5-Minute Cowgirl Caviar Shortcut Recipe (My Lazy Cowboy Version + Easy Texas-Style Appetizers)
Texas-style appetizers are all so good – something about that Southwest lifestyle that leads to really yummy nibbles and snacks you could just munch on all day (preferably with a margarita near by haha!)
Cowboy Caviar is one of my favorites as an appetizer or just a cold side dish – so tangy and YUM! Below is my VERY easy shortcut recipe that is just as good – if not BETTER – and only takes MINUTES to make.
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I’ve always loved Cowboy Caviar, but all the recipes I used to use were a bit too involved for me. Not that they’re HARD, just took some planning and ingredients I didn’t usually have on hand.
So, I figured out a shortcut recipe that used things I always have on hand so I could throw it together whenever I wanted – or needed a simple appetizer for party guests.
My basic 5-minute Cowgirl Caviar recipe involves NO chopping, NO slicing, NO dicing – it’s dump and mix simple.
And heck, once you’ve made it a time or two, you won’t have to measure anything either – you just know how much and toss it all in.
I would call it TWO minute caviar dip, but well, we gotta open the cans and that takes a little time haha!
(now, if you’re someone who wants to use FRESH vegetables, hang tight – I’ll give you some more options)
Cowgirl Caviar Ingredients:
There’s just 8 very basic ingredients in my recipe version, but I’ll show you pictures of each ingredient just in case you don’t know what I’m talking about – or you want to be able to easily find it at the grocery store.
Here’s what you need:
1 can – drained✅ See It Here1 can – drained✅ See It Here1 can – drained✅ See It Here1 can – drained✅ See It Here1/2 Cup✅ See It HereAdd to taste✅ See It Here1/2 teaspoon✅ See It Here1 cup✅ See It Here
Directions:
– Get out a bowl or container with a lid.
– Open all your cans and drain.
– Dump the canned ingredients in your bowl.
– Dump in your chopped onions.
– Sprinkle the garlic salt and cilantro.
– Mix it all around.
– Pour on the Italian dressing and mix again.
– Put the lid on and chill in the fridge.
and….. you’re done!
When I’m ready to serve (or just eat some), I’ll shake up the closed container gently to remix it then EAT IT.
It’s yum!
Variations:
This Cowgirl Caviar recipe is super flexible – you can add or remove anything you want. You can even chop your own veggies or whatever makes YOU happy.
Some additional ingredients to add:
– Pistolero
– Salsa
– Guacamole
– Pico de Gallo
– Avocado
– Hot Chili Beans
– Red Peppers
– Yellow Peppers
– Green Peppers
– Jalapenos
– Cheese
– Chickpeas
– Couscous
– Queso Fresco
– Lime juice
Pretty much anything you want, or have in the fridge!
How about some more Texas-inspired appetizers, dips and finger foods? Sound good?
Texas-Style Appetizers
Texas-Inspired Appetizers! Put a little Tex-Mex in your party food with these yummy Texas-style appetizers with just the right amount of cowboy-spicy kick.
From Christmas to Cinco De Mayo, the southwest finger foods and dips are easy shareable snacks for party events, potlucks and small gatherings.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites are the perfect combo of cheese, jalapenos, and breading, and just the tasty kick your party needs!
These delicious Texas Twinkies are made with leftover beef brisket and are an easy oven-baked recipe. Incredibly delicious smoked brisket is mixed with cream cheese, shredded cheddar, seasoning, and stuffed in jalapenos and wrapped in bacon. They are baked to crispy perfection and brushed with barbecue sauce.
Put a little pop of spice in your pinwheel roll up appetizers with this slightly spicy Jalapeno Popper pinwheel bites recipe.
So good - and SO simple to make!
Get ready to rustle up some serious flavor with this Cowboy Queso! Packed with zesty sausage, hearty beans, and a kick of beer, it’s the perfect dip for any gathering—just grab your tortilla chips and dig in!
Creamy Cowboy Caviar is a fresh, flavorful dip that is perfect for any picnic, potluck, or party, and is made in under 15 minutes! This is an indulgent version of Texas Caviar with a creamy, cheesy sauce. It makes a big batch so it is an ideal party appetizer. From game day to poolside or even Cinco de Mayo, there’s a great reason to whip up this scrumptious dip!
Texas Trash is solid gold when it comes to snack time. It's a spicy Chex Mix made extra flavorful thanks to a buttery coating seasoned with Creole spices, Worcestershire, hot sauce, and seasoned salt. You'll find this particular mix addictively delicious thanks to the special addition of airy Bugles and over-the-top crunchy bagel chips!
This super easy jalapeno popper dip comes together in about 10 minutes and can be made ahead of time, which makes it perfect for your next get-together! It’s got all the flavors you love about jalapeno poppers, but in a dip-able form that you can serve with crackers, chips, or crostini!
Taco Cheese Ball is an easy cheesy appetizer rolled in tortilla chips! Taco seasoning and jalapeno transform ordinary cream cheese dip into a crowd pleasing party snack.
This recipe uses only THREE ingredients and and is SO easy to make ahead in your slow cooker! The result? A creamy, cheesy delight with a hint of sausage that’s perfect for dipping chips or veggies. To kick up the spice, use HOT sausage and/or a splash of hot wing sauce.
Need a fast dip recipe that’s perfect for parties and game day? This Crack Dip is what you need, with only 6 ingredients and ready in about 20 minutes. A creamy, cheesy dip loaded with bacon and cheddar cheese that can be served hot or cold.
Easy and delicious street corn dip is served cold or hot with tortilla chips. Made with southwest corn and taco seasoning plus a blend of cheeses. A popular appetizer for barbecues, football and holiday parties. No cooking required.
These Southwestern egg rolls are a Chili’s copycat appetizer filled with a spiced chicken, corn, black bean and cheese filling then pan fried or baked until crispy.
Jalapeno Poppers with Cheddar Cheese Recipe is a quick and easy appetizer perfect for hosting any crowd. They're an irresistible balance of creamy, cheesy, salty, and smoky in every bite. Good luck stopping at just one!
Bacon, ground beef, cheese, and hot sauce make this Cowboy Pasta Salad recipe a definite crowd pleaser! Perfect for an easy dinner, side dish, backyard BBQ’s, game day, or any time!
Texas Cheese Fries are your favorite crispy seasoned fries, but loaded with melted cheese, bacon, jalapeños, and green onions. A dollop of sour cream puts them right over the top!
A good Tex-Mex Layered Dip is so necessary for holiday entertainment! Its super easy to throw together without having to use up that coveted stove and oven space. Fresh avocado, bean dip, and a seasoned sour cream mixture form the base with plenty of tomatoes, olives and a generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese.
Soft flour tortillas filled with cheese and avocado and broiled in the oven make a delicious Mexican appetizer any time of year!
This Creamy Tex Mex Corn Dip is everything you’ve wanted in an warm appetizer dip. It’s a dreamy, south west style veggie dip bursting with delicious corn flavor!
The ultimate Texas-style appetizer! This hot cheesy party dip is throw-together simple and so So SO good!
