Up your snack game with this quick and colorful recipe for Texas Caviar that can be a dip, a salad topping, a taco filling and more.
Texas Caviar and I go way back, back to my elementary school days when summer nights were spent at our local beach club. And this quick-fix dip was a staple alongside the good ol’ seaside barbecue classics.
A quick search of “Texas Caviar” (a.k.a. Cowboy Caviar) on the Interwebs will lead to many a variation of this recipe. My family has always gone for the rainbow-inspired version, sneaking in veggies of every color to round out the bowl. Jalapeño provides an optional kick, but it’s easily omitted for those who prefer their caviar sans spice.
So just how can one use this versatile, veggie-packed recipe? It’s most famously served as a dip alongside crunchy tortilla chips, but my family loves it atop all types of salads 365 days a year, and especially as a topping on my mom’s famous flank steak tacos. Tune in below for the ultimate take on this family-friendly recipe!
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Ingredients
- 1 (15-oz.) can black-eyed peas
- 1 (15-oz.) can black beans
- 1 (15-oz.) can corn, drained
- 1/4 cup small diced jalapeño
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 green pepper, finely chopped
- 1 red pepper, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 Tablespoon water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the black-eyed peas and black beans and combine them in a large bowl with the drained corn.
- In a medium saucepan set over medium-low heat, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, vegetable oil, water, sugar, salt and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 3 minutes then remove it from the heat.
- Add the jalapeño, red onion and chopped peppers to the bowl of vegetables then pour in the dressing and stir until well-combined.
- Serve the Texas Caviar immediately or cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before serving.
- ★ Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to give it a star rating below!
Nutrition
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Recipe by Kelly Senyei of Just a Taste. Please do not reprint this recipe without my permission. If you'd like to feature this recipe on your site, please rewrite the method of preparation and link to this post as the original source.
This is a delicious recipe! I though find that I need to use a slotted spoon and transfer this to a different bowl after refrigerating for a few hours due to the amount of liquid that this creates (in addition to the dressing). But it’s a definite keeper and chock-full of veggies!
I’m so thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe, Lorri!
could you sub agave or honey for the sugar and if so, how much would you suggest?
Definitely! They have varying degrees of sweetness, so I’d start with 2 teaspoons honey and go from there based on your taste preferences.
I made this recipe and my family enjoyed it I’m addicted now. I’ve made a second batch. Love, love! I’m making this for Super Bowl.
Woohoo! I’m so thrilled to read this!
Loved it. Great New Years dish but so good I will make all year as it’s a great way to get my veggies in. We even topped nachos with the mixture—amazing!!!
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Just made it! It taste great!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Debra!
Absolutely delicious on top of being easy to make! The only I had is a touch of Sriracha powder and a hint of cilantro!
Awesome! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Kristi!
how long will this keep in the refrigerator?
Hi Julie! It’ll last up to a few days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
The best I’ve ever had . made it for a summer picnic with great results!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Michelle!
Made it but used cooked fresh corn on the cob cut off. It was great.
YUM! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Barbara!
I don’t love vinegar. Can I reduce that or use a different sauce?
You can sub in with a squeeze of fresh citrus!
I love this recipe ! It reminds me of a butcher shop/ bbq place I use to work at they served this as a side . The recipe was always a secret only one person made it each time . The ingredients are so simple and easy and taste even better ! I substitute olive oil Extra light taste For the vegetable oil .
Thank you so much for sharing !
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Always a big hit at parties, everyone LOVES it
I’m so glad to read this, Angela!
We love it! I use EVO and substitute Splenda for some of the sugar. Enjoy with no guilt! Thanks for sharing.
Awesome! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Rhonda!
This was exactly what I was looking for, sooooo good. (I used to buy “Cowboy Caviar” at Costco, which I would just spoon straight from the container into my mouth, LOL.) This tastes even better, with the fresh crunchy vegetables. The recipe makes more than my family will eat, so I will freeze some for later. Thank you!!!
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, June!
My husband and I loved this recipe, it was so easy to make.
I’m thrilled you enjoyed it, Faith!
Can u use a different oil??
Olive oil would work!
Delicioso! My husband says it is amazing and I have to gree. This recipe has the right combination of heat, sweet and and texture!!!
I’m so thrilled you and your husband enjoyed the recipe, Jody!
Love it! I make it at least once a week in the summer.
So glad you’re enjoying the recipe, Julie!
I added 1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
Yum!
How large is a serving?
Hi Katie! The serving size is about one cup.
I’ve made the Texas caviar 3 times this summer. All for dish to pass BBQ’s.so easy and delish! Used tiny tortilla shells (cut from large ones) baked in tiny muffin tins. Filled them with TC, onto a serving tray…whaLah!
Thanks for the recipe! Erin
Awesome! I’m SO thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe, Erin!
I love this dip very refreshing would definitely make it again thanks
So glad to hear this, Pat!
We love quite a few of your recipes.
We’ve used a similar recipe for years called Cowboy Caviar. I was looking for a way to incorporate beans and peppers when I ran across your web site.
Maybe I haven’t seen it yet, but am also looking for a recipe for an alternative “ dressing “ recipe using the same ingredients without the sweetness. Closer to a fresh salsa.
Thank you
Lori W
Hi Lori – I don’t at this time but I’ll add it to my recipe development list! And I’m so glad you’re enjoying Just a Taste :)
Love the made from scratch dressing. Love it!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Wendy!
A little too sweet, otherwise it rocked.
Glad you enjoyed the recipe, Margaret! Feel free to use less sugar in the future :)
I love all your recipes. I became vegetarian about 6 months ago and have been looking for easy delicious recipes. Thank you so much!!
You are so welcome, Jennie! I’m thrilled you’ve been enjoying Just a Taste!
This is my go-to recipe for game day parties. Everyone raves about it, and the best part is that it’s so easy to whip up!
Amazing! Thank you so much for rating the recipe, Beatrice :)
Dear Kelly i tried this texas caviar and it was really good i look forward to making it again.