A Spicy Perspective

Cowboy Caviar (Buffalo-Style!)

Cowboy Caviar Recipe (Buffalo-Style) – This bold and spicy cowboy Black Bean and Corn Salsa recipe is the perfect zesty dip (or side dish!) for any occasion. My easy Buffalo Cowboy Caviar recipe is healthy, gluten-freevegan, and perfect for making ahead of time!

Cowboy Caviar Recipe - Buffalo-Syle!

What is Cowboy Caviar?

I must admit, I did not expect to like this Cowboy Caviar recipe the first time I tried it.

This cowboy dish has to have the most nondescript name for any recipe ever… It does not include caviar, or buffalos. And there are no cowboys involved either, although cowboys could certainly make and eat it I suppose.

After my first taste of Cowboy Caviar, I was surprised and amazed. I tried it, and tried it, and kept on trying it. In fact, it turned out to be my entire dinner for the night.

This “caviar” is essentially a variation of Black Bean and Corn Salsa. Fresh, crunchy, spicy, slightly sweet, and scooped up with tortilla chips, I just could not get enough of this unique dip!

cowboy caviar recipe

A classic Cowboy Caviar Recipe is so delicious, I just had to make my own version.

This Cowboy Caviar Dip combines fresh, colorful, diced vegetables, black beans, black-eyed peas, corn, and a savory buffalo hot wing seasoning.

It’s a flavor-packed collaboration that is great for scooping up with tortilla chips, but can also be served on its own as a salad, or used as a fresh relish for any number of dishes.

Guilt-free of course, my spicy Cowboy Caviar Recipe is also vegandairy-free, and gluten-free.

It is the perfect party snack!

Cowboy Caviar Bean Dip

Easy Buffalo Texas Caviar – Black Bean and Corn Salsa

Buffalo Cowboy Caviar is so quick to throw together, and it is quite a feast for the eyes, as well as the palate. It requires no actual cooking to make and stays fresh in the fridge for days.

Chop some fresh veggies, open a few cans of beans, whisk up the dressing, and mix. Allow the Buffalo Cowboy Caviar time to marinate for about an hour, so the flavors mature. Boom, and done. Appetizer ready in no time!

party dip

What Ingredients You Need

My favorite Cowboy Caviar Recipe calls for a few canned ingredients and lots of fresh veggies.

Below are my recommendations, but you can certainly change up the dip ingredients based on what’s available and your personal preference.

Trust me though: you’ll love the buffalo spice marinade!

For the Cowboy Caviar:

  • Canned Black Beans
  • Canned Black Eyed Peas
  • Canned Corn – you could use fresh corn on the cob by cutting off the corn kernels. 
  • Roma Tomatoes
  • Avocados
  • Red Onion
  • Orange Bell Pepper
  • Green Onions
  • Cilantro
  • Jalapeños

For the Buffalo Dressing:

  • Olive Oil
  • Lime Juice
  • Honey (or maple syrup to make vegan)
  • Buffalo Wing Seasoning (If you can’t find it, add in some Buffalo Hot Sauce!)
What is Cowboy Caviar?

How to Make Cowboy Caviar Bean Dip

This healthy dip recipe really is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

Here’s how to whip up a batch of Buffalo Cowboy Caviar before your next potluck or party:

  1. Make the marinade – Whisk the buffalo dressing ingredients together in a small bowl, and set aside.
  2. Prepare the caviar – Remove seeds, chop and dice the fresh produce, drain and rinse the canned goods, and place all of the caviar ingredients in a large bowl. Gently mix in the buffalo marinade to coat.
  3. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving either cold or at room temperature.

Get the Full (Printable) Cowboy Caviar Recipe Below!

Caviar Bean Salsa Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Black Bean Salsa Recipe Gluten-Free?

Be sure to double-check the ingredients list on the buffalo spice and tortilla chips you purchase to ensure that they contain no gluten additives. Otherwise yes, this Cowboy Caviar recipe is gluten-free.

Can Buffalo Cowboy Caviar Be Made Ahead of Time?

This salad/dip holds up very well, making it a great take-along for cookouts, picnics, potlucks, and the like. It’s also great for meal prepping to make part of your lunch meal plan for the week!

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to a week, but I doubt it will last that long!

Can I Freeze Leftover Salsa?

Yes, you can. Store it in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, let it thaw out in your fridge for 24 to 48 hours. 

Why Do They Call It Cowboy Caviar?

The origin of this recipe comes from the 1940’s. It was joked about as a poor man’s version of the expensive caviar recipe. 

How Do You Suggest Enjoying Cowboy Caviar Black Bean Corn Salsa?

Personally, my favorite way to eat Buffalo Cowboy Caviar is with scoopable tortilla chips. However, you can use it as a topping for green salads, or even on tacos and burgers.

Also, Cowboy Caviar goes great with burritos and even is a flavorful addition to your eggs at breakfast.

I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments!

Black Bean Salsa Recipe

Looking For More Fresh Dips and Salsas?

Check out the printable recipe card below for nutritional information including calories, carbohydrates, protein, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, potassium, fiber, vitamin c, and calcium percentages.

Caviar Bean Salsa Recipe
Print Recipe
5 from 19 votes
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Cowboy Caviar Recipe (Buffalo-Style!)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Buffalo Cowboy Caviar Recipe – A spicy black bean and corn salsa with black eyed peas that can be served as a dip or a side dish! This make-ahead recipe is tossed with a zesty buffalo vinaigrette.
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the Cowboy Caviar:

  • 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 15 ounces black eyed peas, drained and rinsed
  • 11 ounces corn, drained
  • 4 roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
  • 2 large firm avocados, diced
  • 1 small red onion, diced
  • 1 orange bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup green onions, diced
  • 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
  • 1-2 large jalapenos, seeded and diced

For the Marinade:

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, mix the marinade ingredients.
  • Chop all the vegetables and herbs. Place the rest of the ingredients in a large salad bowl. Pour the marinade over the top, and stir gently to coat well.
  • Chill for at least 1 hour. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Video

Notes

For a gluten-free version, make sure you use a buffalo spice mix that indicates that it’s gluten-free.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup, Calories: 233kcal, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 8mg, Potassium: 572mg, Fiber: 9g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 775IU, Vitamin C: 25.8mg, Calcium: 57mg, Iron: 3.1mg
Course: Salad, Snack
Cuisine: American
Author: Sommer Collier

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18 comments on “Cowboy Caviar (Buffalo-Style!)”

  1. Pingback: 13 Of The Most AMAZING Redneck Caviar Recipes

  2. Try adding olives usually use green it is so yummy

  3. I loved it! Packed full of amazing flavors!!

  4. I got my Super Bowl party snack now. Would like to try with breakfast as well, so I’ll try to keep some for myself.

  5. I’m making this caviar this weekend for the Super Bowl!

  6. We serve this as a salad and it’s so tasty! Love all of the fresh flavors from the veggies!

  7. Absolutely mind blowing! I have always loved cowboy caviar and I love this Buffalo flavored one even more. Such an incredible recipe!

  8. This would be perfect for a football game party! 

  9. Am I crazy or is the buffalo wing SAUCE missing from the recipe???
    I am only seeing the dry buffalo seasoning??? Please tell me how much wing sauce I can’t wait to make this!!! Thank you 

  10. This never lasts when we make it.  Our family devours it so quickly! 

  11. This is my favorite game day snack!

  12. I LOVE how easy and delicious this is!! YUM!

  13. I loved it! So easy and so tasty!

  14. Oh my gosh this is so good!

  15. HELP, I too am puzzled as to what “Buffalo Spice Mix” is ? This is the first time I’ve ever heard of it. Would someone know what’s in it ?

  16. One of the greatest things about this dish aside from eating it is you can switch out things you don’t like, add other things and make it your family’s dish. It is great with Scoops~flat chips don’t hold up~but I love it with saltine crackers and a spoon.