Serving Suggestions for Texas Caviar

What makes this veggie-packed recipe so great? Its versatility! Most commonly, it’s served as a delicious dip with crunchy tortilla chips. However, my family enjoys it year-round as a topping for all kinds of salads. It is also a star ingredient on my mom’s famous flank steak tacos, adding a burst of freshness and flavor.

Another fantastic way to enjoy Texas Caviar is spooned over cream cheese and served with crackers. The combination of creamy cheese and zesty caviar is simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cowboy Caviar

• Black-eyed peas and black beans: These legumes form the protein-rich foundation of our salad. Using canned beans simplifies the recipe, making it quick and convenient. Tip: Drain and rinse the beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and canning liquids. This helps to achieve a fresher, cleaner taste.
• Corn: You can use fresh, frozen, or canned sweet corn. If using frozen corn, simply thaw and drain it before adding it to the mix. Roasting the corn before adding it will add a smoky touch.
• Jalapeño: Adjust the quantity to suit your spice preference. For a milder flavor, substitute with green chilies or simply omit it altogether. You can also add other peppers of your choice for a unique touch.
• Red onion and bell peppers: These vegetables provide a crisp texture and vibrant color. I prefer using red and green bell peppers, but any color combination works wonderfully. Tip: Finely chop the onions and peppers to ensure a consistent texture throughout the caviar.
• Apple cider vinegar, vegetable oil, sugar, salt, and pepper: These ingredients create the tangy and subtly sweet dressing that ties the caviar together. The apple cider vinegar adds a bright, acidic note that complements the sweetness of the sugar and the savory flavors of the beans and vegetables.

Refer to the recipe card below for detailed information on ingredient quantities.

How to Make Texas Caviar: Step-by-Step

Follow these straightforward steps to create a wonderfully fresh and flavorful appetizer that will have everyone clamoring for more:

1. Begin by draining and rinsing the black-eyed peas and black beans. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl, then add the drained corn.
   

   Pro Tip: Use a colander for easy draining. Before transferring the beans to the bowl, gently shake off any excess water to prevent the caviar from becoming watery.

2. Prepare the dressing. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, vegetable oil, water, sugar, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3 minutes, then remove from the heat and let it cool slightly. Simmering helps the sugar dissolve and allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more harmonious dressing.
3. Combine all the ingredients. Add the diced jalapeño, finely chopped red onion, and bell peppers to the bowl of beans and corn. Pour the warm dressing over the vegetables and stir gently until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to over-stir, as this can make the beans and vegetables mushy.

The Texas Caviar can be served immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The longer it marinates, the richer the flavor becomes. Allowing the flavors to meld together in the fridge enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Recipe Tips and Variations

• Don’t have black-eyed peas? Substitute with black beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas. Each bean offers a slightly different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination.
• Replace sugar with honey for a more natural sweetness. Start with 2 teaspoons of honey and adjust to your taste preferences. Other alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar can also be used.
• Not a fan of vegetable oil? Swap it with your favorite oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil. Olive oil provides a rich, fruity flavor, while avocado oil has a neutral taste and high smoke point.
• Add a squeeze of lime juice for extra zest.
• Incorporate diced avocado for creaminess.
• Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or parsley.

More Refreshing Salad and Dip Recipes to Try

• Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad
• Kale Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpeas
• Classic Three-Bean Salad
• Elote Corn Salad
• Hungarian Cucumber Salad

Recipe

Appetizer

Texas Caviar

Up your snack game with a quick and easy recipe for Texas Caviar that can be a dip, a salad topping or a taco filling!

Author:

Kelly Senyei

4.87 from 23 votes