Zesty Texas Caviar Recipe That Vanishes in 1 Hour

By:

Christina R. Jones

June 28, 2025

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Texas Caviar has been my go-to party dish since my cousin introduced it to me at a backyard barbecue years ago. I was skeptical at first—beans as “caviar?”—but one bite hooked me. This vibrant, no-cook bean salad bursts with fresh flavors and colorful vegetables, making it perfect for any gathering. What I love most? You just chop, mix, and let it chill while the flavors work their magic. No cooking required!

The first time I brought Texas Caviar to a potluck, the bowl was scraped clean within an hour. Now friends request it by name whenever we get together. Whether served with tortilla chips as an appetizer or spooned over greens for a light lunch, this dish always disappears fast. And the best part? It gets better as it sits, so you can make it ahead when prepping for parties.

Why You’ll Love This Texas Caviar

No cooking required – Just chop, mix, and chill! Perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven
Fresh, vibrant flavors – The combination of crisp vegetables, zesty lime, and earthy beans creates an irresistible taste
Crowd-pleaser – Works as both an appetizer with chips or a side dish for grilled meats
Make-ahead magic – Actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours, freeing up your time for hosting

Ingredients for Texas Caviar

1 can (15 oz) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 bell pepper (any color), diced
1 small red onion, finely chopped
2 jalapeños, seeded and diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Dressing Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

How to Make Texas Caviar

In a large bowl, combine black-eyed peas, black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, jalapeños, and cilantro.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, cumin, salt, and black pepper until well blended.
Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is even better) before serving to let the flavors meld.

Texas Caviar - detail 1

Mixing the Salad

When combining your Texas Caviar, be gentle! Those beans can get mushy if you’re too rough. I like to use a big rubber spatula to fold everything together. Want more heat? Keep some of those jalapeño seeds—they’ll give your caviar an extra kick!

Preparing the Dressing

The dressing makes all the difference! Whisk it vigorously until the oil and vinegar emulsify into a smooth, cohesive mixture. Taste as you go—sometimes I add an extra squeeze of lime or pinch of salt depending on my mood.

Tips for the Best Texas Caviar

Drain beans thoroughly – Excess liquid will make your salad watery
Chill overnight – The flavors develop beautifully with time
Customize the heat – Adjust jalapeños to your preferred spice level
Fresh is best – Use fresh lime juice rather than bottled for brightest flavor

Serving Suggestions for Texas Caviar

The classic way? Scoop it up with sturdy tortilla chips—the saltiness complements the fresh flavors perfectly. But don’t stop there! Try it:

As a topping for grilled chicken or fish
Spooned over greens for a hearty salad
Stuffed into tacos or quesadillas
Alongside burgers at your next cookout

Storage and Reheating

Store your Texas Caviar in an airtight container in the refrigerator—it keeps beautifully for about 3 days. No reheating needed (or recommended)! This dish is meant to be served cold, allowing all those fresh flavors to shine.

Texas Caviar Variations

While I adore the classic version, sometimes I mix it up:

Bean swap – Try pinto or kidney beans instead of black-eyed peas
Creamy twist – Fold in diced avocado just before serving
Sweet contrast – Add diced mango for a tropical flair

Texas Caviar FAQs

Can I use dried beans?
While you could technically cook dried beans, canned beans make this recipe incredibly convenient with great results.

How long does Texas Caviar keep?
About 3 days in the fridge—though it rarely lasts that long in my house!

Is Texas Caviar gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just serve with gluten-free chips if needed.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional values are estimates and vary based on ingredients used.
Per serving (about 1/2 cup): 180 calories, 7g fat, 22g carbs, 6g fiber, 7g protein

Share Your Texas Caviar Experience

I’d love to hear how your Texas Caviar turns out! Did you add any special twists? What did your guests think? Share your photos and stories—this recipe is all about bringing people together! You can also find more recipes on our Pinterest page.