Texas Caviar: A Flavorful Southern Classic

Looking for a dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and full of Southern charm? Meet texas caviar—the vibrant, zesty salad that’s taking over picnics and parties with its bold blend of black-eyed peas, colorful veggies, and tangy dressing. Whether you’re new to this dish or already a fan, you’re about to discover why it’s become a beloved staple across the country.

Ingredients

• 1 can black-eyed peas drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
• 1 can sweet corn drained
• 1 red bell pepper diced
• 1 green bell pepper diced
• 1 small red onion finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño pepper seeded and finely chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes quartered
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 third cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Half teaspoon black pepper
• Half teaspoon cumin

Equipment

• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Large spoon or spatula

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the black-eyed peas, black beans, corn, red and green bell peppers, red onion, jalapeño, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and fresh cilantro. This is your colorful base, and the more evenly chopped the veggies, the better the texture.
2. Step 2: In a separate small bowl or lidded jar, whisk or shake together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, honey, salt, black pepper, and cumin. Whisk until slightly thickened — that means it has emulsified properly and will coat the ingredients better.
3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and beans. Use a big spoon or spatula to gently toss, ensuring everything gets glossy and evenly seasoned. Take a moment to smell — that citrusy spice is a sneak peek of the flavor explosion to come.
4. Step 4: Taste and tweak. I usually like to add just a pinch more salt or a few drops of lime juice at this stage, depending on the brightness of the produce.
5. Step 5: Cover and chill for at least one hour. This step is truly where the flavors become best friends, so do not skip it even if you are in a rush. I actually prefer it after it has sat overnight.
6. Step 6: Serve chilled or let it come slightly to room temperature. Scoop generously with tortilla chips or spoon over tacos, greens, or grilled chicken. The possibilities are endless.

Nutrition per Serving

Description

Bright, bold, and packed with flavor, Texas Caviar is a Southern favorite that turns simple pantry staples into a colorful, crave-worthy dip. With tender black-eyed peas, crisp bell peppers, and sweet kernels of corn all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, every bite brings a refreshing crunch and a pop of zesty excitement. It is like a summer sunset in a bowl — vibrant and warm, with just the right amount of heat.

Whether served as a scoopable appetizer with tortilla chips or spooned over grilled chicken at your next barbecue, Texas Caviar delivers a harmony of textures and tastes that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. It is as comforting as your favorite denim jeans and as festive as a backyard cookout on the Fourth of July.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Texas Caviar is as versatile as it is beautiful. You can make it ahead for parties, road trips, or weekday lunches and it only gets better the longer it sits. It is naturally gluten-free, plant-based, and packed with protein and fiber, making it a wholesome choice without sacrificing flavor.

This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Toss in avocado for richness or jalapeño for extra spice. You can serve it cold or room temperature, as a dip, salad, or vibrant side dish — there are truly no wrong ways to enjoy it.

Serving and Storage Tips

Store Texas Caviar in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavors continue to develop over time, so it actually tastes best the day after it is made. Stir well before serving. To pack for picnics or potlucks, keep it chilled in a cooler until serving time.

This dish is not ideal for freezing, as the fresh vegetables can become mushy when thawed. You can prep the dressing and chop the veggies a day ahead to save time — just combine everything no more than 24 hours before serving for maximum freshness.

Recipe Notes

For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and do not skip the lemon zest. Leftovers keep well for 2 days in the fridge.

FAQ

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Texas Caviar (Cowboy Caviar)

Bright, bold, and packed with flavor, Texas Caviar is a Southern favorite made from black-eyed peas, crisp bell peppers, sweet corn, and tangy vinaigrette—perfect as a dip, salad, or side for any festive gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 9 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American, Southern

Servings 8 servings

Calories 230 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 can black-eyed peas drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
• 1 can sweet corn drained
• 1 red bell pepper diced
• 1 green bell pepper diced
• 1 small red onion finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño pepper seeded and finely chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes quartered
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

Instructions

 

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the black-eyed peas, black beans, corn, bell peppers, red onion, jalapeño, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and cilantro.
• In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, honey, salt, black pepper, and cumin until fully emulsified.
• Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
• Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld. Stir again before serving.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature with tortilla chips, or as a topping for grilled meats or greens.

Nutrition

Calories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 8gFat: 9gSodium: 410mgFiber: 7gSugar: 5g

Keyword texas caviar, black-eyed pea dip, cowboy caviar, healthy party dip, appetizer

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