Spicy Cowboy Caviar
by Sommer Collier — last updated on Aug 14, 2025 
This bold and Spicy Cowboy Caviar recipe made with black beans and corn, is the perfect zesty dip (or side dish!) for any occasion! My easy Buffalo Cowboy Caviar recipe is nutritious, gluten-free, vegan, and perfect for making ahead of time!
Sommer’s Recipe Notes
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.
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.
Why You’ll Love Spicy Cowboy Caviar
- Fresh ingredients – This Cowboy Caviar Dip combines fresh, colorful, diced vegetables, black beans, black-eyed peas, corn, and a savory buffalo hot wing seasoning.
- Versatile – 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.
- Nutritious – Guilt-free of course, my spicy Cowboy Caviar Recipe is also vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
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!
Ingredients and Tips
- Black beans – Make sure to use canned black beans.
- Black eyed peas – Again, here make sure it’s the canned variety.
- Corn – It’s easier to use canned corn kernels, but you can also use fresh corn on the cob by cutting off the kernels.
- Vegetables – You’ll need Roma tomatoes, avocados, red onion, orange bell peppers and green onions.
- Olive oil – Use a high-quality olive oil for the base of the dressing.
- Lime juice – Make sure you’re using fresh lime juice.
- Buffalo wing seasoning – This is the key ingredient for that dressing!
Recipe Variations and Dietary Swaps
- Mango – Mix in a handful of diced mango for a sweet twist.
- Italian twist – Swap the cilantro with basil and the black eyes peas for white beans. Replace the buffalo wing sauce with an herby dressing.
- Cheese – Mix in some crumbled Cotija cheese or shredded cheddar cheese.
- Grains – Add in quinoa or couscous for a grain boost.
- Protein – You can add shredded chicken or slices of grilled steak.
How To Make Spicy Cowboy Caviar
Tip for Success – 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!
Find the full Spicy Cowboy Caviar recipe with detailed instructions and storage tips in the printable form at the bottom of the post!
Storage Notes
- Storing Leftovers – Store covered in the refrigerator for up to a week, but I doubt it will last that long!
Serving Suggestions
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. Our spicy cowboy burgers are perfect with a scoop of this caviar on top!
Also, Cowboy Caviar goes great with burritos, and loaded onto burrito bowls and taco salads.
It’s even is a flavorful addition to your eggs at breakfast!
Best Cowboy Caviar
Video
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:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons buffalo wing seasoning, homemade or store-bought
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.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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!
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.
I love Texas Caviar. From the south and made it for the first time New Years to get my black-eyed peas. Had friends over, one being very picky (he went back for thirds). Have been making some version of this since then, especially in the summer with fresh corn. Going to have to try this version, right up by DH taste buds as he likes spicy food.
Could I use the buffalo wing sauce , since that’s what I have on hand?
Hi Cheryl,
Sure, you can. Let me know how it turns out!
This looks so delicious. What a combination of Black Bean and Corn Salsa.
Try adding olives usually use green it is so yummy
I loved it! Packed full of amazing flavors!!
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.