Trader Joe’s Homemade Cowboy Caviar

Growing up, my family would throw a Father’s Day BBQ every year and it was one of my favorite food days of the year. A non-negotiable summer shindig was a heaping bowl of Texas caviar – a black bean salad/dip with corn, peppers, Italian dressing, cilantro and co ton of feta. We served it on the patio table and I spooned it up between dips in the pool. What a life.

Any Trader Joe’s fans out there?

I recently noticed that cowboy caviar was gaining traction on TikTok and was reminded of that nostalgic party app I loved when I was younger. How could I Not see you again? I stopped in at Trader Joe’s for this recipe and only use their products – HUGE fan here! This will take your fun summer game to the next level.

As soon as I entered the store, I knew it was Trader Joe’s already ahead of the trend and sells cowboy caviar by the jar. I’m sure it’s delicious, but that’s not the challenge I’ve completed. That’s caviar out scratch.

What to pick up at Trader Joe’s

I’m a big fan of pickled jalapeños, so I threw them out Hot & sweet jalapeños in my basket because I wanted to add a little warmth. Plus, I knew the pickling liquid would give the dressing a flavorful kick.

Another key component: Everything except the Elote spice mix. This stuff is beg added to this bean corn dip. Its cheesy, earthy flavor makes for an exciting dressing. I sprinkled a bit more on top for an extra punch. I’ll be shocked if I have any leftovers of this spice mix in a few weeks – it’s that good.

Finally there is three (Count them) Corn products in this salad and I think they all play an important role. I am thawed frozen charred corn and used it alongside Canned black beans and kidney beans as a salad base. It provides a smoky flavor without having to grill the corn itself.

Second, I topped the salad with it Huge Peruvian Inca Corn Salted Crunchy Snack– Guys, these are corn nuts! – for texture and big corn flavor. Then I served it with the salad Dipper for corn chips, which are sturdy enough to hold that hefty dip. I cannot recommend all three products enough.

Listen, you don’t must going to Trader Joe’s to make a successful cowboy caviar, but you can make a really delicious caviar just using the clever products that the geniuses at TJ’s HQ have developed for us. Sure, it’s a little different than what I made for Father’s Day as a kid, but sometimes it’s nice to have a change.

Did someone say dip?

• Buffalo chicken dip
• Homemade veggie dip
• Muhammara (paprika walnut dip)
• queso dip
• Fresh Pea Hummus