Healthy Texas caviar is a flavorful and nutritious dip or salad that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish. It typically includes a combination of black-eyed peas, vegetables, and a zesty dressing. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (adjust to your preferred level of spiciness)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave nectar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed black-eyed peas, corn kernels, diced tomatoes, diced bell pepper, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, minced garlic (if using), and minced jalapeño pepper. Mix everything together.
2. Make the Dressing:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), fresh lime juice, honey or agave nectar (if using), ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the dressing is well combined.
3. Combine the Salad and Dressing:
- Pour the dressing over the black-eyed pea mixture in the large bowl.
- Gently toss the salad to ensure that the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to mush the black-eyed peas.
4. Chill and Serve:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the healthy Texas caviar for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and develop. You can also leave it in the fridge overnight for even better flavor.
- Before serving, give the salad a final toss to recombine the ingredients.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the healthy Texas caviar as a dip with tortilla chips or as a side salad with grilled meats, fish, or as a topping for tacos. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways.
6. Optional Garnish:
- Garnish with extra cilantro leaves or a lime wedge for added freshness (optional).
This healthy Texas caviar is packed with flavor, protein, and nutrients. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a great addition to any gathering or summer barbecue. Enjoy its zesty and satisfying taste!