Looking for a dish that’s as vibrant as your holiday decor and as delightful as the Christmas spirit? Say hello to Cowboy Christmas Caviar—a colorful, flavorful, and nutritious salad that’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or even as a festive snack. This zesty mix of beans, veggies, and a tangy dressing will have everyone coming back for seconds.
The Story Behind Cowboy Christmas Caviar
Cowboy Caviar, also known as Texas Caviar, has roots in Southern cuisine. Originally a simple black-eyed pea salad, it’s been reimagined countless times. For Christmas, we’ve added a seasonal twist with festive red and green ingredients to make it shine on your holiday table.
Cowboy Caviar, also known as Texas Caviar, has roots in Southern cuisine. Originally a simple black-eyed pea salad, it’s been reimagined countless times. For Christmas, we’ve added a seasonal twist with festive red and green ingredients to make it shine on your holiday table.
Source: Fork Lore
Cowboy Christmas Caviar
- Prep Time: 5 Minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 Servings 1x
Description
You can serve this fiber-rich, veggie-packed Cowboy Christmas “Caviar” as a dip, salad, taco filling, or side dish.
Ingredients
- “Caviar” Ingredients
- 2 (14-ounce) cans black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
- 1 (14-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup white corn kernels (thawed frozen or canned is fine)
- 6 Roma tomatoes, chopped, seeds removed
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced and chopped
- ½ small red onion, chopped
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- 2 jalapeños, seeded, ribs removed, and finely chopped
- 1 avocado
- Dressing Ingredients
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp honey
- Sea salt & freshly ground pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Assemble the “caviar”: drain & rinse the black-eyed peas and black beans, thaw or rinse and drain the corn, and chop the tomatoes, pepper, onion, cilantro, and jalapenos.
- Combine all of the “caviar” ingredients except the avocado in a large serving bowl
- Make the dressing: add all of the dressing ingredients into a mason jar and tightly secure the lid. Shake well to mix up the ingredients.
- Pour the dressing over the “caviar” and let marinate for 20 minutes before serving. Just before serving, peel and dice the avocado and toss it into the salad.
Health Benefits of Cowboy Christmas Caviar
Not only is Cowboy Christmas Caviar delicious, but it’s also nutritious:
- Beans are rich in fiber, protein, and iron.
- Veggies provide essential vitamins and antioxidants.
- Olive oil and avocado offer heart-healthy fats.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This dish is a balance of textures and tastes: creamy avocado, crunchy vegetables, zesty vinegar, and a hint of sweetness from honey. The jalapeños bring just enough spice to keep things interesting.
Serve With:
- Serve it as a dip with tortilla chips for a casual appetizer.
- Use it as a topping for tacos or grilled meats.
- Plate it as a side dish to complement roasted veggies or a holiday ham.
Pair With:
- Holiday cocktails like a spiced margarita or mulled wine.
- Light dishes like grilled chicken or veggie skewers.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Wait to add the avocado until just before serving to prevent browning.
Wishing You a Delicious Holiday Season
I love how Cowboy Christmas Caviar adds color and flavor to the holiday table with its fresh ingredients, vibrant veggies, and tangy dressing. It’s a delicious and nutritious choice for any gathering—whether as a dip, topping, or on its own.
Its versatility is what makes it so great. It’s easy to make ahead, and you can customize it to fit your taste. I hope you try it this Christmas and share it with loved ones. Don’t forget to tag me—I’d love to see your version!
Wishing you a healthy, happy, and flavorful holiday season!
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FAQs about Cowboy Caviar
Cowboy Caviar combines black-eyed peas, black beans, corn, tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, cilantro, jalapeños, and avocado, tossed in a tangy dressing of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Italian seasoning, honey, salt, and pepper. It’s a vibrant, hearty dish with fresh, crunchy, and creamy elements.
The controversy often revolves around its origin—some say it’s from Texas, while others claim it’s Southern or Southwestern. The name “caviar” also sparks debate, as it misleads people into thinking it’s an expensive dish, when it’s actually a simple, affordable bean salad. Despite these debates, it remains a popular appetizer.
Created in the 1940s by Texas chef Helen Corbitt, Cowboy Caviar, or Texas Caviar, began as a simple bean salad and evolved to include corn, peppers, and avocado. It has since become a festive dish, especially popular at holiday gatherings.
Yes! The flavors improve as they meld overnight. To keep it fresh, add avocado just before serving and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. Just give it a toss before serving!
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