Colorful Texas caviar with black-eyed peas, black beans, tomatoes, jalapeños, and cilantro in a bowl.

Texas Caviar Recipe — Fresh Black-Eyed Pea Salad

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Texas caviar recipe is a vibrant, make-ahead bean salad loaded with black-eyed peas, black beans, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing. It’s the perfect party dip or picnic salad — scoop it with tortilla chips, spread on crostini, or serve alongside grilled chicken for a colorful, protein-packed side.

Prep Time: 15 mins • Additional Time (marinate): 2 hrs • Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins • Servings: 16 • Yield: about 8 cups

Ingredients

  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 1 (15 oz) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (8 oz) bottle zesty Italian dressing (or 3/4 cup homemade vinaigrette)
  • 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped (use less for mild)
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic (or 2 small cloves, minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (optional — adds warm citrus notes)
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped (to taste)
  • Fresh lime wedges, for serving (optional)

Directions

Step 1
In a very large bowl combine cherry tomatoes, black-eyed peas, black beans, chopped bell pepper, chopped yellow onion, sliced green onions, jalapeños, minced garlic, and ground coriander.

Step 2
Pour zesty Italian dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 3
Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate at least 2 hours (overnight is even better) to allow flavors to marry and the dressing to mellow.

Step 4
Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, extra lime juice if desired). Toss with chopped cilantro and serve chilled or at room temperature with tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted bread.

Cook’s Note

Make this Texas caviar the day before entertaining — it develops brighter flavor after a night in the fridge. For a lighter version, substitute low-fat Italian dressing or make a vinaigrette with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, and a touch of honey.

How to Store

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Stir well before serving. Do not freeze (beans get mushy).

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories 107 • Total Fat 5g • Saturated Fat 1g • Sodium 415mg • Total Carbohydrate 12g • Dietary Fiber 4g • Total Sugars 1g • Protein 4g • Vitamin C 16mg • Calcium 32mg • Iron 1mg • Potassium 254mg

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