Cowboy Caviar (Chili Lime)

Chili Lime Cowboy Caviar is the ultimate dip, salad, or side dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Naturally vegan and gluten free, it’s a recipe that checks all the boxes for light, healthy snacking while still being totally satisfying.

Think of this Cowboy Caviar recipe as part dip, part bean salsa, and part vibrant side salad. You can scoop it up with homemade Fried Tortilla Chips, spoon it over grilled meats, or enjoy it just like Pico de Gallo. Inspired by the zesty chili lime dressing from my Grilled Chicken Fajita Salad, this version brings a tangy kick that makes it feel like the ultimate Cowboy Caviar recipe.

What Makes This Recipe Good

This Cowboy Caviar recipe is fresh, colorful, and packed with plant-based protein, making it as nourishing as it is delicious. Every scoop gives you the perfect balance of creamy beans, juicy tomatoes, crisp peppers, and zesty lime for a dish that feels light yet satisfying.

It’s no wonder people call it the ultimate Cowboy Caviar recipe or even Texas Caviar. Versatile enough to serve as a dip, salad, or salsa, it’s a dish that works just as well for casual snacking as it does for summer cookouts and potlucks.

What Goes Into Cowboy Caviar

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Making this vibrant Cowboy Caviar couldn’t be easier — it’s all about fresh vegetables, creamy beans, and a zesty chili lime dressing that ties everything together.

• Black Eyed Peas: These mild, creamy beans are a Southern staple and give the dip its classic Texas Caviar roots.
• Avocados: Ripe and buttery, they add richness that balances the crunch of fresh veggies.
• Grape Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they bring a burst of freshness and color to every scoop.
• Chili Lime Dressing: A tangy mix of lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and spices that adds just the right amount of zing and heat.

Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.

How To Make Cowboy Caviar

1. Prep and Combine: Add black eyed peas, black beans, corn, bell peppers, red onion, tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro to a large bowl; toss gently to combine.

2. Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, brown sugar, red chili flakes, cumin, and salt until emulsified and fragrant.

3. Dress and Toss: Pour the dressing over the salad; fold gently with a spatula until evenly coated, keeping the avocado pieces intact.

4. Taste and Serve: Adjust lime, salt, and chili to taste; serve with tortilla chips or veggie sticks, or chill 20 minutes for the flavors to meld.

To balance the zesty, savory flavors of Cowboy Caviar, try finishing the meal with something sweet and refreshing. A chilled glass of White Peach Iced Tea makes the perfect match: light, fruity, and soothing after a bowl of this colorful dip. It’s a simple beverage that keeps the flavors bright without overpowering the dish.

For dessert, a batch of Nutella Stuffed Deep Dish Churro Skillet Cookies adds a fun, indulgent twist. The crisp cinnamon-sugar crust paired with gooey Nutella centers is a decadent way to end a casual gathering, especially when served warm with ice cream. If you prefer something lighter but still vibrant, Mango Coconut Cheesecake Parfaits bring tropical sweetness and creamy texture that contrast beautifully with the tangy chili lime dressing in the dip.