Texas Caviar is a recipe that my mom has made ever since I was little. It was an easy recipe that when I started to get a little older, it was one that she taught me how to make earlier on! Then of course, I had to add my own HGHF twist to it and started making it for all our tail gates in college, super bowl parties, lake get togethers etc. It was always so funny because it isn’t the most appetizing looking, so I would have to convince everyone to just GIVE IT A TRY… then it would be all gone! 🙂 So enjoy The Best Texas Caviar recipe. I know that this family tradition is going to become one of yours as well!
What is The History Behind Texas Caviar ( Cowboy Caviar)?
This delicious dish dates back to 1940 in Texas where Helen Corbitt who was the food director at Neiman Marcus in Dallas, Texas. She then created this recipe to serve it on New Years at the Houston Country Club and then later at the hotel Driskell in Austin, Texas. Both very high end establishments, that this easily addictive recipe became known as “Texas” caviar a play on words in comparison to actual caviar that is known as pure luxury.
It started off as a black eyed pea type of salad with a tangy vinaigrette style dressing and served with tortilla chips. It later has evolved into the versions we see today– including this one!
What Ingredients Are in ‘The Best Texas Caviar Recipe’
One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. Add in other types of beans you love, leave out tomatoes if that isn’t your thing. However, I highly recommend trying as is. I am not the biggest fan of tomatoes, but after all of these ingredients refrigerate overnight the flavors meld together perfectly.
- 1 can sweet corn drained
- 1 can navy beans drained & rinsed
- 1 can spicy black beans drained & rinsed
- 1 jalapeño diced fine
- 1/4 of a red onion diced fine
- 2/3 cup diced cherry tomato fine
- 10-15 black olives sliced
- 1/2 of a pepper ( red, orange or yellow– I like to get the mini bell peppers & do a variety!)
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 bottle of Italian dressing
- salt and pepper to taste
What to Serve with The Best Texas Caviar Recipe
One of the many things I love about this recipe is that you can eat it so with so many dip “vehicles” I call them.
Corn Dipper Chips: These are the classic best way to enjoy the Texas Caviar dip. In my opinion they pair the best with it. I have linked my favorite above, but Frito scoops work as well.
Bell Pepper Scoops: Yes this has peppers in it already, but the mini bell peppers scoops make for the perfect size & low carb option.
Tortilla Chips: This was one of the OG dip vehicles for the dip. Provides that salty crunch with the dip. The Corn Dipper Chips holds the dip more.
On Hot Dogs or Brats: Pouring this delicious dip on top of hot dogs & brats as a topping will never steer you wrong
Celery Sticks: A quick easy snack with celery sticks is a great healthy substitution for chips
Cheeseboard: Add this dip on your favorite cheese board set up or immediately elevate your cheese board game by adding this on!
Other HGHF Appetizers You Must Try
The Best Easy Salami Jalapeño Pinwheels
High Protein Chocolate Chip Cookie Dip
Easy Crock Pot Street Corn Dip
Easy Grilled Shrimp Guacamole Bites
Dill Pickle De Gallo Salsa
Most Common Questions When Making The Best Texas Caviar Recipe
Do we have to use all the ingredients above or omit some we don’t care for?
You don’t have to use all of them, if you don’t like tomatoes don’t put them in. However, I am not the biggest fan of tomatoes, yet I LOVE them in this recipe. After the dip marinades over night or for even just a few hours the flavors meld SO perfectly together. Trust me!
Are you able to use a different dressing than Italian Dressing?
For this recipe we are making our lives easier and using our favorite Italian Dressing. I love using the Annie’s or Whole Foods Italian Dressing. Feel free to use your favorite!
Is this recipe gluten free?
This recipe is gluten free naturally but depends on the chips that you use, so just use ones you know like corn chips etc that are gluten free.
Is The Best Texas Caviar Recipe dairy free?
Yes this recipe is naturally dairy free!
How long does Texas Caviar last in the fridge?
This dip lasts for a week in the fridge in an air tight container
What is the best way to store the Texas Caviar?
Make sure you always store the Texas Caviar in an air tight container or with press and seal over it.
The Best Texas Caviar
Ingredients
- 1 can sweet corn drained
- 1 can navy beans drained & rinsed white beans are fine if you cannot find navy beans
- 1 can spicy black beans drained & rinsed
- 1 jalapeño deseeded diced fine
- 1/4 of a red onion diced fine
- 2/3 cup diced cherry tomato fine
- 10-15 black olives sliced
- 1/2 of a pepper red, orange or yellow– I like to get the mini bell peppers & do a variety!
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 bottle of Italian dressing
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop up your tomatoes, peppers in bite sized pieces. Then finely chop onion, jalapeño and add to the bowl. Add in sliced black olives, garlic, drained & rinsed beans and drained corn.
- Toss with the whole bottle of Italian Dressing, then season with salt & pepper. Toss once more. Cover with press and seal or tight tuber ware container lid and place in fridge for few hours or over night.
- Serve with corn chips, tortilla chips, or sliced peppers!
Such a great dip, love that I can make it a couple nights before a party too!!
Yes! Thank you for mentioning that, I love that this is even better after sitting for a few days, so easy to prep for parties!