This Vegan Cowboy Caviar is a fresh, colorful bean salad made with beans, corn, and tomatoes. It's perfect as a dip, side dish, or meal-prep lunch.
This is one of my favorite summer salads. Growing up my mom made a dish that we just called 'corn bean salad' which I now know is some variation on the popular name Cowboy Caviar.
I love that a bean-corn-tomato salad is so fresh tasting that you can devour servings on servings of beans and veggies without really thinking too much about it. Perfect if you're looking for some extra fiber!
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What Is Cowboy Caviar?
Cowboy caviar is a bean salad that originated in Texas and is often served as a dip with tortilla chips.
It's great as a party appetizer or a healthy meal-prep salad. Plus, it's deliciously addictive with tortilla chips. You won't realize you're downing beans by the spoonful.
Why You'll Love This Vegan Cowboy Caviar
- Fresh & Flavorful - no-cook and tons of veggies
- Oil-Free - lighter than many traditional versions
- Meal Prep Friendly - Tastes even better after chilling
- Perfect for Parties - Great with tortilla chips
- Protein & Fiber Rich - thanks to the two types of beans
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Beans: black eyed peas & black beans. Canned beans are great here. You can often find canned black eyed peas in the canned peas/vegetable section instead of the bean section.
- Corn: I used canned corn. Frozen works great as well.
- Roma Tomatoes: or beefsteak
- Poblano or Green Bell Pepper: I love poblano pepper here for a bit of spice, but a regular bell pepper is perfect
- Red Onion: feel free to use a yellow as well
- Jalapeño: for some spice. If you aren't a huge fan of spice (like me!) avoid getting any seeds in the mixture
- Scallions
- Cilantro
- Lime: fresh lime juice is best! Feel free to sub fresh lemon juice
- Agave: or maple syrup
- Spices: salt, cumin, chili powder
- Tortilla Chips: to serve. Feel free to make my homemade tortilla chips for an oil-free option
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1. Toss all the ingredients in a large bowl. Serve with tortilla chips.
Best Ways To Serve Cowboy Caviar
- With tortilla chips as a dip
- Over greens as a salad
- In tacos or burritos
- Spooned onto baked potatoes
- Added to grain bowls
- Wrapped in tortillas for lunch
- Served alongside burgers or sandwiches
- Topped with avocado for a light meal
Elizabeth's Kitchen Notes
- Poblano Peppers: most versions of cowboy caviar have regular bell pepper, but I wanted something more flavorful. Poblanos are a slightly spicy pepper - they add just that hint of heat without overloading the dish with spice
- Chilling the salad: as with most cold bean salads, you'll find the flavor improves with a few minutes of refrigeration. This makes the dish perfect for prep!
FAQ & Expert Tips
Yes! Feel free to make hours or days ahead of time. This dish is great for meal prep.
Cowboy caviar lasts up to 5 days stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Recipe Prayer
Thank you God for this salad that we can enjoy in the summer heat. Amen.
Related Recipes
Tried this recipe?
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📖 Recipe
Vegan Cowboy Caviar (Oil-Free)
Ingredients
- 1 15 Ounce Can Black Eyed Peas drained & rinsed
- 1 15 Ounce Can Black Beans drained & rinsed
- 1 15 Ounce Can Corn drained & rinsed
- 3 Roma Tomatoes small diced
- 1 Poblano or Green Bell Pepper finely diced
- ½ Medium Red Onion finely diced
- 1 Jalapeño seeded & finely diced
- 4 Scallions sliced
- ¼ Cup Minced Cilantro
- Juice of 1 Lime
- 2 Tablespoons Agave
- ½ Teaspoon Salt
- ¼ Teaspoon Cumin
- ¼ Teaspoon Chili Powder
- Tortilla Chips to serve
Instructions
- Toss all the ingredients in a large bowl. Serve with tortilla chips.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate.
Shannon
Hello! This recipe sounds delicious! I have never had black eyed peas before. I don't want to make it and then find out i don't like them. What would you recommend to go with the black beans? do you think pinto or kidney beans would be ok in this? Thanks for any help you cN give me!
Elizabeth
Hi! My first suggestion would be cannellini beans because they are more neutral and soft like black eyed peas, but yes pinto or kidney beans would also be great! Or you can just double the black beans. Let me know how it goes when you try!