Go Back
–+ servings
cowboy caviar in a white bowl on cutting board

Cowboy Caviar (Four Bean Salad)

Berry Berry Life
Get ready to dig into the deliciousness of Cowboy Caviar, a Tex-Mex-inspired bean salad that's perfect for summer or any season of the year! Packed with beans, veggies, and a tangy dressing, it's the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion and a veggie lover's dream come true.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 140 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Bell Pepper
  • 2 Sweet Peppers
  • 1 Carrot
  • 1 Red Onion
  • 4 Small Cucumbers
  • 4 Radish
  • 1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes
  • 1 Cup Parsley chopped
  • 1.5 Cup Garbanzo Beans 1 Can of 16 oz
  • 1.5 Cup Black Beans 1 Can of 16 oz
  • 1.5 Cup Navy Beans 1 Can of 16 oz
  • 1.5 Cup Red Kidney Beans 1 Can of 16 oz

Salad Dressing

Instructions
 

  • Chop all the vegetables and add them to a bowl.
  • Open and drain all the beans.
  • Add the beans to the veggies.
  • In a mason jar, add all the ingredients for the dressing, and shake it up.
  • Pour the dressing on the veggies and beans and combine.
  • Refrigerate the salad to allow the ingredients to meld.
  • Enjoy the salad as a meal, a side, or a dip :)

Notes

  1. Bean Selection:
    • Use a variety of beans such as black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, and black-eyed peas for texture and flavor diversity.
    • Rinse canned beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and starch.
  2. Vegetable Preparation:
    • Chop vegetables uniformly for even distribution and easy eating.
    • Seed and dice tomatoes to prevent excess liquid in the salad.
  3. Dressing:
    • Prepare the dressing separately and toss with the salad just before serving to prevent sogginess.
    • Adjust the amount of dressing based on personal preference; start with less and add more as needed.
  4. Flavor Enhancement:
    • Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or green onions for a burst of freshness.
    • Add minced garlic or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor depth and spice.
  5. Texture:
    • To maintain crispness, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
    • Stir gently to avoid mashing the beans and vegetables.
  6. Customization:
    • Experiment with additional ingredients like corn kernels, diced avocado, or bell peppers to personalize the salad.
    • For a protein boost, add Sunflower Seeds, Peanuts, Hemp Seeds, Tempeh or Tofu cubes.
  7. Storage:
    • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
    • Note that the salad may become more flavorful as it sits, but the vegetables may soften slightly.
  8. Serving Suggestions:
    • Serve as a standalone salad, a side dish, or a topping for tacos, or nachos.
    • Pair with tortilla chips or crackers for scooping.
  9. Party Preparation:
    • Double or triple the recipe for larger gatherings, adjusting seasoning and dressing accordingly.
    • Keep chilled until ready to serve, and stir occasionally to redistribute flavors.
  10. Allergen Information:
    • Check ingredient labels carefully for potential allergens, especially if serving to guests with dietary restrictions.
    • Consider providing a separate portion without allergenic ingredients for those with allergies or intolerances.
With these recipe notes in mind, you can create a delicious and versatile Cowboy Caviar or Four Bean Salad that is perfect for any occasion, from picnics and potlucks to weeknight dinners and backyard barbecues.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1CupCalories: 140kcal
Keyword Bean Salad, Cold Salad, Cowboy Caviar, Dressing, Healthy, Meal Prep, Picnic, Potluck, Vegetables, Vinaigrette
Tried This Recipe?Mention us @Berry_Berry_Life or #berryberrylife