The Gunny Sack

Cowboy Caviar Cups

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This easy appetizer recipe for Cowboy Caviar, aka Southwest Black Bean salad, is fun to serve in little tortilla chip cups. This healthy dip has lots of protein and fiber!

Cowboy Caviar Cups

A few years ago, while I was at the dentist in the waiting room during my kids’ appointments, I was visiting with the receptionist and she introduced me to Cowboy Caviar. She told me that she was bringing it to a family get together and I told her I had never heard of it.

She explained that it was so easy to make and it could be used as a salad, a side dish, a snack or an appetizer. I asked her to write down the recipe and she told me that there isn’t really a recipe. She explained that everyone has their own way of making it but the base of most recipes is beans, corn, onions and tomatoes.

rows of cowboy caviar in cups

So, I figured out a recipe and I’ve been making it ever since then. Although the salad is meant to share, I like making cowboy caviar and having it in the fridge so that I can eat it for lunch during the week. It is really filling with lots of fiber and protein.

cowboy caviar ingredients

To make this salad the size and brands were: 15 ounce can Bush’s Best Black Bean, a 15.8 ounce can Bush’s Best Blackeye Peas, a 15.2 ounce can Del Monte Southwest Corn with Poblano and Red Peppers, a 10 ounce can Rotel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, and 1/2 cup of Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing (16 oz bottle).

cowboy caviar mixed

Mix everything together and season with salt and pepper.

Southwest Salad in cups

I bought some baked tortilla chips that are shaped like little cups (I used baked Tostitos Scoops but you can also use the original Tostitos Scoops) and realized that they would be perfect for serving cowboy caviar at a party. This is an easy finger food that people can just pop into their mouths! Just don’t fill the cups too early or they will get soggy.

Cowboy Caviar Cups

Cowboy Caviar Cups

Yield: 20
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

This easy appetizer recipe for Cowboy Caviar, aka Southwest Black Bean salad, is fun to serve in little tortilla chip cups. This healthy dip has lots of protein and fiber!

Ingredients

  • 15 oz can black bean, rinsed and drained
  • 15.8 oz can blackeye peas, rinsed and drained
  • 15.2 oz can corn
  • 10 oz spicy diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 2 avocados, diced
  • 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 cup zesty Italian dressing
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 bag cup shaped tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Pour all of the ingredients into a large bowl and mix well.
  2. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, if necessary.
  3. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Spoon cowboy caviar into cup shaped tortilla chips and place them on a platter to serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 20 Serving Size: 1 grams
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 119Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 176mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 5gSugar: 3gProtein: 5g

Nutrition data is calculated automatically by Nutritionix and isn't always accurate. I am not a certified nutritionist and make no claims to the contrary. Each individual’s dietary needs and restrictions are unique to the individual. You are ultimately responsible for all decisions pertaining to your health.

© The Gunny Sack
Cuisine: American / Category: Appetizer

Comments

  1. Jeanne says

    I made this for company one day as an appetizer but had some left over and used it as a side dish with chicken and fish without the tortilla chips. It is delicious that way as well.

    Reply

    • Tonia says

      Hi Yvonne,
      Yes, they will eventually. I suggest filling them right before serving. It also helps to drain off most of the liquid first or use a slotted spoon. Enjoy!
      ~Tonia

      Reply

    • Tonia says

      It really depends on the size of the serving and on how many of your 50 guests would want some. I think this recipe would make about 6 1/2 cups of cowboy caviar. Enjoy! ~Tonia

      Reply

  6. Cristi Homburg says

    BEST STUFF EVER!! I have made twice in 2 weeks and brought it to functions and everyone loved it! They especially loved that they were already prepared in the scoop chip and could just grab and eat! Delicious!!

    Reply

  8. Julie @ Julie's Eats & Treats says

    My coworker always makes this for parties! YUM! And bite size healthy appetizers are amazing like this 🙂

    Reply

  12. Happy Valley Chow says

    Glad I found your blog through the Time to Sparkle link party, looking forward to following your blog! These look like a fantastic appetizer option, perfect for any upcoming football parties!

    Happy Blogging!
    Happy Valley Chow

    Reply

  13. Erin | The Emerging Foodie says

    These are adorable! I love the little packaging. They also look deeeeelish. Can’t go wrong with that combo of flavors. These would be perfect for the Super Bowl! 🙂

    Reply

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