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Texas Caviar (Cowboy Caviar)

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Texas Caviar (aka Cowboy Caviar) is a vibrant no-cook appetizer made with beans, fresh veggies, and a tangy vinaigrette. Packed with flavor, color, and texture, it’s the perfect dish for parties, potlucks, or easy snacking.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes (+ optional 2-hour chill)
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

For the Dressing:

⅓ cup red wine vinegar

⅓ cup olive oil (or avocado oil)

1 tablespoon honey (or white sugar or granular Swerve)

½ teaspoon garlic powder

2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)

For the Texas Caviar:

2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed

2 cans (15 oz each) pinto beans, drained and rinsed

2 cans (15 oz each) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed

2 cans (15 oz each) white corn kernels, drained and rinsed

4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh jalapeños (about 2 medium peppers, seeds removed, optional)

1 ½ cups quartered cherry tomatoes (about 1 pint)

1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic (about 3 cloves)

½ cup finely chopped red bell pepper (about 1 medium)

1 cup finely chopped red onion (about 1 small)

¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, honey, garlic powder, and salt until combined.
  2. Combine the base: In a large bowl, mix black beans, pinto beans, black-eyed peas, corn, jalapeños, tomatoes, garlic, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
  3. Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the mixture. Toss gently until evenly coated.
  4. Chill (optional): Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours for best flavor.
  5. Serve: Enjoy with tortilla chips, over greens, or alongside grilled meats.

Notes

  • Best enjoyed fresh but improves after a couple of hours chilling.
  • Omit jalapeños for a milder version or keep some seeds for extra heat.
  • Swap vinegar with lime juice for a southwestern flavor.
  • Add avocado, mango, or pineapple for a fruity twist.
  • Use feta or cotija for added richness.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 cup
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 390mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg