Healthy Cowboy Caviar with Homemade Dressing (Vegan Recipe) (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Jenna Urben · This post may contain affiliate links

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This Texas Cowboy Caviar Recipe is fresh, flavorful, and simple to make. Ultimate party food favorite, served with tortilla chips for a healthy side dish or appetizer.

Healthy Cowboy Caviar with Homemade Dressing (Vegan Recipe) (1)

Cowboy Caviar comes together with fresh veggies, beans, and a zesty homemade dressing.

It's quick and easy, the best make-ahead refrigerator salsa, making it perfect for any summer party, picnic, or potluck!

Where did Cowboy Caviar originate?

Texas! This salad of of black eyed peas in a vinaigrette-style dressing was created around 1940 by Helen Corbitt.

She first served the dip on New Year's Eve at the Houston Country Club. When she later served it at Austin's Driskill Hotel, it was given its name, Texas Caviar.

So why is it called cowboy caviar? It's meant as a comical compariation to true caviar, an expensive hors d'oeuvre.

Cowboy Caviar is a quintessential Texas dish that's commonly served on New Year's Day. But I say, why wait all year?! It's big, bold, zesty flavor is perfect for parties and tailgating.

Healthy Cowboy Caviar with Homemade Dressing (Vegan Recipe) (2)

Cowboy Caviar Ingredients

  • Black-eyed peas
  • Black beans
  • Corn
  • Bell pepper
  • Tomatoes
  • Red onion
  • Jalapeno
  • Cilantro, optional

Cowboy Caviar Dressing

Some believe store bought Italian dressing is better but I believe the best dressing for cowboy caviar is homemade.

You can whip it up in just seconds with common pantry staples. Here's what you need:

  • Olive oil
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Lime juice
  • Sugar or agave
  • Dried oregano
  • Ground cumin
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper
Healthy Cowboy Caviar with Homemade Dressing (Vegan Recipe) (3)

How to Make The Best Texas Caviar Dip

Y'all, this recipe couldn't be simpler! Just chop all the veggies up, drain and rinse the beans, and toss everything together with the dressing.

You can use canned corn, but I had extra corn on the cob, so that's what I used! For the tomatoes, use tomatoes on the vine or cherry tomatoes.

I like letting the dip chill in the fridge for about an hour or so, but this dish is great served at room temp or chilled.

Why you'll love it:

What's not to love about this cowboy caviar dip recipe? In case you need some more convincing, here ya go!

  • Light and wholesome
  • Healthy and homemade
  • Vegan, vegetarian, plant based, dairy free, egg free, gluten free
Healthy Cowboy Caviar with Homemade Dressing (Vegan Recipe) (4)

Want more Texan recipes?

While I was born in California, I've spent a majority of my life living in the Lone Star State. Check out these iconic popular Texas foods next:

  • Ranch Water co*cktail
  • Texas Trash (Spicy Chex Mix)
  • Breakfast Tacos
  • Chili Cheese Fries

Cowboy Caviar Recipe FAQ

What is cowboy caviar made of?

This recipe is my take on the original cowboy caviar with Italian dressing. Since it’s easy to adapt, feel free to tweak ingredients to make it your own. You’ll need two types of beans, vegetables, and a vinaigrette dressing.

Can I make cowboy caviar without black eyed peas?

Use chickpeas or garbanzo beans instead!

How to make vegan cowboy caviar?

Make sure you’re using vegan-friendly sugar or use your favorite sweetener instead, like agave.

How long can you keep cowboy caviar in the fridge?

Store cowboy caviar covered in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

What to serve with Texas caviar?

Serve as a dip with tortilla chips or as a salad over a bed of lettuce.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed this dish, you'll love these too:

  • Dairy Free 5 Layer Dip
  • Vegan Street Corn Dip
  • Dairy Free Beer Cheese
  • Eggless BLT Pasta Salad
  • Vegan Macaroni Salad

Healthy Cowboy Caviar with Homemade Dressing (Vegan Recipe) (5)

Cowboy Caviar Recipe with Homemade Dressing

Author: Jenna Urben

This Texas Cowboy Caviar Recipe is fresh, flavorful, and simple to make. Ultimate party food favorite, served with tortilla chips for a healthy side dish or appetizer.

4.97 from 29 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Servings 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 15-ounce cans black eyed peas
  • 1 15-ounce can black beans
  • 1 15-ounce can corn
  • 1 cup chopped tomatoes
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • ½ small red onion
  • 1 medium jalapeno
  • ½ cup chopped cilantro to garnish

Cowboy Caviar Dressing

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or agave
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  • Drain and rinse black-eyed peas, black beans, and corn. Toss into a large mixing bowl.

  • Chop the vegetables into similar size pieces then add to the mixing bowl.

  • Whisk together the dressing ingredients and pour over the mixture. Toss well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed.

  • Enjoy immediately or let chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

  • Serve with tortilla chips!

Video

Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating or review in the form below, then snap a picture and tag me @theurbenlife on Instagram!

Healthy Cowboy Caviar with Homemade Dressing (Vegan Recipe) (6)

More Dairy Free Appetizer Recipes

  • Dairy Free Pesto
  • Kale Pesto
  • Polish Dill Pickles
  • Mango Habanero Salsa

About Jenna Urben

Jenna Urben is the recipe developer, content creator, and storyteller behind The Urben Life. She has over 10 years experience adapting family favorite meals to fit allergy-friendly diets. Join Jenna as she shares delicious dairy-free recipes that are easy to follow with plenty of tips and alternatives.

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Healthy Cowboy Caviar with Homemade Dressing (Vegan Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

What is a vegan substitute for caviar? ›

A vegan alternative to caviar includes products made from seaweed extracts, sodium alginate, or other plant-based materials that replicate the delicate texture and slight burst of flavor found in fish roe. Some great plant-based brands are Cavi-art and Zeroe.

Is cowboy caviar healthy to eat? ›

Yes, cowboy caviar is healthy. It is packed with protein from the beans and fiber. This is the ultimate low-fat high protein side dish or snack. I absolutely love this lighter version we made with pico de gallo instead of an oily dressing.

How long is cowboy caviar good for in the fridge? ›

How long can you keep Cowboy Caviar in the fridge? If stored in an airtight container this dip can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Keep in mind, the longer your dip sits in the fridge the more excess liquid that will accumulate. Just drain off excess juices and enjoy!

What is in vegan caviar? ›

Vegan caviar is made from seaweed and kelp. Read about the differences between kelp and seaweed here. Containing no animal ingredients it's a plant-based product. Seaweed contains a lot of great vitamins, minerals, and important nutrients.

What is the best vegan substitute for eggs? ›

Firm tofu is a great option for egg-free cooking, and works best in savoury dishes such as eggless quiches, lasagne, vegan egg salad, or a breakfast scramble. A quarter cup of pureed silken tofu can be used to replace one egg. Tofu is generally available at grocery stores.

What is a good alternative to caviar? ›

The best fish roe substitutes include herring caviar, salmon caviar, and lumpfish roe because they have a similar salty and briny flavor. They may not be able to match the experience of true caviar, but they are a cheap caviar alternative that can offer a close approximation.

Why is cowboy caviar so good? ›

WELL, the Cowboy Caviar is full of different colorful plants such as peppers, jalapeno, tomatoes, onion, corn, cilantro, and more which means a large variety of nutrients in every bite! The punch of nutrition packed with the fiber rich beans is a great gut-friendly combo to enjoy!

What is cowboy caviar actually called? ›

What Is Cowboy Caviar? Cowboy caviar, also called Texas caviar, is a refreshing salad of black-eyed peas and other ingredients tossed in a vinaigrette dressing. It was invented in 1940 by Helen Corbitt in Texas.

What does caviar do to the body? ›

High in good fat. In addition, caviar is high in omega-3 fatty acids. These good fats improve your mood and memory (among other things, they also help protect your brain cells) and are critical to components of a healthy pregnancy, maternal nutrition and infant development.

Why is it called cowboy caviar? ›

First served at the Houston Country Club on New Year's Eve in the early 1940s, this bean salad was dubbed “Texas Caviar” in a humorous comparison to true caviar. Today it's more commonly known as Cowboy Caviar and it's a popular dish to serve as at picnics and tailgate parties, often with tortilla chips.

Why is cowboy caviar trending? ›

Texas caviar has been a trend in my house since I was a kid; my old man loved it. But this past summer, the salad has become a full-blown phenomenon thanks to TikTok and a person named Bria Lemirande, who made the salad for her 1.8. million followers. After that, the recipe went viral.

What is the meaning of cowboy caviar? ›

Cowboy caviar's origin story starts with chef Helen Corbitt. In 1940, she was the food director at Neiman Marcus in Dallas, Texas and added something called Texas caviar to the menu, which later was dubbed cowboy caviar. The dish is a type of bean salad with black beans and black-eyed peas as the primary ingredients.

Are black seaweed pearls healthy? ›

These Pearls are a Gem of Sustainability

Caviart® Black Seaweed Pearls from Season Brand are not only healthy for us and chock full of iodine, B-12, and other vitamins and minerals. They're also healthy for the seas.

What does vegan caviar taste like? ›

Mildly salty, nicely textured with a hint of the sea since it is from seaweed.

Can you get vegan caviar? ›

Cavi-art with its clean, slightly salty taste, has endless applications. It will add just the right finishing touch to many dishes. Great with canapés and appetizers. This vegan caviar is made with seaweed.

Is there vegan caviar? ›

Made from sustainably sourced seaweed off the coast of France, our caviar is 100% vegan, allowing you to savor its delicate texture and exquisite flavors guilt-free. Our plant-based caviar is shelf-stable and can be conveniently stored at room temperature, making it a versatile addition to your pantry.

Do vegans eat caviar? ›

Vegan Diet and Lifestyle

If you meet a vegan, we suggest you avoid bringing up the subject of caviar entirely. That's because the vegan code of ethics states that no animal products can be used or eaten, even if they are byproducts of natural processes like when bees make honey or chickens lay eggs.

What is a vegan substitute for fish fillet? ›

  • Tofu fish ('tofish') Tofu can emulate fish well because of its white color. ...
  • Smoked carrot salmon. ...
  • Banana blossom fish. ...
  • Jackfruit tuna. ...
  • Seitan scampi, prawns, and shrimp. ...
  • Vegan fish sticks and fillets. ...
  • Garbanzo bean fish-less cakes. ...
  • Mushroom fish pie.
Jun 24, 2021

What are the best vegan substitutes for fish? ›

Seitan is a good basis for plant-based fish fillets and fish burgers. Due to its fibrous consistency, jackfruit is another ideal fish alternative. Depending on the seasoning, it can be used to prepare vegan fish cakes or fish fillets.

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