Name: Mediterranean Cowboy Caviar
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 Cloves Garlic; 1 Serrano Pepper; Juice from 1/2 Lemon, freshly squeezed; 1 Cup Fresh Parsley, packed; 1/2 Cup Fresh Cilantro, packed; 1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil; 1/2 Tsp Cumin; 1/2 Tsp Dried Coriander; 1/2 Tsp Salt; Black Pepper, to taste; 1 15 oz Can Black-Eyed Peas; 1 15 oz Can Cannellini Beans; 1 Cup Green Bell Pepper, chopped; 1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes, chopped; 1 Cup Cucumber, de-seeded and chopped; 1/2 Red Onion, chopped; 1/2 Tsp Salt; 3/4 Cup Feta

This vibrant Mediterranean Cowboy Caviar is a delightful twist on the classic dip, combining protein-rich beans with fresh vegetables and a zesty chermoula sauce. The bright flavors and colorful presentation make it perfect for parties, potlucks, or as a healthy snack option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mediterranean Cowboy Caviar is incredibly versatile and packed with flavor. The combination of beans, fresh vegetables, and the aromatic chermoula sauce creates a dip that’s both satisfying and nutritious. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd and can be prepared ahead of time, allowing the flavors to develop even further. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan by omitting the feta cheese. Whether served with tortilla chips, pita bread, or as a topping for grilled meats, this colorful dish will be a hit at any gathering!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Garlic provides a pungent base for the chermoula sauce, mellowing slightly when combined with lemon juice but still offering that distinctive savory flavor that’s essential in Mediterranean cooking.

Serrano pepper adds a kick of heat to the chermoula sauce. You can control the spiciness by removing the seeds and ribs or substitute with milder jalapeños if you prefer less heat.

Lemon juice brings brightness and acidity that balances the rich olive oil in the chermoula and helps preserve the fresh herbs’ color. Fresh-squeezed is always best for the most vibrant flavor.

Fresh parsley and cilantro form the herbaceous foundation of the chermoula sauce, providing color, aroma, and a fresh flavor profile that distinguishes this dip from traditional cowboy caviar.

Extra virgin olive oil binds the chermoula sauce together while adding richness and a fruity undertone. Choose a good quality oil as its flavor will be prominent.

Cumin adds warm, earthy notes that are characteristic of Mediterranean cuisine, complementing the beans and vegetables perfectly.

Dried coriander brings a subtle citrusy flavor that enhances the fresh cilantro in the sauce without overpowering it.

Black-eyed peas contribute a distinctive texture and subtle earthy flavor, plus they’re packed with protein and fiber, making this dip more substantial.

Cannellini beans add creaminess and a mild flavor that absorbs the chermoula beautifully. Their smooth texture contrasts nicely with the crunch of the vegetables.

Bell pepper provides sweet crispness and vibrant color. The green variety offers a slightly more vegetal flavor than red or yellow peppers.

Cherry tomatoes contribute juicy freshness and a pop of color. Their natural sweetness balances the acidity of the lemon juice.

Cucumber adds refreshing crunch and helps dilute the heat from the serrano pepper, creating a balanced bite.

Red onion brings a sharp, vibrant flavor that mellows slightly when mixed with the other ingredients. Its purple hue adds to the dip’s colorful appearance.

Feta cheese adds a tangy, salty finish that complements the fresh vegetables and herbs. It’s an optional ingredient that can be omitted for a vegan version.

Directions

First, prepare the chermoula sauce. Roughly chop the seeded serrano pepper and peel the garlic cloves.
Add the serrano pepper, garlic, and fresh lemon juice to a food processor and process until the garlic is completely minced. Let these ingredients rest in the lemon juice for about a minute to mellow the raw garlic flavor.
Add the fresh parsley, cilantro, olive oil, cumin, dried coriander, salt, and black pepper to the food processor. Process until you have a chunky pesto-like consistency, being careful not to over-blend as you want to maintain some texture from the herbs.
Set the chermoula aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
For the cowboy caviar, dice the green bell pepper, deseed and dice the cucumber, chop the red onion, and dice the cherry tomatoes.
Place all chopped vegetables in a large bowl and sprinkle with salt. Mix well to combine.
Rinse, drain, and pat dry the black-eyed peas and cannellini beans before adding them to the bowl with the vegetables.
Pour the chermoula sauce over the bean and vegetable mixture, adjusting the amount to your taste preference. Any leftover chermoula can be reserved for future use.
Gently fold in the feta cheese.
Serve immediately with chips, or refrigerate to allow the flavors to develop further.

Servings and Timing

This Mediterranean Cowboy Caviar recipe serves approximately 12 people as a dip. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and easy option for entertaining. The recipe yields around 6-7 cups of dip, so each serving is about 1/2 cup. At just 93 calories per serving, it’s a nutritious option that won’t weigh you down.

Variations

Greek-Inspired Version: Add Kalamata olives, diced red bell pepper, and oregano for a Greek twist.

Moroccan Variation: Use chickpeas instead of cannellini beans and add some ground cinnamon and chopped dried apricots for a sweet-savory Moroccan flavor.

Italian Twist: Substitute basil for cilantro, add diced mozzarella instead of feta, and include some diced artichoke hearts.

Spicy Version: Double the serrano peppers in the chermoula and add a pinch of cayenne for an extra kick.

Grain Addition: Mix in cooked quinoa or bulgur wheat to transform this dip into a hearty grain salad.

Summer Harvest: During summer, incorporate fresh corn kernels and diced zucchini for a seasonal variation.

Avocado Addition: Fold in diced avocado just before serving for added creaminess and healthy fats.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover Mediterranean Cowboy Caviar in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will actually improve after a day as the ingredients marinate together.

Freezing: This dip doesn’t freeze well as the fresh vegetables will become mushy when thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Preparation Ahead: You can prepare the chermoula sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it separately in the refrigerator with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent oxidation.

Reviving Leftovers: If the dip seems dry after being refrigerated, add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice and give it a gentle stir to refresh it.

Serving After Storage: Remove from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before serving to take the chill off and allow the flavors to come through more prominently.

FAQs

Can I make Mediterranean Cowboy Caviar ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dip up to 24 hours in advance. In fact, allowing it to sit in the refrigerator actually enhances the flavors as the ingredients marinate together. Just wait to add the feta cheese until shortly before serving for the best texture.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe includes serrano pepper, which can provide moderate heat. If you prefer a milder version, you can substitute with jalapeño peppers (removing seeds and ribs) or even omit the peppers altogether. Conversely, if you enjoy spice, you can leave the seeds in for extra heat.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit the feta cheese, and the recipe becomes fully vegan. You might want to add a bit more salt to compensate for the missing saltiness that feta provides, or include some chopped olives for a similar briny flavor.

What can I serve with Mediterranean Cowboy Caviar?

This versatile dip pairs well with tortilla chips, pita chips, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips. It also works wonderfully as a topping for grilled chicken or fish, or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired bowl with grains and roasted vegetables.

How long will leftover chermoula sauce keep?

Leftover chermoula sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To preserve freshness, pour a thin layer of olive oil over the top of the sauce before sealing the container.

Can I substitute the beans in this recipe?

Yes, the beans are quite flexible. If you don’t have or don’t like black-eyed peas or cannellini beans, you can substitute with chickpeas, black beans, or navy beans. Just make sure to rinse and drain them well before using.

Why do I need to deseed the cucumber?

Removing the seeds from the cucumber prevents excess moisture from making the dip watery. The recipe suggests saving these seeds for smoothies, which is a great way to reduce food waste.

Can I prepare this without a food processor?

While a food processor makes preparing the chermoula sauce easier, you can also finely chop the herbs, garlic, and pepper by hand and mix with the remaining sauce ingredients. It will have a slightly different texture but will still be delicious.

What’s the difference between traditional cowboy caviar and this Mediterranean version?

Traditional cowboy caviar typically includes black-eyed peas, black beans, corn, and a vinegar-based dressing. This Mediterranean version is distinguished by the chermoula sauce, the addition of cannellini beans, cucumber, and feta cheese, giving it a distinct Mediterranean flavor profile.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, Mediterranean Cowboy Caviar is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels on your canned beans to ensure they don’t contain any gluten-containing additives, and serve with gluten-free dipping options if necessary.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Cowboy Caviar is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings together the best of Mediterranean ingredients with the hearty, satisfying nature of traditional cowboy caviar. The aromatic chermoula sauce infuses the beans and vegetables with herbaceous notes of parsley and cilantro, while the serrano pepper adds just the right amount of heat. This versatile recipe works as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal.

What makes this dish truly special is its adaptability—you can easily adjust the heat level, make it vegan by omitting the feta, or add different vegetables based on what’s in season. It’s also packed with nutrients, including protein from the beans and a variety of vitamins from the fresh vegetables and herbs.

Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, contributing to a potluck, or simply looking for a healthy snack option, this Mediterranean Cowboy Caviar is sure to impress with its bold flavors and colorful presentation. Enjoy it fresh, or allow the flavors to develop overnight for an even more delicious experience.