Texas Caviar, also known as Cowboy Caviar, is a flavorful and colorful bean salad that’s packed with fresh vegetables, beans, and a tangy dressing. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect as a dip for tortilla chips, a side dish for grilled meats, or even as a topping for tacos and salads. The combination of black-eyed peas, corn, bell peppers, and a zesty dressing gives this dish a refreshing and satisfying flavor, making it a great addition to any gathering or a light meal on its own.
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork (for the dressing)
- Spoon or spatula (for stirring)
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed (or use fresh corn kernels)
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and finely chopped (optional, for heat)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables and Beans
In a large mixing bowl, combine the black-eyed peas, corn, red and green bell peppers, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro. - Make the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until the dressing is well combined and smooth. - Combine and Toss
Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together gently until evenly coated. - Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The dish can be served chilled or at room temperature. - Serve
Serve the Texas Caviar as a dip with tortilla chips, pita chips, or vegetable sticks. It also makes a great topping for grilled chicken, fish tacos, or salads.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve in a large bowl with a side of crispy tortilla chips for a festive dip.
- For a more polished presentation, serve in individual cups or small mason jars.
- Garnish with extra cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh finish.
Tips:
- Adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeño, or even using a milder pepper like a bell pepper for sweetness.
- For added texture, mix in diced avocado or a handful of crumbled feta cheese.
- Texas Caviar can be made a day in advance for the best flavor, as it allows the ingredients to marinate and soak in the dressing.
Texas Caviar is a refreshing, flavorful, and healthy dip that’s perfect for any occasion. With its mix of fresh vegetables, beans, and a tangy, slightly spicy dressing, it’s a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of meals or can stand alone as a snack or appetizer. Whether served at a barbecue, picnic, or as a weeknight snack, this vibrant dip is sure to be a hit!
Texas Caviar Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork (for the dressing)
- Spoon or spatula (for stirring)
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 can 15 ounces black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn thawed (or use fresh corn kernels)
- 1 red bell pepper finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper finely chopped
- 1 small red onion finely diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper seeds removed and finely chopped (optional, for heat)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice about 1 lime
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables and Beans
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the black-eyed peas, corn, red and green bell peppers, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro.
- Make the Dressing
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until the dressing is well combined and smooth.
- Combine and Toss
- Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together gently until evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The dish can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- Serve
- Serve the Texas Caviar as a dip with tortilla chips, pita chips, or vegetable sticks. It also makes a great topping for grilled chicken, fish tacos, or salads.
Leave a Reply