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-free, vegan, and perfect for making ahead of time!

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!

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 vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

It is the perfect party snack!

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!

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!)

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!

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!

Looking For More Fresh Dips and Salsas?

• Hot Smoked Pimento Cheese Dip
• Grilled Chipotle Peach Salsa
• Fresh Mango Guacamole
• The Best Homemade Tomato Salsa
• Creamy Avocado Salsa Verde
• Spicy Feta Dip with Roasted Red Peppers

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.

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