About This Recipe
Texas caviar is a bean salad originating in Texas during the 1940s. Created by Helen Corbitt, it was popularized at the Houston Country Club and later served at the Driskill Hotel in Austin. The dish features black-eyed peas as its primary ingredient, reflecting Southern U.S. culinary traditions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Requires no cooking or heat application
- Uses affordable, shelf-stable ingredients
- Naturally gluten-free and vegan
- Adaptable to personal taste preferences
- Serves as both dip and salad
Ingredients
- 2 (15-oz) cans black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 medium red onion, finely diced
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and minced
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Tortilla chips for serving
Step by Step Instructions
- Combine black-eyed peas, black beans, corn, bell peppers, red onion, jalapeños, and cilantro in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper until fully blended.
- Pour dressing over bean mixture and stir gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow flavors to combine.
- Stir mixture before serving. Adjust seasoning with salt if desired.
- Serve chilled with tortilla chips as a dip or as a stand-alone salad.
FAQ
What is Texas caviar?
Texas caviar is a chilled bean salad originating in Texas, primarily made with black-eyed peas, vegetables, and a vinegar-based dressing.
Is Texas caviar served hot or cold?
Texas caviar is always served cold or at room temperature.
How long does Texas caviar last?
Properly stored in an airtight container, it maintains quality for 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
You Must Know
- Draining and rinsing canned beans reduces sodium content and prevents excess liquid
- Allow minimum 4 hours refrigeration time for flavors to develop
- Fresh ingredients cannot be substituted with dried herbs or powdered vegetables
- Jalapeño seeds contain most of the heat – adjust according to preference
Storage Tips
- Store in airtight container in refrigerator
- Do not freeze – texture becomes compromised upon thawing
- Liquid will accumulate during storage – drain excess before serving if desired
- Keep separate from chips until serving to maintain crispness