Texas Caviar with black-eyed peas, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, and red onion can be eaten as a dip or as a side salad. Canned beans work really well for this recipe making it super easy to throw together for a party.
Black-eyed peas by themselves aren’t one of the most exciting, flavorful foods. But they really come alive in Texas Caviar.
A dressing of vinegar, oil, sugar, and garlic powder gives them a pickled flavor. Some cilantro and jalapeno spice them up a little.
(That’s my daughter’s black fingernail. I don’t do black nail polish 🙂 )
Texas Caviar dates back to the 1940s when Helen Corbitt, a New Yorker who moved to Texas to teach catering and restaurant management at The University of Texas, created it when she was given the task of preparing a meal for a convention made with all Texas products. She transformed the lowly, earthy black-eyed pea into a vibrantly flavorful dish that has been popular for nearly 75 years.
Interestingly, Helen Corbitt did not think much of Texas or its food when she first took a job there and only planned to stay until she made enough money to return to New York. Years later she told Dallas Times Herald reporter Julia Sweeney that her first reaction to taking a job in Texas was, “Who the hell wants to go to Texas?” She then added, “Only I didn’t say ‘hell’ in those days. I learned to swear in Texas.”
But Texas grew on her (and I’m sure with a personality like hers she grew on Texas!) and she became the head of food services at Neiman Marcus, where her Poppy Seed Dressing became a favorite on the menu. She had a long and accomplished career in the Texas food industry and published multiple cookbooks. I would love to get my hands on one.
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Texas Caviar Bean Dip
Ingredients
- 2 (15-ounce) cans black-eyed peas,, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans,, rinsed and drained
- 2 (15-ounce) cans yellow corn,, drained
- 1 red bell pepper,, cored, seeded, and finely chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper,, cored, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 small red onion,, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery,, finely chopped
- 2 roma tomatoes,, finely chopped
- 2 jalapeno peppers,, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/3 cup chopped cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- Combine black-eyed peas, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, celery, tomatoes, jalapenos, and cilantro in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and vegetable oil.
- Pour dressing over black-eyed pea mixture and toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least several hours.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I and several of my friends really don’t like cilantro. Would it still be yummy with out it or is there a good substitute?
I’ve made this once, loved it and am making it again this weekend for a picnic. I tend to use whatever beans I have on hand, not only the black and black-eyed peas. I think this recipe also calls for slightly different ingredients so it can easily be varied. I like the idea of avocado, and of feta cheese, though I’m dairy-free. Any suggestions for a dairy-free alternative to feta cheese (if such thing is possible?!)
This was a huge hit for Memorial weekend, so I am making it again for the 4th! Great pairing to a low country Boil too:) Delish!!!
Happy 4th Sheryl!!
You have a great name. And finally someone who has it spelled right. LOL
Anyway my question is: Is the oil or sugar required?
Could I make day before hosting and use one jalapeño rather than 2
What is the calories per serving?
My daughter adds crumbled feta cheese and it gives it more flavor…
Thanks a fantastic idea! I love the saltiness of feta. Thanks for sharing!
I use a box of pico de galo in place of the tomatoes, onions & hot peppers. I get rave reviews!!
I love this recipe and it’s so easy! How long will the dip stay edible after assembly?
Thank you! Refrigerated it should be good for 3-5 days.
This dip looks so delicious! I love the combination of beans, peppers, and corn.
I’ve been looking for new ideas for snacks and things to bring with me to work, and I could easily see myself taking a little bowl of this with some tortilla chips for sure! It’s so colorful and I love that the beans give me a little protein (anything that keeps me full is a friend of mine!). 😀