4.70 from 10 votes

Cowboy Caviar (Viral Tiktok Recipe)

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This healthy cowboy caviar recipe went viral for a reason! This Tiktok recipe is great for get-togethers and is ready in under 10 minutes.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
£0.98
Makes: 5
Lunch, meal prep, Snack
American

This Cowboy caviar is a delicious way to incorporate more veggies into your diet. Mixed peppers and corn help keep this recipe a seasonal summery dish that’s bright and flavorful. Instead of standard cowboy caviar dressing, I include cajun seasoning, jalapeno brine and olive oil for a punch of flavour. 

Close up of mixed beans, sweet corn, peppers and coriander in a large metal bowl.

Why you need to try this viral TikTok recipe

This ultimate cowboy caviar recipe is packed with vegetarian protein and fibre, creating a tasty, filling and fun dish. Instead of digging into a cheese dip that’s  higher in calories and fat, you can dip veggies or chips into cowboy dip and enjoy a lighter, satisfying appetizer.

My favourite part about this recipe is the convenience and ease of creating a bowl of cowboy caviar. It only takes 10 minutes to make and the ingredients are inexpensive.

Other Tik Tok recipes you should try after this one ; Pink Sauce Pasta (Tiktok Recipe), Pizza Toast (Hailey Bieber’s Tiktok Inspired Recipe) and Viral Salmon Rice Bowl (Tiktok Recipe)

What is cowboy caviar?

Cowboy caviar, also known as Texas caviar, is a salsa-like dip that began in Texas (as its nickname suggests). This Tiktok dip is seasoned with a fiery, tangy vinegar dressing for added flavour. 

The ingredients are simple and healthy, including various beans, corn, bell peppers, tomatoes and avocado. Many people make this chip dip to take to gatherings, as each batch can serve a large number of people. Other recipes you might like to try ; Dorito Taco Salad Recipe and Loaded Veggie Tacos

Why is it called cowboy caviar?

This salad was invented in the 1950s by Helen Corbitt, a well-known Neiman Marcus food director. She served this dish (originally known as “pickled black-eyed peas”) during a Christmas dinner at the country club. Pretty soon after, the dish was dubbed Texas caviar and eventually cowboy caviar as a joking comparison to authentic fish-egg caviar.

Ingredients

Ingredients to make the mixed bean salad laid out on a pale blue back ground and labelled.

Blackbeans and Pinto Beans
Black beans and Pinto beans are both a top source of protein for vegetarians and vegans. Fibre-rich and satisfying, you’ll feeel fuller for longer while enjoying this Tiktok recipe. 

Sweet corn
Sweetcorn is one of the ingredients that helps bring a fresh, summery feel to the dish. It’s a fun way to add colour, flavour and nutrients to the salsa. If you’re short on time, (defrosted) frozen corn can also work in this recipe, and you’ll be sure its frozen at peak freshness, it’s so easy to prep and is super affordable.

Pickled Jalapenos
Pickled jalapenos are punchy, spicy and unexpected yet perfectly fit in with the recipe. If you prefer a less spicy dish, you can instead use pickled onions. 

Tortilla Chips
Tortilla chips are a must-have with cowboy caviar; they add a delicious crunch and saltiness to the mixture. Alternatively, you can use other veggies such as celery for an even healthier take on this recipe.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How to make this recipe

  1. Thoroughly rinse the pinto beans using a fine colander and add to the bowl (Image 1).

2. Then rinse the black beans and add to the bowl with the sweetcorn, peppers, fresh coriander and jalapenos (Image 2).

Step by step photos, the first with beans in a sieve and the second with beans and finely sliced peppers in a metal bowl.

3. Mix together before making the dressing (Image 3).

4. To make the dressing, combine cajun spice, red wine vinegar and 1 tbsp of the jalapeno brine. Stir the extra virgin olive oil into the dressing until incorporated (Image 4).

Step by step photos, the first with with beans, sweet corn and finely sliced peppers in a metal bowl and the second with a jug with dressing in.

5. Pour the dressing into the mixing bowl and stir until well combined. Either serve immediately with tortilla chips or pour into meal prep bowls, storing tortillas separately (Image 5).

A large metal bowl with beans and finely sliced peppers, sweet corn and sliced jalapeno peppers.

Tips and Tricks

  • Make sure you drain and rinse the beans for the perfect CowBoy Caviar, removing any starchy water and excess sodium.
  • Cut the peppers into very small pieces and thinly sliced jalapeños (adjust the amount of jalapeños to suit your taste).
  • Chop the coriander to add that fresh flavour to the salad but change the herb if you are not a coriander lover.  Finely chopped parsley and mint also work well in this recipe.

Try some sweet recipes after trying the Cowboy Caviar; The BEST Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe, Chocolate Tiffin Recipe and Simple & Easy Brownies

Adaptations

Other fresh veggies you could add: Tomatoes, Shredded carrots, Avocado, Finely chopped cabbage and lettuce.

Other proteins you could add: Grilled chicken, Ground beef, Chopped pork, Bacon bits, Sliced eggs and Cheese crumbles (like feta)

Other lunch recipes you should try; Healthy Noodle Bowls (10 Minute Meal Prep), Singapore Fried Rice (Simple & Easy) and Halloumi Tacos (Vegetarian Soft Tacos)

Mixed bean salad served in 3 square glass meal prep containers with a large bowl of tortilla chips.

FAQs

Can I refrigerate the leftovers?

Yes! Cowboy caviar with vinegar is one type of salad that holds up well in the fridge. If you can’t finish the whole bowl, you can keep it in the fridge for an additional 4-5 days without issue.
You can serve them on the side so each individual can add them to their plate as desired. By doing so, you’re preventing a watery, unappetizing salad with brown avocados.
Yes! Cowboy caviar with vinegar is one type of salad that holds up well in the fridge. If you can’t finish the whole bowl, you can keep it in the fridge for an additional 4-5 days without issue.  Just store the tortillas separately in a sealed container to prevent sogginess/ keep them crispy. 

Can I freeze extra cowboy caviar?

You can! If you avoid leafy greens in cowboy caviar, you can easily freeze this dish for 2-3 months. Separate the salad into individual portions to make it easier to defrost. Then, when you’re ready to eat the salsa, leave the frozen container in the fridge overnight so it can defrost.
Make sure to keep it in airtight containers in the freezer, as this will help avoid frost. 

What other vegetables can I add?

You could add some finely chopped red onion, increase the amount of peppers and sweet corn and serve with a green side salad for a really healthy lunch or dinner.

Close up of mixed bean salad, with sweet corn, peppers and coriander.

If you tried this Cowboy Caviar recipe, it would be mean so much to me if you could leave a review & a star rating to let me know how you found it! I love hearing about your experiences – it motivates me to keep creating more and more recipes for you guys 💛 Let’s get cooking! – Mimi x

Cowboy Caviar (Quick Recipe)

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4.70 from 10 votes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
£0.98
Lunch, meal prep, Snack
American
Servings: 5
This healthy cowboy caviar recipe went viral for a reason! This Tiktok recipe is great for get-togethers and is ready in under 10 minutes.

Ingredients

Lunch Meal Prep

  • 400 g (1 tin) black beans (235g drained) (£0.50)
  • 400 g (1 tin) tin pinto beans (235g drained) (£0.50)
  • 1 (1 tin) sweetcorn (160g drained) (£0.50)
  • 3 mixed peppers, diced (£1.15)
  • 1 bunch of fresh coriander, roughly chopped (£0.50)
  • 4- 6 tbsp pickled jalapenos, roughly chopped (£1.30)
  • 180 g tortilla chips (£0.43)

Cupboard Essentials

  • 2 tsp cajun spice
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt & Pepper

Method

  • Thoroughly rinse the black beans and pinto beans and add to a large mixing bowl.
  • To that bowl, also add the sweetcorn, peppers, fresh coriander and jalapenos.
  • To make the dressing, combine cajun spice, red wine vinegar and 1 tbsp of the jalapeno brine. Stir the extra virgin olive oil into the dressing until incorporated. Season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Pour the dressing into the mixing bowl and stir until well combined. Either serve immediately with tortilla chips or pour into meal prep bowls, storing tortillas separately.

Notes

  • Drain and rinse the beans to remove excess sodium and starch.
  • Cut peppers into small pieces and jalapenos thinly sliced, adjusting the amount to taste.
  • Add chopped coriander or substitute with parsley or mint for fresh flavor.

Nutrition

Servings: 5 servings
Fat: 12g
Calories: 319kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 11g

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Thank you so much for trying my recipe! I hope you loved it. I’d be so grateful if you could leave a comment/rating - it makes my day hearing your feedback!

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