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This Italian Cowboy Caviar is a fresh, flavorful twist on the viral cowboy caviar made with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, tender white beans, pepperoncinis, and basil for a Mediterranean-inspired dip. This easy Italian appetizer comes together in minutes and is perfect for holiday parties, snacking, or meal prep.
If you love classic cowboy caviar but want something a little fresher, brighter, and more Mediterranean, this Italian Cowboy Caviar is about to become your new favorite appetizer. Imagine all the flavors of a Caprese salad — juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, fragrant fresh basil — mixed with tender white beans, zippy pepperoncinis, and a flavorful Italian dressing. It’s vibrant, refreshing, and bursting with those bold Italian flavors everyone loves.
I was inspired by Giada de Laurentis take on Italian Cowboy Caviar but changed it up a bit by adding white beans instead of green olives and using an Italian dressing mix for extra tang. But, if you love green or kalamata olives, feel free to add them!
This Mediterranean cowboy caviar is the kind of recipe that steals the show at potlucks and disappears instantly at parties. This dip recipe is the dip of the holidays and the perfect dip to share with friends and family!
Why you will love this Italian Cowboy Caviar:
This Italian cowboy caviar is a fresh, chunky, herby, and tangy Italian-inspired dip made with tomatoes, mozzarella balls, red onion, basil, white beans, pepperoncinis, pine nuts, and a zesty homemade Italian dressing. It’s like a cross between a bruschetta topping or caprese dip and a Mediterranean bean salad, with the scoopable, addictive texture of cowboy caviar. It’s perfect for parties, BBQs, or anytime you want a colorful crowd-pleaser.
Italian twist on a viral classic dip — cowboy caviar is one of the most popular dips so let’s make an Italian version with a perfect combination of flavors.
Super fresh flavors — Tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and lemon make every bite bright and fresh.
Great for entertaining — It’s gorgeous in a bowl and perfect for dipping, scooping, spooning, and snacking.
Quick to make — Just chop, mix, and serve. No cooking needed!
Make-ahead friendly — The flavors get even better after chilling.
If you’ve made my Classic Cowboy Caviar recipe, you’re going to love this fresh Italian spin on the viral favorite.
Ingredients:
- Tomatoes: I prefer using grape, cherry or Roma tomatoes.
- Mozzarella Balls or Pearls: I like to use fresh mozzarella balls cut in half. You can also use mozzarella cheese chopped into cubes. I have used Trader Joe’s mozzarella balls and BelGioioso marinated mozzarella balls from Costco.
- Red onion: Adds crunch without overpowering.
- Fresh basil: Bright and essential for that true Mediterranean flavor.
- Cannellini white beans: Great Northern or chickpeas also work.
- Pepperoncinis: Adds tang and the perfect punch of flavor.
- Italian Dressing Packet: Made with seasonings to add herby flavor.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens everything up.
- Olive oil: I prefer to use extra virgin olive oil.
- Pine nuts: Toast them for extra flavor!
- Salt
- Green olives (optional)
How to make the Best Italian Cowboy Caviar:
This Italian bean salad dip is super easy to make and can even be made ahead of time.
- PREP THE PRODUCE: Chop the tomatoes, basil, and red onion. If using grape tomatoes, cut in half lengthwise. I like to cut the basil leaves into ribbons.
- COMBINE INGREDIENTS: In a large bowl, add tomatoes, mozzarella pearls or balls (cut in half), white beans, basil, pepperoncinis, pine nuts, and optional olives.
- MAKE DRESSING: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, Italian dressing seasoning mix, and salt.
- TOSS EVERYTHING TOGETHER: Pour the dressing over the ingredients and gently mix until everything is coated.
- SERVE: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for 1–2 hours to deepen the flavors. Sprinkle with Tuscan seasoning, if so desired.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Make it up to 24 hours in advance. Add pine nuts right before serving so they stay crunchy.
Can I add Tuscan seasoning?
Yes! Add a tuscan seasoning mix or add a touch of dried basil, oregano, rosemary, garlic powder, and a pinch of thyme.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh is highly recommended for best flavor, but in a pinch, use 1–2 teaspoons dried basil.
Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella pearls?
Yes! Diced fresh mozzarella, burrata (added right before serving), or even feta works beautifully.
Substitutions and Variations:
Add more fresh veggies! Add some diced cucumber, roasted red peppers, kalamata or green olives, or artichoke hearts.
Add some heat! For extra heat and flavor, add Calabrian chili paste, red pepper flakes, or extra pepperoncinis.
Make it a meal! Toss it with some freshly cooked pasta to make it a meal. Make sure to drizzle some extra virgin olive oil all over the pasta and some extra seasoning.
What can I serve Italian Cowboy Caviar with?
Serve with pita chips, toasted baguette slices, sturdy crackers, or spoon over easy Grilled Chicken.
More Easy Appetizers:
Storage:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Stir before serving, and add more lemon juice or olive oil if it thickens.
Add pine nuts and basil fresh each time for the best texture and flavor.
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Italian Cowboy Caviar
Ingredients
- 14 to 16 ounces Grape Tomatoes (cut in half lengthwise)
- 8 to 12 ounces Fresh Mozzarella Balls
- 2 Tablespoons Red Onion (finely diced)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil
- (1) 14-ounce can Cannellini White Beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1/4 cup Pepperoncinis (sliced)
- 1 packet Good Seasons Dry Italian Dressing Mix
- 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil (plus more for drizzling)
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 cup Pine Nuts (optional)
- Crostini, Pita Chips, Crackers (for serving)
Instructions
- Chop the tomatoes, basil, and red onion. If using grape tomatoes, cut in half lengthwise. I like to cut the basil leaves into ribbons.
- In a large bowl, add tomatoes, mozzarella pearls or balls (cut in half), red onion, and basil. Sprinkle with salt. Drain and rinse the white beans. Add pepperoncinis, pine nuts, and optional olives.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, and Italian dressing seasoning mix. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and gently mix until everything is coated.
- Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for 1–2 hours to deepen the flavors. Sprinkle with Tuscan seasoning and cracked black pepper, if so desired. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
- Serve with crostinis, pita chips, or sturdy crackers.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
