsp. Chili Powder
1 Tsp. Cumin
1 Tsp. Salt

Cowboy Ranch

1/2 Light Mayonnaise
1/4 C. Reduced Fat Milk
1/4 C. Greek Yogurt
4 Cloves, Minced
1 Lime Juiced & Zested
1 Tbsp. Dijon
1 Tbsp. Fresh Parsley
1 Tbsp. Fresh Dill
1 Tsp. Green Onions, Chopped
1 Tsp. Thyme
1 Tsp. Paprika
1/2 Tsp. Cayenne
1/2 Tsp. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
Salt & Pepper to Taste

Instructions

Toss the 2 (15 Oz.) Can Whole 'No Salt Added' Black Beans, 1 (15 Oz.) Can Corn, Drained, 1/2 Red Onion, 2 Roma Tomatoes, 1/4 C. Fresh Cilantro, 1/4 C. Fresh Lime Juice, 1 Jalapeno, 1 Tbsp. Honey, 1 Tsp. Chili Powder, 1 Tsp. Cumin, and 1 Tsp. Salt together in a large bowl. Cover and set aside in the fridge.
Using an immersion blender, blender, or food processor, mix together the 1/2 Light Mayonnaise, 1/4 C. Reduced Fat Milk, 1/4 C. Greek Yogurt, 4 Cloves, 1 Lime, and 1 Tbsp. Dijon.
Stir in the 1 Tbsp. Fresh Parsley, 1 Tbsp. Fresh Dill, 1 Tsp. Green Onions, 1 Tsp. Thyme, 1 Tsp. Paprika, 1/2 Tsp. Cayenne, 1/2 Tsp. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, and Salt & Pepper to Taste.
When ready to serve, add the Cowboy Ranch to the Cowboy Caviar and enjoy right away.
To use as a make-ahead meal prep, keep the caviar and dressing in the fridge, and keep the dressing separate from the caviar until ready to enjoy.

Recommended Products

365 by Whole Foods Market, Unsalted Black Beans

Amazon Fresh, Canned Whole Kernel Corn

Best Foods Mayonnaise Light Mayo

Nutrition Facts

Calories

210

Fat (grams)

2 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

1 g

Carbs (grams)

38 g

Fiber (grams)

12 g

Sugar (grams)

7 g

Protein (grams)

11 g

Sodium (milligrams)

626 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

2 mg

Nutritional Claims: High Fiber • Low Fat • Low Fat Abs • Vegetarian • Pescatarian • Gluten Free • Wheat Free • Peanut Free • Tree Nut Free • Soy Free • Fish Free • Shellfish Free • Pork Free • Red Meat Free • Crustacean Free • Celery Free • Sesame Free • Lupine Free • Mollusk Free • Alcohol Free • Kosher