My Go-To Texas Caviar Recipe
Okay, here we go! Let’s dive into one of my family’s favorite snacks (or side dishes! Or main courses, depending on the day!) – my go-to Texas Caviar recipe. This is one of those sanity-saving comfort foods that I can whip up in minutes, and it always disappears fast. It’s packed with flavor, surprisingly filling, and a total dinnertime win in my book.
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s what you need to make my family’s beloved Texas Caviar recipe. Don’t worry, it’s all super accessible stuff you can find at any regular grocery store!

- 1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained: These are the star of our Texas Caviar recipe!
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained: Adds extra heartiness and protein.
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed: Adds a touch of sweetness that my kids love in this Texas Caviar recipe.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced: For a pop of color and a little crunch.
- 1/2 red onion, diced: Adds a bit of a bite!
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional): My husband likes a little kick, so I usually add this to half of the Texas Caviar recipe.
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro: Adds a fresh, vibrant flavor.
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar: The base of our tangy dressing.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Adds richness and helps the dressing cling to all the veggies.
- 1 lime, juiced: Adds a burst of citrusy goodness.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds a warm, earthy note.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: For a little extra flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Because every family’s taste buds are different!
Trust me, this Texas Caviar recipe ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! If you don’t have fresh cilantro, you can totally use dried cilantro! No worries if you don’t have red wine vinegar – I use apple cider vinegar for a similar flavor in my Texas Caviar recipe. This Texas Caviar recipe proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive, and my family gets extra comfort when I add a diced avocado right before serving!
Let’s Make it Happen!
Alright, let’s get cooking! This Texas Caviar recipe is so easy, it’s practically foolproof.
- Combine the beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño (if using) in a large bowl. Just toss everything together in one big happy family! This is the perfect Texas Caviar recipe base.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cilantro, red wine vinegar, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is nicely combined to create the perfect dressing for our Texas Caviar recipe.
- Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and stir gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix, you want to keep the veggies nice and crunchy in this Texas Caviar recipe.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This is key for the best-tasting Texas Caviar recipe!
- Before serving, give it another gentle stir and taste to adjust seasonings if needed. Maybe you want a little more lime juice, or a pinch more salt? Make this Texas Caviar recipe your own!
In my busy kitchen, this comforting Texas Caviar recipe usually takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus chilling time. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch while you wait! Your Texas Caviar recipe should smell amazing by now, that’s how you know you are on the right track.
Here’s where I used to struggle with my Texas Caviar recipe – I would always add too much salt! Learn from my experience and start with a little, then add more to taste. While your Texas Caviar recipe is chilling, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family!
How We Love to Eat This!
My family devours this comforting Texas Caviar recipe in so many ways! We love it as a dip with tortilla chips. I saw a post the other day in a Facebook group about an Aldi spicy bean salsa recipe with tortilla chips, and thought of my take on this recipe! The kids devour this comforting Texas Caviar recipe when I serve it with grilled chicken or fish. It’s also a great addition to taco night!
This Texas Caviar recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! I often make a big batch on Sunday and then we snack on it all week long.
For a fun twist, try adding diced avocado right before serving. It adds a creamy texture that is absolutely divine! If you’re feeling adventurous, grill the corn on the cob before cutting it off and adding it to the Texas Caviar recipe for a smoky flavor.
My guests always rave about this Texas Caviar recipe when I bring it to potlucks! I think it’s because it’s so fresh and flavorful. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and vegan, so it’s a great option for everyone.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Okay, let’s tackle some common questions I get about this Texas Caviar recipe.
- Is this Texas Caviar recipe really filling enough for growing kids? Absolutely! It’s packed with protein and fiber from the beans, which will keep them satisfied.
- What if my picky eater won’t try this Texas Caviar recipe? Start small! Offer them a little bit on a chip, and let them see you enjoying it. Sometimes, just seeing Mom eat something new is enough to encourage them to try it. You can even leave out the red onion or jalapeño if you think those flavors will be too strong for them.
- Can I meal prep this Texas Caviar recipe for busy weeks ahead? Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after it’s been chilling in the fridge for a day or two. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container.
- Can I freeze this Texas Caviar recipe? I don’t recommend freezing it, as the veggies will lose their texture when thawed. However, it keeps well in the fridge for up to five days.
- What kind of chips go best with this Texas Caviar recipe? We love using sturdy tortilla chips, but you can also use pita chips or even veggie sticks.
- Can I add other veggies to this Texas Caviar recipe? Of course! Diced cucumber, chopped tomatoes, or even some grilled zucchini would be delicious additions.
- Is this Texas Caviar recipe spicy? It can be, depending on how much jalapeño you add! If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a small amount or omit it altogether.
This Texas Caviar recipe has been a dinnertime win for my family! If your kids love this hearty recipe, they’ll go crazy for my Texas Caviar, you can find more recipes on the Grandbaby Cakes Facebook page.
Final Thoughts:
This Texas Caviar recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s a simple, delicious, and versatile way to get more veggies into my family’s diet. It’s also a huge time-saver, which is always a win in my book! This dish supports my family’s comfort food goals. It also gives us energy for the week.
Here are a few My Texas Caviar recipe Comfort Hacks:
- Make a big batch on Sunday: It’ll be ready to grab and go for lunches and snacks all week long.
- Use frozen veggies: They’re just as nutritious as fresh, and they save you tons of prep time.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: Add your family’s favorite flavors and make this recipe your own!
Here are a few family-tested Texas Caviar recipe variations:
- Spicy Texas Caviar: Add an extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Sweet Texas Caviar: Add a diced mango or pineapple.
- Creamy Texas Caviar: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
My kids love the sweet version, while my husband prefers the spicy version. I encourage you to make it your own way! I hope this recipe brings as much joy and comfort to your family’s mealtime as it has to mine. For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out my Texas chocolate pecan pie! This comforting Texas Caviar recipe reminds me of another family favorite, Texas Trash Pie. If you are searching for different recipe takes, you should also check out 15 Minute Cowboy Caviar (AKA Texas Caviar) – The Cheeky Chickpea.

Give this satisfying Texas Caviar recipe a try and let me know what you think! You can also call this dish a cowboy caviar, black eyed pea salad, fiesta dip, bean salsa, or southwestern dip.
Texas Caviar recipe
Texas Caviar is a vibrant and flavorful bean salad that’s perfect as a dip, side dish, or topping. This easy no-cook recipe is packed with fresh vegetables and a tangy lime dressing, making it a healthy and delicious crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the black-eyed peas, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño (if using).
- Add the cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, chill for at least 2 hours.
- Serve with tortilla chips, as a topping for grilled chicken or fish, or as a side dish.
Notes
For a spicier kick, leave some of the jalapeño seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. This salad is even better the next day!

