Texas Caviar

Texas Caviar

12 servings
This black-eyed pea, pepper, onion, and tomato Texas caviar recipe with a zesty Italian dressing is a great potluck appetizer or side.

Ingredients

  • extra-virgin olive oil
    ¼ c
  • red wine vinegar
    3 tbsp
  • fresh lemon juice
    2 tbsp
  • Dijon mustard
    2 tbsp
  • honey
    4 tsp
  • Italian seasoning
    1 tbsp
  • garlic
    1 tbsp
  • kosher salt

    plus more

    2 ½ tsp
  • black pepper
    1 tsp
  • cans black-eyed peas

    15.5-ounce

    3
  • medium-size orange or yellow bell pepper

    stemmed

    1
  • white onion
    1 c
  • seeded
    1 c
  • medium-size jalapeño chiles

    stemmed

    2
  • fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems

    plus more roughly chopped leaves for garnish

    ⅓ c
  • Tortilla chips

    for serving

Directions

  1. 1

    Whisk together oil, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, honey, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl until well combined.

  2. 2

    Add peas, bell pepper, onion, tomatoes, jalapeño chiles, and cilantro; stir until well combined. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour before serving. Season to taste with additional salt, if desired. Garnish with additional cilantro, and serve with tortilla chips. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 2 days.

Texas Caviar

Texas Caviar

12 servings283 cal

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About this Recipe

Zesty Texas Caviar: The Ultimate Potluck Appetizer

Looking for an incredibly flavorful, vibrant, and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for any gathering? Our Texas Caviar recipe is a dazzling no-cook appetizer that brings together the best of fresh ingredients with a zesty, irresistible dressing. This black-eyed pea salad is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, bursting with color from bell peppers, tomatoes, and cilantro.

What makes this easy Texas Caviar truly special is its incredible balance of flavors and textures. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch from the crisp white onion and bell pepper, a pop from the hearty black-eyed peas, and a hint of spice from the finely chopped jalapeños. The magic happens with the homemade zesty Italian dressing, a bright concoction of extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey, all seasoned with Italian herbs and grated garlic. It coats every ingredient perfectly, creating a harmonious and utterly addictive dip or side dish.

This versatile potluck appetizer is ideal for summer barbecues, game day parties, or simply a light, refreshing snack. Serve it with your favorite tortilla chips for scooping, or even as a vibrant topping for grilled chicken or fish. It's a fantastic way to enjoy fresh vegetables and legumes, making it a healthy and satisfying option for everyone at the table.

Tips for the Perfect Texas Caviar

  • Adjust the Heat: Love a spicy kick? Leave a few seeds in your jalapeños or add an extra one. Prefer milder? Remove all seeds and membranes thoroughly.
  • Add More Color: Feel free to use a mix of orange, yellow, and red bell peppers for an even more stunning presentation.
  • Extra Crunch: For an added layer of texture and sweetness, stir in 1 cup of fresh or thawed frozen corn kernels.
  • Let it Mingle: For the best flavor, allow the Texas Caviar to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or even a few hours) before serving. This gives the dressing time to fully infuse all the ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions