Amazing Texas Caviar Recipe: Quick & Easy!

Alright, grab a seat at the kitchen table, friend! Let me tell you about one of my absolute go-to recipes, especially when I need something quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing: my Texas Caviar recipe.

I can almost smell it now… the bright tang of the lime juice, the sweetness of the corn, the slight kick of the jalapeño. Mmm! Seriously, just thinking about it makes my mouth water. The first time I made this Texas Caviar recipe, I was hosting a last-minute BBQ. I needed something that wasn’t just another boring bean dip and that could be made with stuff I pretty much always have on hand. I stumbled across a version of this Texas Caviar recipe online, and after a few tweaks and twists – the way I always do things! – it became an instant hit with my family. My first struggle? I didn’t drain the black-eyed peas well enough. The Texas Caviar recipe ended up a bit watery, but it still tasted amazing! That’s when I had my “aha” moment: the key is really in the details of prepping the ingredients.

Now, with our busy lives – soccer practices, school plays, and everything in between – this Texas Caviar recipe has become a lifesaver. It’s perfect as a quick appetizer before dinner, a side dish for a potluck, or even a light lunch on a hot day. I perfected this Texas Caviar recipe over time, always tweaking it to get it just right. It’s my cooking philosophy, really – make simple, delicious food that brings people together.

This Texas Caviar recipe is more than just a dish to me; it’s a symbol of easy entertaining and family gatherings. It’s a recipe that screams, “Hey, let’s have some fun!”

And that’s what I want for you, too. So, let’s get started, shall we? I promise, even if you’ve never made anything like it before, you’ll nail this Texas Caviar recipe! And hey, if you are looking for another easy appetizer for that BBQ try my Texas Trash Pie. It’s another family favorite! Or, if you want something warm, I’ve also got a fantastic Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet recipe over at https://delilita.com/texas-roadhouse-butter-chicken-skillet

What You’ll Need for This Texas Caviar recipe

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty straightforward. This is an easy appetizer recipe, after all!

Texas Caviar recipe ingredients including black eyed peas, corn, cilantro, and bell pepper
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained: I always make sure to rinse them really well – nobody wants that canned taste!
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained: Same deal as the black-eyed peas!
  • 1 (15-ounce) can sweet corn, drained: I’ve used both regular and shoepeg corn, and honestly, either one works great in this Texas Caviar recipe.
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced: Adds a nice sweetness and crunch.
  • 1/2 red onion, diced: I prefer red onion because it’s a little milder, but you can use white or yellow if that’s all you have.
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced: Adjust the amount to your liking. My family likes a little kick, so I usually leave a few seeds in.
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro: Fresh cilantro is a must! It really brightens up the whole dish.
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar: Adds a nice tanginess.
  • 1/4 cup olive oil: I always use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
  • Juice of 2 limes: Fresh lime juice is key. Don’t even think about using the bottled stuff!
  • 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt: To taste.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best.

When making this Texas Caviar recipe, you can usually find most of these ingredients at any local grocery store. Sometimes, I even cheat and buy pre-diced bell peppers and onions to save time. Here’s a Texas Caviar recipe trick I learned: If you’re not a fan of raw red onion, soak it in cold water for about 10 minutes before dicing it. It takes away some of the bite.

To save money, especially when making this Texas Caviar recipe for a crowd, buy canned beans and corn in bulk. They last a long time, and it’s way cheaper than buying individual cans every time.

If you have leftover cilantro, wrap it in a damp paper towel and store it in a plastic bag in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for much longer. And if you make too much Texas Caviar recipe (which rarely happens in my house!), it keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just give it a good stir before serving. Speaking of easy appetizers, be sure to check out this Cowboy caviar recipe with black eyed peas for other ideas!

Let’s Make This Texas Caviar recipe Together

Okay, friend, time to put on your apron and get cooking! Don’t worry, this Texas Caviar recipe is super simple. I promise you can’t mess it up too badly.

  1. Prep the Veggies: First, dice your red bell pepper and red onion. Remember that trick about soaking the red onion if you’re not a fan of its strong flavor! Mince your jalapeño (remove the seeds if you want less heat) and chop your cilantro. I learned the hard way with this Texas Caviar recipe that uniform chopping makes for a prettier and more enjoyable eating experience!
  2. Combine the Beans and Corn: In a large bowl, combine the rinsed and drained black-eyed peas, black beans, and corn. Make sure everything is well-drained; otherwise, your Texas Caviar recipe will be watery. This is the most important step!
  3. Add the Veggies: Add the diced red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, and chopped cilantro to the bowl. Give it all a good mix. Don’t worry if your Texas Caviar recipe looks a little crowded at this point; it will all come together with the dressing.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Some people like it a little sweeter, so you could add a touch of honey or agave.
  5. Dress It Up: Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and stir well to combine. Make sure everything is evenly coated. In my kitchen, this Texas Caviar recipe usually takes about 10-15 minutes to prep, but that’s because I’ve made it a million times.
  6. Chill Out: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This is important! The longer it sits, the better it tastes. I often make this Texas Caviar recipe in the morning and let it chill all day.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Before serving, give it another good stir. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips, or use it as a topping for grilled chicken or fish. Your Texas Caviar recipe should smell like a fiesta – fresh, tangy, and a little bit spicy!

While the Texas Caviar recipe is chilling, I usually clean up the kitchen or start prepping other dishes. It’s all about multitasking, right? And hey, if you’re feeling ambitious, you could even whip up a batch of my Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie. The recipe can be found at https://delilita.com/texas-chocolate-pecan-pie. My family loves it! If you need more detailed instructions, this Cowboy Caviar recipe link provided offers a visual guide.

How I Love to Serve This Texas Caviar recipe

Now, let’s talk about serving this deliciousness! My family loves this Texas Caviar recipe when I serve it with a big bowl of tortilla chips. It’s the perfect easy appetizer for parties or game nights.

But it’s also so versatile! I often use it as a topping for grilled chicken or fish, or even as a filling for tacos or quesadillas. It adds a burst of flavor and freshness to anything you put it on. I’ve even seen others refer to it as bean salsa recipe because of how well it pairs with chips!

This Texas Caviar recipe is perfect for potlucks, BBQs, picnics, or any occasion where you need a quick and easy dish to bring. It’s always a hit!

For presentation, I like to serve it in a pretty bowl with a garnish of fresh cilantro. You could also sprinkle some crumbled queso fresco on top for a little extra flavor and texture. If you have extra Texas Caviar recipe, don’t throw it away! It’s delicious the next day. I sometimes add it to a salad or use it as a topping for avocado toast.

In the summer, I like to add some diced mango or pineapple to this Texas Caviar recipe for a tropical twist. In the winter, I sometimes add some roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a heartier version. Friends always ask for this Texas Caviar recipe recipe, and they’re always surprised at how easy it is to make. I often get asked what dips for tortilla chips go well with this too. I usually say, try a layered Mexican dip! It’s always a crowd pleaser.

Another idea is to serve it with some homemade guacamole and salsa for a complete Tex-Mex spread. And if you want to get really fancy, you could serve it with some grilled shrimp or scallops. Yum! If you’re interested in some other Texas-inspired options, you might like this Texas Trash Pie recipe found at https://delilita.com/texas-trash-pie.

Your Texas Caviar recipe Questions Answered

Alright, let’s tackle some common questions I get about this Texas Caviar recipe. I know you’re probably wondering about a few things, so let’s get them cleared up!

Q: Can I make this Texas Caviar recipe ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend it. The longer it sits, the better the flavors meld together. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You know what I do when my Texas Caviar recipe is bland? I add a touch more lime juice!

Q: Can I freeze this Texas Caviar recipe?

A: I wouldn’t recommend it. The texture of the vegetables might change, and it could get a little mushy. It’s best to make it fresh and enjoy it within a few days.

Q: Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans?

A: You can, but it will take a lot longer. You’ll need to soak the beans overnight and then cook them until they’re tender. It’s much easier to just use canned beans, especially when you’re short on time. This cowboy caviar recipe is all about speed, after all.

Q: Can I add avocado to this Texas Caviar recipe?

A: You can, but I would add it right before serving. Avocado tends to brown quickly, so it’s best not to add it too far in advance. We’ve all been there with browning avocados!

Q: What if I don’t like cilantro?

A: You can leave it out or substitute it with parsley. It won’t taste quite the same, but it will still be delicious. My family has mixed feelings about cilantro too, so I sometimes offer a cilantro-free version.

Q: Can I make this Texas Caviar recipe spicier?

A: Of course! Add more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing. You could also use a spicier variety of pepper, like serrano. I get asked this all the time because some people love the heat!

Q: What kind of chips should I serve with this Texas Caviar recipe?

A: Any kind of tortilla chips will work, but I prefer the thicker, restaurant-style chips. They hold up better to the weight of the dip. I’ve also served it with pita chips or even crackers.

And there you have it! I hope these FAQs have answered all your questions about this Texas Caviar recipe. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own.

My Final Thoughts on This Texas Caviar recipe

This Texas Caviar recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a reminder of simple gatherings and good times. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together and sparks conversation. Plus, it’s just so darn delicious!

My Texas Caviar recipe Pro Tips:

  • Don’t skip the chilling time! It makes a huge difference in the flavor.
  • Taste and adjust the seasonings. Everyone’s taste buds are different, so make it your own.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try adding different vegetables, fruits, or spices to customize it to your liking.

Some variations I’ve tried with my family include adding diced mango for a tropical twist, using roasted corn for a smoky flavor, and adding a can of diced tomatoes for extra juiciness. My husband loves the spicy version with extra jalapeño, while my kids prefer the milder version with no jalapeño at all. One of my kids loves that this ends up being a black eyed pea salad he can enjoy!

I encourage you to make this Texas Caviar recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. And most importantly, have fun in the kitchen!

I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Texas Caviar recipe as much as I do. It’s a little taste of Texas sunshine in every bite! Happy cooking, friend!

Finished Texas Caviar recipe served in a bowl

I hope you give this Texas Caviar recipe a try and let me know what you think. It is perfect for potlucks, summer gatherings, or even just a quick snack at home. This easy appetizer recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, and I promise it will become a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine!

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Texas Caviar recipe

Texas Caviar is a flavorful and refreshing dip or salad made with black-eyed peas, corn, peppers, and a zesty vinaigrette. It’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties or a light side dish for any meal.

  • Author: Liliana
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the black-eyed peas, corn, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño (if using).
  2. Add the cilantro, red wine vinegar, olive oil, lime juice, sugar, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
  3. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  5. Serve chilled with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.

Notes

For a spicier kick, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. This Texas Caviar is also delicious served over grilled chicken or fish.

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