Texas Caviar Recipe

Texas Caviar, also known as Black-Eyed Pea Salad, is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together black-eyed peas, colorful vegetables, and a zesty dressing. This hearty salad is not only a great appetizer but also makes a delicious side dish or topping for tacos and grilled meats. It’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, and parties, offering a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor in every bite!

Necessary Kitchen Equipment

• Mixing Bowl: For combining the salad ingredients.
• Knife and Cutting Board: To chop the vegetables.
• Serving Dish: To present the Texas Caviar.

Ingredient Overview

• Black-Eyed Peas: The star ingredient; canned or cooked from dry beans work well.
• Bell Peppers: Use a mix of colors for visual appeal and sweetness.
• Red Onion: Adds sharpness and crunch.
• Corn: Fresh, canned, or frozen; adds sweetness and texture.
• Cilantro: For freshness and flavor.
• Jalapeño: Optional for a spicy kick.
• Dressing: Typically made with olive oil, vinegar, lime juice, and spices.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Peas
   If using canned black-eyed peas, drain and rinse them under cold water. If using dried peas, cook them according to package instructions and allow them to cool.
2. Chop the Vegetables
   Dice the bell peppers, red onion, and jalapeño (if using). Chop the cilantro finely.
3. Combine the Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, add the black-eyed peas, diced bell peppers, red onion, corn, jalapeño, and chopped cilantro.
4. Make the Dressing
   In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
5. Toss the Salad
   Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
6. Chill and Serve
   Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: This salad can be prepared a day in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen.
• Customization: Feel free to add other ingredients like diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, or black beans for additional flavor and texture.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve with tortilla chips for dipping or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Texas Caviar pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, making it a fantastic dip. It also complements grilled meats, tacos, or can be served as a refreshing side salad alongside heavier dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen black-eyed peas?
A: Yes, just cook them according to the package instructions before using.

Q: Is there a substitute for black-eyed peas?
A: You can use other beans like black beans or pinto beans if preferred, but it will change the traditional flavor.

Q: How spicy is Texas Caviar?
A: The spice level can be adjusted by adding more or less jalapeño or omitting it altogether. You can also add diced serrano peppers for extra heat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Texas Caviar in a colorful bowl with tortilla chips around it for a festive look. You can also serve it as a filling for tacos or burritos, or alongside grilled meats for a delicious meal.

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Serving dish

Ingredients

• Texas Caviar
  2 cans (15 oz each) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
  1 cup bell peppers, diced (red, green, yellow)
  1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional)
  1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  1/4 cup olive oil
  1/4 cup red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  1 tbsp lime juice
  1 tsp ground cumin
  Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Peas
   Drain and rinse canned black-eyed peas or cook dried ones until tender.
2. Chop the Vegetables
   Dice the bell peppers, red onion, jalapeño, and chop the cilantro.
3. Combine the Ingredients
   In a large bowl, combine black-eyed peas, diced vegetables, and cilantro.
4. Make the Dressing
   Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Toss the Salad
   Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
6. Chill and Serve
   Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients to suit your taste. Enjoy this delightful salad at your next event or as a quick and healthy snack!

Texas Caviar

Texas Caviar is a colorful and flavorful salad that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any gathering. With its combination of black-eyed peas, fresh vegetables, and zesty dressing, it’s sure to be a hit!

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Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Serving dish

Ingredients

  

• Texas Caviar
• 2 cans 15 oz each black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup bell peppers diced (red, green, yellow)
• 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped
• 1 cup corn fresh, canned, or frozen
• 1 jalapeño seeded and diced (optional)
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Peas
• Drain and rinse canned black-eyed peas or cook dried ones until tender.
• Chop the Vegetables
• Dice the bell peppers, red onion, jalapeño, and chop the cilantro.
• Combine the Ingredients
• In a large bowl, combine black-eyed peas, diced vegetables, and cilantro.
• Make the Dressing
• Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper.
• Toss the Salad
• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
• Chill and Serve
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients to suit your taste. Enjoy this delightful salad at your next event or as a quick and healthy snack!