If you’ve never had a chip piled high with Texas caviar, you need to try it, stat. It’s the most addicting stuff ever!
That’s because Texas caviar is chock full of black eyed peas, corn, tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro for a flavor and texture explosion in every bite!
This poor man’s “caviar” recipe is finished by tossing everything with an olive oil, lime juice, chili and cumin-spiced dressing that coats everything to perfection.
This cowboy caviar is ready in 10 minutes flat. I do suggest chilling it for 30 minutes after you mix everything together but do what you need to do if you’re short on time.
I don’t know if you want to call Texas caviar a snack, side, appetizer, or dip – but I know your family and friends will gobble it right up!
Ingredients in Texas Caviar
This family-favorite recipe is made with easy to find and very common refrigerator and pantry ingredients including the following: I’m not from Texas. I have lived in six states in the US, and in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. But for the last 20 years I have called San Diego home. Is being a Texan a requirement for making this recipe? Heck no! Are there literally 9 million search results for ‘Texas Caviar’? Yes there sure are, and they are all a bit different. Which is also why I have a section below called Ingredients Substitutions so if your mom/grandma/uncle/grocery store deli makes this just a little differently, that’s awesome. You can refer to that section and compare or get ideas. Do I need or want you to write to me telling me this isn’t the ‘right way’ to make this recipe? Just no, please. I get enough mail and that’s not any I need.
For the Caviar
Black eyed peas – Rather than, or in addition to, the black eyed peas, you can use black beans. Either swap them in entirely, or do half and half. Corn – Frozen, fresh, or canned are all fine. Make sure to drain off the water from the frozen corn after it thaws and drain canned corn well. Tomatoes– Roma are my go-to, although if you have cherry or grape tomatoes, halve or quarter them and toss them in. Avocado Cilantro – If you’re a cilantro hater, just skip it. Green onions – Use red onion if you don’t have green. Salt and Pepper – Make sure to season well because simple plant-based ingredients really benefit from proper seasoning.
For the Dressing
Lime juice – Freshly squeezed is preferred, but use bottled if that’s what you have. Honey — Or agave nectar especially if you’re trying to keep it vegan. Ground cumin Chili powder Smoked paprika Olive oil Salt and pepper – To taste. Chips – For serving.
Note: Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for the ingredients with amounts included and for more complete directions.
Ingredient Substitutions
This is one of those recipes that everyone’s grandma, auntie, or brother-in-law makes it a little differently based on what their families enjoy or have on hand. Here are just some of many ingredients swaps and substitutions you can make:
Bell Peppers – Green bell peppers, red bell peppers, orange or yellow are a nice touch. Lime juice – This is a staple for me, but I have also seen people use apple cider vinegar and red wine vinegar. Cumin, Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika – I use all three, but they have overlapping flavor profiles, and if you only have 2 out of the 3, go for it. Always add to taste! I use 1 teaspoon of each but if you want to tone done the boldness, use 1/2 teaspoon. Garlic fan? Add a few shakes of garlic powder or garlic seasoning or even a clove or two of finely chopped garlic. You may need less salt if using garlic seasoning as it already has a decent sodium content. Love jalapenos? It’s easy to add some to your taste. They don’t provide much true ‘heat’ but they add flavor. Craving Heat? – Add either a bit of a finely diced serrano chile pepper and/or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Note that serranos are about 10x hotter than jalapenos which really aren’t spicy – flavorful, but not spicy. And be very, very careful with the cayenne pepper. A teeny tiny pinch will do the trick!
How to Make Texas Caviar
I love an easy-peasy dump-it-all in one bowl recipe and that’s exactly what this cowboy caviar recipe is!
More Easy Dips:
ALL OF MY DIP RECIPES! Also, the avocado will oxidize. In the presence of plenty of lime juice, it’s minimized, but there’s no way to prevent it fully. Therefore, after 24-48 hours it may not win any beauty contests, but the taste will be just fine. Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes! Blueberry Corn Salsa – Berries, corn, jalapeno, cilantro, and more in this easy and healthy salsa that’s ready in 5 minutes!! So good you can eat it on it’s own like a salad! The sweet fruit balances the heat and it’s a guaranteed hit! Do-It-Yourself Guacamole Bar – Make your own guacamole bar and have fun taste-testing the options! Great party idea that everyone loves! Cheesy Baked Mexican Corn Dip — A hot corn dip reminiscent of Mexican street corn!! Creamy, cheesy, spiked with lime juice, chili powder, and a serrano chile or jalapeno for a touch of heat! SO EASY and ready in 20 minutes!! Perfect for parties, potlucks, tailgating, or your next FIESTA!! Chunky Tomatillo Avocado Salsa — If you like salsa verde, you’re going to LOVE this homemade version that includes creamy chunks of avocado! As FAST and EASY and tossing a handful of healthy ingredients into your food processor and the salsa is ready in seconds. Sweet and Spicy Chipotle Salsa — A sweet and spicy salsa with a lovely smokiness from pineapple, tomatillo, onion, and garlic that are blistered under broiler and then blended with chipotle peppers! Layered Beef Taco Dip — A FAST and EASY layered dip with taco-seasoned cream cheese, sour cream, ground beef, black beans, cheese, tomatoes, and more!! Perfect for your next FIESTA and a guaranteed WINNER with everyone!!
