Easy and healthy recipe for Texas Cowboy Caviar! Black-eyed peas, corn, and peppers tossed in a simple lime juice and olive oil-based dressing.
Cowboy Caviar is a simple dip made with black-eyed peas, diced veggies, then tossed in a light dressing. It is typically served as a dip with tortilla chips, topping or even a side dish. Cowboy Caviar is a great healthy appetizer that is naturally lower in calories and is an easy way to get in a serving of vegetables and legumes.
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A little history on this Texas Recipe
Helen Corbitt famously created this dish during her culinary career in Texas. I looked at the original recipe – it was rather simple consisting of black-eyed peas, sliced onion, all marinated in a seasoned salad oil dressing. It was originally called pickled black-eyed peas but over the years has evolved into the more colorful and seasoned version you might find at a potluck staple.
For my version, I add more vegetables such as corn, bell pepper and use purple onion for a nice color contrast. For a Texas kick (spice) I like to add diced serrano peppers, and some cilantro then keep it simple with a lime juice and olive oil dressing.
Ingredients
A few notes on the recipe ingredients. Please see the full recipe card at the bottom of the page for precise measurements.
- Black-Eyed Peas: The staple of Cowboy Caviar! I used 2 cans of a Bush’s brand. You can substitute fresh cooked black-eyed peas if you have them. You’ll want to remove loose skins and smashed peas for the best presentation.
- Corn: A can of sweet corn. Fresh, roasted kernels cut from the cob may be substituted.
- Red Bell Pepper: One bell pepper, chopped. Use any color you like.
- Purple Onion: Adds a nice pop of color to the dish.
- Serrano Pepper: A little diced serrano pepper adds a nice kick to this dish.
- Dressing: Olive oil, lime juice, salt and black pepper
- Cilantro Leaves: Coarsely chopped. May be omitted for those who do not like.
Variations
- Internet recipes often use black beans in place of the black-eyed peas.
- Add your own mix of vegetables that you have available. Other popular add-ins are roma tomatoes, avocado, olives, jalapenos and pimentos.
- Want it less spicy? Swap diced jalapeno for the serrano pepper.
- Popular flavor mix-ins are garlic, vinegar and hot sauce (i.e. Tabasco).
📖 Recipe
Cowboy Caviar
Ingredients
- 2 – 15 oz. cans black-eyed peas drain and rinsed
- 1 – 15 oz. can sweet corn kernels drained
- 1 cup red bell pepper chopped
- ¼ cup purple onion diced
- 1 Tbsp. serrano pepper finely diced
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. lime juice
- ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
- ½ cup cilantro leaves coarsely chopped
Instructions
- In a medium sized bowl combine black-eyed peas, corn, bell pepper, onion and serrano pepper.
- In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt and pepper. Pour over black-eyed pea mixture. Fold in cilantro and adjust seasoning to taste. Chill cowboy caviar in the fridge.
Notes
- For less heat, fresh jalapeño pepper can be used in place of the serrano pepper.
- Cilantro may be omitted for those who do not like.
- Other popular add-ins include – roma tomatoes, avocado, garlic and olives.
Nutrition
I hope you enjoy this version of Cowboy Caviar! I also have another recipe that originated from the Driskill Hotel, my version of the 1886 Chocolate Buttermilk Cake. Thanks for stopping by, let me know what other variations you make to this easy appetizer recipe!
Alaine
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