This creamy cowboy caviar is a twist on the classic version with a delicious creamy dressing, fresh veggies, beans, and cheddar cheese cubes. It’s one of those dishes that you’ll find yourself going back to get more again and again- it’s truly addicting. Serve it with tortilla chips or by the spoonful!
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Why you’ll love this
This recipe is so versatile! Is it a salad? Is it a dip, easy appetizer, side dish or main course? It’s literally all of that in one recipe!
This is a delicious twist on my more classic texas cowboy caviar recipe- aka the other very best cowboy caviar dip. This creamy version has all the same yummy fresh flavors from veggies, corn, beans, tomato and avocado but instead of a vinaigrette it’s tossed in a light creamy dressing and has diced cheddar, too for more protein.
Speaking of protein, a 1.5 cup serving of this dish has 10 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber! That makes for an appetizer or side that’s going to keep you full, too!
You’ll love that this recipe makes a huge batch! It can be a meal prep for the week for a nutrition packed hearty dip snack served along corn chips or tossed on a bed of lettuce for a plant-based, high protein salad. It also makes for a great game day snack or dish to share at a party!
There’s no cooking required and comes together quickly (even quicker with a veggie chopper) with a mix of fresh ingredients and and pantry ingredients.
Grab your favorite dippers and let’s get into what you need to make it.
Ingredients
- Beans: For a great contrast of color and tons of nutrition (hello protein + fiber) I like to use black beans and pinto beans. You could swap in any beans that you have on hand including garbanzo beans or cannellini beans.
- Bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber: This is my favorite veggie blend for cowboy caviar for veggies. I like to use English cucumber because the seeds are smaller and the texture holds up well when diced. You can use red, orange, yellow or green bell peppers.
- Red onion: For more beautiful color and a sharp slightly spicy bite I use red onion in this recipe. Sweet onions are a delicious choice too!
- Sweet corn: Fresh, frozen or canned corn all work for this recipe! You can also use fire roasted corn if you want some extra smoky flavor.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro aka fresh coriander adds in another fresh bold flavor that blends seamlessly with the beans and fresh veggies in this recipe.
- Avocado: Creamy ripe avocado adds healthy fats, fiber and a delicious flavor that contrasts well with the other flavors.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese adds even more creaminess and protein to this creamy version of cowboy caviar- make sure to dice it up super small or you can even use shredded cheese.
Dressing ingredients
- Plain Greek yogurt: This provides the creamy base for the dressing and adds protein, too! Once it’s mixed up you’ll never know that the dressing is mostly Greek yogurt. Plain Greek yogurt works great because it’s so similar to sour cream.
- Mayonnaise: Just a few tablespoons of mayo add extra creaminess to the dressing, it doesn’t take much but it mellows the flavor from the Greek yogurt.
- Honey: A little sweetness from honey balances the acidity from the lime juice to get this dressing flavor just right.
- Limes: Fresh lime juice add a bright citrusy flavor and acidity that compliments the creaminess of the yogurt and mayo.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is one of my favorite ingredients! It adds a subtle spice and tons of flavor even with just 1 clove! You can sub in garlic powder if needed. Use a garlic microplane to make it easy!
- Cumin + chili powder: To give this cowboy caviar some southwest flavor I love to add cumin and chili powder. It brings a warm almost smoky flavor that really boosts the flavor in this dressing.
- Salt + black pepper
How to make creamy cowboy caviar
Step 1: In a small bowl, add all salad dressing ingredients.
Step 2: Whisk together until fully combined and creamy.
Step 4: In a large bowl combine bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, tomatoes, corn, beans, cilantro and avocado.
Step 5: Pour dressing over the large mixing bowl of fresh veggie and bean mixture and toss gently to combine. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste preferences!
Step 6: Serve with your favorite tortilla chips, any corn chips or crackers. Or enjoy a big bowl as is!
How to store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I recommend giving the salad a quick mix before serving because the dressing will settle to the bottom of the container during storage.
Variations
- Mix up the beans! Black-eyed peas, kidney beans, cannellini beans or garbanzo beans are also delicious in this creamy cowboy caviar dip.
- Spice it up by adding 1-2 diced fresh jalapeño peppers, hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you prefer spicy versions!
- Garnish with more fresh herbs like extra cilantro, parsley, chives and green onion.
- For more bold flavors mix in black olives and canned green chiles.
- Serve on top of greens for an easy taco salad.
More salads you’ll love
- Healthy Cowboy Caviar
- Italian Bean Salad
- Elote Pasta Salad
- Sweet Potato Taco Bowls
- Taco Ground Beef Salad
Creamy Cowboy Caviar
Ingredients
- 2 bell peppers diced small
- 1/2 red onion diced small
- 1 English cucumber diced small
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes quartered
- 1 cup corn cooked and cooled, use fresh or frozen
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can pinto beans drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup cilantro chopped
- 1 avocado diced small
- 4 oz cheddar cheese diced small
Dressing
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 limes juiced
- 1 clove garlic finely minced or microplaned
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, tomatoes, corn, beans, cilantro and avocado.
- In a small bowl, add all salad dressing ingredients and whisk together until fully combined.
- Pour dressing over the large mixing bowl of fresh veggie and bean mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Serve with your favorite tortilla chips.
