The first time I had Texas caviar (also known as cowboy caviar) was at a work potluck. As I recall, it was the one dish that didn’t make it home. We devoured it straightaway. And thus, I was inspired to make this recipe for Texas caviar with homemade vegan Italian dressing!
So, what is Texas caviar? A salad of beans, black eyed peas, hominy, and a vinaigrette dressing that’s served with tortilla chips. It’s hearty and delicious. It was first whipped up for a New Year’s Eve party at the Houston Country Club.
This is Texas caviar for a crowd! It makes ~8.5 cups. It works awesome for snacking, as an appetizer, in packed lunches, potlucks, picnics, cookouts and more. Just make sure to pack enough chips!
Like most bean salad recipes, it gets even tastier the longer it marinates. Although after a day, the tomatoes may make it a little soupy. Drain off any excess liquid and refresh the flavor with additional red wine vinegar and salt.
As a variation, enjoy this vegan Texas caviar recipe on a wrap or top a salad with it.
Check out more UVK recipes, like Herbed Black-Eyed Peas and Cannellini Bean Salad, Vegan Hominy Chili Bake, Cowboy Skillet Shepherd’s Pie with Seitan and Pinto Beans, Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas, Okra and Tomatoes or Broccoli Pasta Salad with Fresh Italian Herb Dressing.
Please enjoy! 💚
Texas Caviar with Italian Dressing
Vegan Italian Dressing:
¼ cup red wine vinegar
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup chopped flat leaf parsley
1½ Tbsp chopped fresh oregano (OR 1 tsp dried oregano)
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
Texas Caviar:
15.5 ounce can (OR 1¾ cups) white hominy, drained and rinsed
15.5 ounce can (OR 1¾ cups) black beans, drained and rinsed
15.5 ounce can (OR 1¾ cups) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
15.5 ounce can (OR 1¾ cups) black eyed peas, drained and rinsed
½ cup small dice green pepper
1 scallion, chopped
1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes cut into bite size pieces
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste (OR chopped jalapeño to taste)
- 1. In a large mixing bowl, add everything listed under “Vegan Italian Dressing”. Whisk together. Then, add everything remaining in the recipe.
2. Mix everything together. Taste the vegan Texas caviar with Italian dressing, and adjust seasonings (more salt? more oregano? more red wine vinegar?). Serve with tortilla chips.
