Cowboy Caviar Salad

Turn Texas Caviar into this healthy Cowboy Caviar Salad. Rice, black beans, corn, creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, and a sweet and spicy chili maple dressing. The BEST summer side dish!

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Summer salads and side dishes like this Cowboy Caviar Recipe are always in high demand. We love using rice to add lots of chew and texture like in this Trail Mix Salad and this Italian Cold Rice Salad. Check out all of our Salad Recipes for inspiration.

IN THIS POST: Everything you need to make Cowboy Caviar

Ingredients needed for this recipe

For the base:

• cooked and cooled rice – any kind of rice works here
• black beans
• tomatoes – I typically use a can of Rotel or Herdez salsa for added flavor
• bell pepper – choose your fave! Red, yellow, or green peppers
• corn kernels – fresh corn or frozen – they will thaw super quick. Simply take them out before starting everything else and they will thaw in the meantime.
• red onion
• cilantro
• avocado

For the dressing:

• oil – extra virgin olive oil or MCT oil are my preferred choices for dressing
• fresh lime juice – TIP! Roll those babies on the counter before squeezing to loosen up all that juice
• maple syrup – honey works too but it will not be vegan
• chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper

How to make this recipe

I love how simple this cowboy caviar recipe is.

First, place the salad ingredients in a large bowl and give it a good stir.

Second, add the dressing ingredients to a small mason jar with a lid and then shake it really well to combine.

Third, pour the dressing over the salad and stir the mixture well to coat everything.

Finally, cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for about half an hour to let the flavors develop.

After it marinates a bit, serve chilled.

This recipe goes so well with all of your BBQ or smoker faves. We love serving it alongside this tasty Smoked Burger Recipe. The flavors pair perfectly.

Another delicious pairing? This smoked macaroni and cheese! It is luscious and creamy with just the right amount of smoke.

FAQ’S, Tips, and Substitutions

• Why is it called cowboy caviar? It was created by a Texas woman who was a director of food services at a hotel and it was first dubbed “Texas Caviar”. This dish started as a dip served alongside tortilla chips at a New Year’s Eve function. The name was a riff on actual caviar typically served at high-class events. Cowboy dip was born.
• How long will this keep? Once it is prepared, store it covered in the fridge for up to four days. The lime juice will oxidize the avocado so it won’t turn brown.
• TIP – When enjoying leftovers, use a slotted spoon to scoop out your portions! There will be a lot of water/juice released from the veggies that will pool at the bottom. Give it a good stir before having it and use that slotted spoon.
• This is a great cold rice salad for a BBQ or potluck as a little goes a long way and you can really feed a crowd with it.
• Portion it out for meal prep and keep it in your refrigerator for four days worth of lunches.
• Leave out the brown rice for a grain-free and keto version of this dish.
• Substitute black-eyed peas for the black beans.
• You can serve it as a side dish, or dip, and sometimes I enjoy it as a filling for wraps.

MORE HEALTHY SALAD RECIPES:

Vegan Trail Mix Salad

Chicken Avocado Salad

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese

Avocado Tuna Salad

Beef Taco Salad

**This recipe was originally posted on May 19, 2020. Updated June 9, 2021, and updated again on June 1, 2022, with recipe notes, writing, and photos.**

If you’ve tried my Texas Caviar Recipe, please rate the recipe and let me know how it turned out by leaving me a comment below. I’m always interested in feedback!

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