Texas Caviar

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Best Texas Caviar, also known as Cowboy Caviar, is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines a colorful medley of beans, corn, tomatoes, and peppers, all tossed together in a tangy homemade dressing. Whether served as a dip with tortilla chips, a refreshing side dish, or a topping for grilled meats, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that is as versatile as it is delicious. Best of all, it’s ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for a quick snack or as part of a larger meal. With a burst of fresh flavors and a kick of spice, it’s a healthy and zesty addition to any table.

Ingredients

• ½ cup olive oil

• 3 tablespoons honey

• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

• 1½ teaspoons chili powder

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 lb Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced

• 1 (15 oz) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed

• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1½ cups frozen sweet corn, thawed

• 1 red onion, diced

• ½ cup diced red bell pepper

• ½ cup diced yellow bell pepper

• 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced

• 1 cup chopped cilantro or parsley

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set the dressing aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, black-eyed peas, black beans, corn, red onion, bell peppers, jalapeño, and cilantro.

3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated.

4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and develop.

5. Serve chilled with tortilla chips, or use as a topping for fish, chicken, or tacos.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: —

• Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Add Avocado: For extra creaminess, dice up an avocado and mix it into the caviar just before serving.

• Add More Heat: If you love spice, add another jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to kick it up a notch.

• Use Different Beans: If you prefer, you can substitute the black-eyed peas and black beans with other beans such as kidney beans or pinto beans.

• Make it Smoky: Add a touch of smoked paprika to the dressing for a smoky flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover Texas Caviar in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only improve as it sits, so it’s even better the next day!

• Reheating: This dish is best served cold, and there’s no need to reheat it. However, if you prefer a warm dip, you can heat it gently on the stove or microwave, but note that it may alter the texture of the fresh ingredients.

FAQs

1. Can I make Texas Caviar ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together even more. Just refrigerate it for an hour or up to 24 hours before serving.

2. What can I serve Texas Caviar with?

Texas Caviar is perfect with tortilla chips for dipping, or it can be used as a topping for tacos, grilled meats, or fish. It also works great as a side dish.

3. Can I make this recipe without cilantro?

If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley for a milder flavor. You could also leave it out entirely if preferred.

4. Can I make Texas Caviar spicy?

Yes! You can increase the heat by adding extra jalapeños, or even some chopped hot peppers like serranos or habaneros, depending on how much spice you want.

5. Is Texas Caviar vegan-friendly?

Yes! This recipe is entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly, making it a great option for a variety of dietary preferences.

6. Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?

Yes, frozen corn works just as well as canned. Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the mix.

7. Can I use a different type of vinegar?

While apple cider vinegar is traditional, you can also use white vinegar or red vinegar for a different flavor profile.

8. Can I freeze Texas Caviar?

Texas Caviar is best served fresh, but you can freeze it if necessary. Keep in mind that the texture of the veggies may change when thawed.

9. How do I make Texas Caviar less tangy?

If you find the dressing too tangy, reduce the amount of vinegar or honey to taste. You can also add a little more olive oil to mellow out the flavor.

10. Can I add cheese to Texas Caviar?

While it’s not traditional, you can add crumbled queso fresco, feta, or even shredded cheddar cheese to Texas Caviar for an extra flavor boost.

Conclusion

Texas Caviar is a fresh, flavorful dish that is as easy to make as it is delicious. This colorful combination of beans, corn, tomatoes, and peppers, dressed in a tangy homemade dressing, is the perfect side dish, dip, or topping for just about any meal. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or a vibrant addition to your next gathering, this recipe will become a go-to favorite. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a great way to add a burst of flavor to any occasion.

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