If you’re looking for a fresh, colorful, and ridiculously easy Texas caviar recipe, you’re in the right place. This vibrant bean salad—also known as Cowboy Caviar—comes together in about 15 minutes and doubles as a dip, side dish, or light meal. It’s budget-friendly, high in plant-based protein, and perfect for everything from summer BBQs to weekly meal prep.
The best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment. Just a cutting board, a knife, a big bowl, and a handful of simple pantry staples.
Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting friends, or just trying to eat a little healthier without spending a fortune, this easy Texas caviar recipe checks every box.
Table of Contents
What Is Texas Caviar?
Texas caviar is a bean-based salad typically made with:
- Black-eyed peas
- Black beans
- Corn
- Fresh vegetables
- A simple vinaigrette dressing
Despite the name, there’s no fish involved. The dish was originally created in Texas as a tangy black-eyed pea salad and later evolved into the colorful version we know today.
It’s often served as:
- A dip with tortilla chips
- A side dish for grilled meats
- A topping for tacos or burrito bowls
- A light vegetarian lunch
Because it’s packed with fiber-rich beans and vegetables, it’s both filling and nutritious—without feeling heavy.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Texas Caviar Recipe
1. It’s Budget-Friendly
Canned beans and corn are some of the most affordable ingredients at the grocery store. You can make a big bowl for under $10 and feed a crowd.
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2. It’s High in Plant-Based Protein
Beans and black-eyed peas are naturally rich in protein and fiber, helping you stay full longer.
3. It’s Perfect for Meal Prep
This recipe actually tastes better after it sits for a few hours. That makes it ideal for:
- Weekly lunch prep
- Potlucks
- Picnics
- Busy weeknights
4. No Cooking Required
Other than draining and rinsing canned beans, there’s zero cooking involved.
Ingredients for Texas Caviar
Here’s what you’ll need for this easy Texas caviar recipe:
For the Salad
- 1 can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (canned or thawed frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- 1 avocado, diced (optional but delicious)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Texas Caviar (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Beans
Drain and rinse the black-eyed peas and black beans thoroughly. This removes excess sodium and improves flavor.
Step 2: Chop the Vegetables
Dice the tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and avocado. Try to keep everything roughly the same size for the best texture.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Olive oil
- Lime juice
- Red wine vinegar
- Honey
- Salt
- Pepper
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl:
- Add beans
- Add corn
- Add chopped vegetables
- Pour dressing over top
Gently stir until evenly coated.
Step 5: Chill (Optional but Recommended)
Let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
Easy Texas Caviar
Ingredients
- 1 can black-eyed peas drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn canned or thawed frozen
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1/2 red onion finely chopped
- 1 avocado diced (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Method
- Drain and rinse the black-eyed peas and black beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve flavor.
- Dice the cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, and avocado. Chop the fresh cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the beans, corn, chopped vegetables, and cilantro.
- Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend. Add avocado just before serving if meal prepping.
Nutrition
Notes
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Pro Tips for the Best Texas Caviar
Use Fresh Lime Juice
Fresh lime juice makes a huge difference in brightness and flavor.
Don’t Skip the Rinse
Rinsing canned beans removes excess salt and starchy liquid.
Add Avocado Last
If meal prepping, add avocado right before serving to prevent browning.
Adjust Acidity
Taste and add extra lime juice or salt if needed. The flavor should be fresh and slightly tangy.
Variations and Add-Ins
This easy Texas caviar recipe is flexible.
Try adding:
- Jalapeño for heat
- Feta cheese for a creamy twist
- Diced mango for sweetness
- Quinoa for extra protein
- Grilled chicken for a heartier meal
You can also swap the dressing with Italian dressing for a shortcut version.
What to Serve with Texas Caviar
Texas caviar works as:
- A dip with tortilla chips
- A taco topping
- A side for grilled chicken
- A topping for baked potatoes
- A filling for wraps
It’s especially great during summer BBQ season.
How to Store and Meal Prep Texas Caviar
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Make-Ahead Tip
Prepare everything except avocado. Add avocado fresh before serving.
Freezing?
Not recommended. Fresh vegetables will lose texture.
Is Texas Caviar Healthy? Calories and Nutrition Facts
If you’re wondering whether this easy Texas caviar recipe fits into a healthy meal plan, here’s what to know.
Is Texas Caviar a Healthy Meal?
Texas caviar can absolutely be part of a balanced diet. It’s made mostly from:
- Beans (high in fiber and plant-based protein)
- Fresh vegetables
- Heart-healthy olive oil
According to the USDA Dietary Guidelines, beans are an excellent source of fiber and nutrients and can support overall health when included regularly in meals.
Is It Good for Weight Loss?
Texas caviar can be considered weight loss friendly because:
- It’s high in fiber, which helps you feel full
- It contains plant-based protein
- It’s naturally lower in saturated fat
Portion control still matters—especially if serving with chips—but as a salad or topping, it’s a smart choice.
Protein Content and Balanced Diet Benefits
This recipe qualifies as a high-protein meal side thanks to black beans and black-eyed peas. Combined with vegetables and healthy fats, it supports:
- Steady energy
- Digestive health
- Balanced blood sugar levels
For exact nutrition facts, values vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
FAQ About Texas Caviar
1. Why is it called Texas caviar?
The name was meant to be playful. It’s a humble bean salad elevated with bold flavors—“caviar” as a joke, not actual fish.
2. Can I make Texas caviar ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours. Just wait to add avocado until serving.
3. Is Texas caviar the same as Cowboy Caviar?
Yes. The terms are used interchangeably.
4. How long does Texas caviar last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
5. Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Absolutely. Cook and cool them fully before using. This can reduce sodium and enhance texture.
Final Thoughts on This Easy Texas Caviar Recipe
This easy Texas caviar recipe is one of those dishes you’ll come back to again and again. It’s affordable, colorful, protein-packed, and endlessly customizable. Whether you serve it as a dip, side dish, or light lunch, it delivers fresh flavor every time.
If you loved this recipe, be sure to explore more budget-friendly and easy meal ideas on the blog—and save this one for your next gathering!