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High Protein Cowboy Caviar: Macro Friendly Appetizer

Close-up of a white bowl filled with high protein cowboy caviar recipe featuring quinoa, black beans, corn, and diced peppers.

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Make this hearty, protein-packed Cowboy Caviar. This recipe boosts protein using beans and quinoa, making it a great macro friendly appetizer or healthy cowboy caviar side dish for your next gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1 large avocado, diced (add just before serving)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the rinsed black beans, kidney beans, thawed corn, cooked quinoa, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, and minced jalapeño, if using.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined. This creates your vinaigrette.
  3. Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. This is key for a great protein packed bean dip.
  5. Just before serving, gently fold in the diced avocado and chopped cilantro.
  6. Serve cold or at room temperature with tortilla chips or as a hearty vegetarian protein side.

Notes

  • To maximize your protein, you can add 1 cup of cooked, shredded lean chicken breast to this recipe.
  • For easy meal prep cowboy caviar, prepare the mixture without the avocado and cilantro up to 2 days ahead. Add them fresh before serving.
  • If you want a lower carb option, omit the corn and use only beans and quinoa.

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