Trader Joe's Cowboy Caviar Recipe

This Trader Joe’s Cowboy Caviar is a fresh and vibrant recipe, which is made with a mix of beans, corn, and a zesty lime vinaigrette. It’s the perfect party dip, a classic, foolproof recipe that’s ready in about 15 minutes.

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Trader Joe’s Cowboy Caviar Ingredients

A simple, colorful list for the ultimate crowd-pleasing dip.

For the Salad:

1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can white or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 medium red bell pepper, cored and diced
1 medium yellow bell pepper, cored and diced
5 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced
2 cups Trader Joe’s frozen roasted corn, thawed
1 cup mini heirloom tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup Trader Joe’s Hot & Sweet Jalapeños, drained and chopped
1 cup Trader Joe’s Giant Peruvian Inca Corn (corn nuts), roughly chopped

For the Dressing:

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon Trader Joe’s Hot & Sweet Jalapeños pickling liquid
2 teaspoons Trader Joe’s Everything But the Elote Seasoning Blend
1/3 cup olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Serving:

Trader Joe’s Organic Elote Corn Chip Dippers

How To Make Trader Joe’s Cowboy Caviar

A step-by-step guide to this incredibly easy and delicious party dip.

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, the jalapeño pickling liquid, and the elote seasoning. While whisking continuously, slowly stream in the olive oil until the dressing is creamy and emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the drained and rinsed black beans and white beans, the diced bell peppers, sliced scallions, thawed roasted corn, halved tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and the chopped sweet and hot jalapeños.
Dress and Serve: Pour the prepared dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture and toss until everything is well combined. Season with more salt and pepper if you like. Just before serving, top the caviar with the chopped corn nuts and serve with corn chips for scooping.

Trader Joe's Cowboy Caviar Recipe — Trader Joe’s Cowboy Caviar Recipe

Recipe Tips

For the most flavorful, perfectly textured Cowboy Caviar.

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, this is the perfect make-ahead party dip! You can prepare the entire dip and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the best texture, wait to add the crunchy corn nuts until just before serving.
What if I can’t find the specific Trader Joe’s ingredients? No problem! You can substitute the Trader Joe’s Hot & Sweet Jalapeños with any brand of candied or pickled jalapeños. The elote seasoning can be replaced with a mix of chili powder, smoked paprika, and a little cumin. Any brand of corn nuts will work for the topping.
How to get the most flavor? Don’t skip the jalapeño pickling liquid in the dressing! It adds a fantastic sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy element that really makes the flavors pop.
Can I customize the ingredients? Absolutely! Cowboy caviar is wonderfully versatile. You can add a diced avocado, a can of pinto beans, or some finely chopped red onion to the mix.

What To Serve With Cowboy Caviar

The perfect dippers for this crowd-pleasing appetizer.

This fresh and vibrant dip, also known as Texas Caviar, is a staple at any party or tailgate. It’s perfect served as a dip with:

Sturdy tortilla chips or corn chip dippers
Fritos scoops
As a fresh relish on top of grilled chicken or fish
As a flavorful topping for tacos or nachos

How To Store Cowboy Caviar

Keeping your delicious dip fresh.

Refrigerate: Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days. The flavors will get even better as it sits.

Trader Joe’s Cowboy Caviar Nutrition Facts

An estimated guide per serving.

Calories: 238 kcal
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Protein: 10 g
Fat: 8 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Is this recipe spicy?

The Trader Joe’s Hot & Sweet Jalapeños provide a mild, sweet heat. It’s a very family-friendly level of spice. If you prefer more heat, you can use a spicier brand of pickled jalapeños or add a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.

Do I have to use the corn nuts?

No, they are optional, but they provide the signature crunchy texture that is a fantastic contrast to the soft beans and vegetables.

Can I use fresh roasted corn?

Yes, if you have the time, grilling or roasting fresh corn on the cob will add an even deeper, smokier flavor to the dip. Trader Joe’s frozen roasted corn is a great and convenient shortcut.

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