Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I mentioned that ranch style beans are one of my most-missed foods from when I lived in Texas? This is another. Texas caviar (also known as cowboy caviar) is a super easy, super flavorful side or appetizer that’s perfect for parties, tailgating, and potlucks. Serve it with grilled chicken, fish, or burgers, or just a big basket of tortilla chips.There’s no cooking involved, and even the chill time is optional (though recommended). You could have it ready to eat in just 15 minutes!This recipe actually makes A LOT of Texas caviar, so if you’re not serving a big group, you might want to cut it in half. It’s super easy to do! Cut the quantities for each ingredient in half, and for the olive oil and red wine vinegar, use 3 tablespoons each.
Key Ingredients
Beans – To lower the sodium content in the Texas caviar, use low-sodium canned veggies, or cook your own from dry. Use roughly 4 cups of cooked beans to replace each type of canned beans in the recipe.Black-Eyed Peas – These are a MUST for Texas caviar. If you don’t want to use canned black-eyed peas (or if you have trouble finding them), you can cook your own from dry. The Instant Pot is my favorite way to cook them because it’s fast, easy, and you don’t have to soak them first. Check out my post on The Best EVER Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas for all the details!Corn – I used white corn here, but you could use yellow corn instead. They taste the same! Frozen or fresh corn will work here. If you use frozen, just be sure it’s completely thawed first!Jalapeños – If you love the heat from jalapeños, you can absolutely use more than the recipe calls for. You could also swap these out with a hotter pepper if you’re brave, but be careful not to overdo it! You don’t want to overshadow the other flavors in the cowboy caviar.Red Wine Vinegar – Made from red wine, this vinegar gives the Texas caviar a sharp, tangy flavor that’s irresistible. You could also try a white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or balsamic vinegar .
Chef’s Tips
You can serve the Texas caviar right away, but it’s honestly even better if you chill it in the fridge for a couple of hours first. Chilling it lets all the flavors mingle together so each bite is enhanced.Use a little lime juice in the cowboy caviar dressing for an added kick of citrus flavor. It’s a great, easy way to change things up a little! You could also spice it up with a dash or two of your favorite hot sauce.If you’re in a rush or just don’t want to mix up your own dressing, try an Italian dressing instead. Your Texas caviar won’t be quite as sweet, but it’ll be tasty!
More Dips, Salsa, and Party Foods You’ll Love
Addictive Hot Crab Dip (Low Carb, Keto, Gluten Free)Beer Cheese DipGuacamole Dip (Restaurant Style)Avocado SalsaCorn SalsaBean DipSlow Cooker Buffalo Chicken DipCucumber Salsa
