Texas Caviar, also known as Cowboy Caviar, is a delicious dip or side dish with a tangy homemade dressing. This easy recipe is a great way to enjoy a mix of black beans, black-eyed peas and fresh vegetables. Originally created by Helen Corbitt at the Driskill Hotel, this healthy and vegetarian Texas Caviar recipe has become a favorite at family gatherings, potlucks and cookouts across Texas.
Try my recipes for Chorizo Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers with Oaxaca Cheese, Carnitas Nachos and Leftover Brisket Queso.
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Ingredients
Vegetables and Beans
- Red onion
- Green bell peppers
- Red bell peppers
- Roma tomatoes
- Jalapeño peppers
- Green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Garlic cloves
- Black-eyed peas
- Black beans
- Sweet corn
Homemade Dressing
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Lime juice
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine red onion, bell peppers, tomatoes, jalapeño pepper, green onions, fresh cilantro and garlic.
Next, drain and rinse the canned beans and canned corn. Then add them to the large bowl with the chopped fresh ingredients.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lime juice, kosher salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture and stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Cover with an airtight container and refrigerate for at least one hour. For the best results, refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to blend.
Substitutions
Cherry tomatoes that have been cut in half can be used in place of Roma tomatoes. Apple cider vinegar and white wine vinegar can be used in place of red wine vinegar. Balsamic vinegar is not recommended because it has a much stronger flavor and will discolor the fresh veggies. Fresh corn could be used in place of canned sweet corn, but would have to be cooked first.
Variations
For a spicier cowboy salad, add a teaspoon of chili powder.
Storage
Store leftover Texas Caviar in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Texas Caviar Dip with tortilla chips or corn chips
- Enjoy it as a side salad alongside grilled meats
- Use it as a topping for tacos, enchiladas and quesadillas
- Serve it as an alternative to Pico de Gallo
- Serve it as a vegetarian side dish
Final Thoughts
This Texas Caviar Dip is a huge hit at parties in Austin, Texas. This delicious dip is a must-try for anyone who loves fresh and vibrant flavors.
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📖 Recipe
Easy Texas Caviar (Cowboy Caviar) Recipe
Ingredients
Vegetables and Beans
- ½ red onion finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper seeded and diced
- 1 red bell pepper seeded and diced
- 3 Roma tomatoes diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper stemmed, seeded and minced
- ½ cup green onions sliced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 15 oz cans black-eyed peas drained and rinsed
- 1 15 oz can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 15 oz can corn whole kernel, drained and rinsed
Homemade Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- lime juice juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine red onion, bell pepper, tomatoes, jalapeño pepper, green onions, fresh cilantro and garlic.
- Drain and rinse the canned beans and canned corn. Add them to the large bowl with the chopped fresh ingredients.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lime juice, kosher salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Cover with an airtight container and refrigerate for at least one hour. For the best results, refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to blend.
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