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Fresh Memorial Day BBQ Cowboy Caviar Recipe Easy Texas Style Party Dip

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A fresh, vibrant, and smoky Texas-style cowboy caviar perfect for Memorial Day BBQs. This easy party dip combines beans, fresh veggies, and a tangy, smoky dressing for a crowd-pleasing side or snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained (optional)
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) whole kernel corn, drained (fresh or frozen corn also works well)
  • 1 large red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 large green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse your canned beans and corn. Place black beans, black-eyed peas (if using), and corn in a colander. Rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  2. Chop the fresh veggies. Dice red and green bell peppers, red onion, tomatoes, and jalapeño finely. Toss chopped cilantro in as well.
  3. Combine the base ingredients by adding the chopped veggies to the bowl with beans and corn. Gently stir to combine evenly.
  4. Whisk together the dressing in a small bowl by combining olive oil, apple cider vinegar, fresh lime juice, honey, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and barbecue sauce until emulsified and smooth.
  5. Pour the dressing over the cowboy caviar mix. Drizzle evenly then toss gently with a large spoon or spatula to coat every bit without mashing the tomatoes or beans.
  6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Before serving, give the cowboy caviar a gentle stir and taste. Adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.

Notes

Drain and rinse canned ingredients thoroughly to reduce canned taste and excess salt. Dice veggies finely but not too small for crunch. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. Stir gently after dressing to avoid mashing. Chill at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Adjust heat by omitting jalapeño or chipotle powder for milder version. Store leftovers covered in fridge up to 3 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled meats.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy caviar, BBQ dip, Texas style, Memorial Day recipe, party dip, black beans, fresh veggies, smoky dressing, easy appetizer