Vegan Cowboy Caviar

by Monica on August 31, 2024 1 comment

5 from 1 rating

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.

This easy vegan cowboy caviar is the hit of every party! It’s packed with tons of fresh veggies, marinated in a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy dressing and served with crispy chips.

A bowl of cowboy caviar with corn chips around it and a pepper and limes behind it.

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, get more amazing vegan recipes that will satisfy your cravings!

Why make this recipe

Years ago, I had this cowboy caviar at a neighbor’s party and was obsessed with it from the first bite. Since then, I’ve served it at countless picnics and potlucks and it’s always a hit. I love that it’s one of those recipes that it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free so you can serve it to non-vegans and it’s not weird. Plus it’s free of all major allergens so it’s great for a party with a variety of dietary needs.

I must confess, I get sick of regular old chips and salsa. This cowboy caviar is free of tomatoes and avocado, so it has a fresh clean taste, unlike many Tex-Mex style dips. If you are looking for something different, you have to give this a try.

Ingredients and substitutions

Black Beans – or pinto beans.
Black Eyed Peas – or white beans.
Corn – I like to use canned shoe peg corn, but you can also use frozen corn.
Celery – for a great texture
Red Onion – you can swap these for Vidalia onion or omit them if desired.
Red Pepper, Orange Pepper, and/or Yellow Pepper– or any color of bell pepper.
Jalapenos – optional for a little spice.
Oil – light olive oil, avocado oil, or canola oil will work.
Sugar – organic granulated sugar or agave nectar.
Apple Cider Vinegar – you can swap this for any other vinegar.
Lime Juice – Add just before serving. (optional yet recommended.)

Helpful tools

Large mixing bowl – this makes a very large bowl perfect for parties.
Slotted spoon – for scooping the cowboy caviar into a serving dish to allow the excess liquid to drain off.

How to make cowboy caviar

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

Step 1 – Make the dressing – In a small saucepan, mix the sugar, oil, and apple cider vinegar with a whisk. Bring the mixture to a slow boil, then turn off the heat. Stir well to make sure all of the sugar is dissolved and set aside to cool.

Step 2 – While the dressing is cooling, drain and rinse the black-eyed peas and black beans and add them to a large mixing bowl.

Step 3 – Drain the water from the can of corn and add the corn to the bowl.

Step 4 – Finely dice 2 bell peppers, celery, red onion, and jalapenos and add them to the bowl.

Beans and finely chopped veggies in a mixing bowl to make cowboy caviar. — Add the beans and chopped veggies to the bowl.

Vegan cowboy caviar with dressing poured over it. — Add the beans and chopped veggies to the bowl.

Step 5 – When the dressing has cooled to room temperature, pour it over the beans and veggies and mix well. Add the juice of 3 limes and stir well again.

Step 6 – Cover with plastic wrap and set in the fridge overnight or for at least 8 hours before serving.

Step 7 – To serve, use a slotted spoon to scoop the cowboy caviar into a serving bowl allowing some of the liquid to drain off of it.

A bowl of cowboy caviar after it has marinated in the dressing overnight. — After it has marinated over night.

Using a slotted spoon to scoop up the cowboy caviar out the liquid. — After it has marinated over night.

Step 8 – Seve with corn chips. The scooped-shaped corn chips work best.

Note – While the cowboy caviar marinates, the veggies will release some of their juices and you will have some excess liquid that you can spoon off or use a slotted spoon to scoop the caviar out of the bowl.

Pro Tips

Plan ahead. This cowboy caviar is best when allowed to sit overnight or at least 8 hours before serving.
Be sure to chop the veggies into very small, uniform pieces so it can be served like a salsa.
The jalapenos will mellow a lot as they sit in the marinade. Feel free to omit them completely or just add 1/2 of one for a little spice. Peppers vary greatly in spice level, so you may choose to add more later.