Here in Nebraska, you won’t find many folks who eat caviar unless it is cowboy caviar! What is cowboy caviar, you ask? It is a beautiful, delicious, and inexpensive bowl full of veggie goodness in a tangy marinade of red wine vinegar, lime juice, garlic, jalapeno, and cilantro. It’s easy to make, too!
Cowboy caviar, or Texas caviar as it was originally called, is another recipe created by the brilliant chef Helen Corbitt. Corbitt is the person who put Nieman Marcus in Dallas on the map as a great place to eat. Another one of her famous recipes is Million Dollar Dip!
Well, let me tell you about it! I lassoed up some history about Cowboy caviar. This zesty dip is a Tex-Mex specialty originating in the Lone Star State. It’s also known as Texas caviar, but let’s face it, cowboy caviar sounds way cooler where I come from.
It is healthy, not heavy, and filling. With all the fresh, colorful vegetables, it looks amazing. It is not too hot or spicy, even for wimpy, born-to-be-mild tastebuds like mine.
If you want to spice it up, you can! Cowboy caviar can be as bold and spicy as you like, so feel free to turn up the heat! You can add more onion, jalapenos, or chili powder if that’s your thing!
It’s a colorful mix of black-eyed peas, corn, tomatoes, black beans, red onion, and green pepper, all dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. But don’t let the word “caviar” scare you – it couldn’t be more different than fish eggs. Thank goodness for that!
Cowboy caviar is perfect for parties, picnics, potlucks, or any time you want to spice up your snacking game. Unlike many dips, this stuff has no heavy mayonnaise, cream cheese, or sour cream. And It’s so darn tasty that even the most finicky eaters will reach for seconds.
Cowboy caviar is a great option if you're looking for a healthier snack. It’s full of fiber, protein, and vitamins and does not contain unhealthy additives common in other dips and snacks.
The dressing's olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lime juice make it a good keeper. It will stay fresh in the fridge for days!
We made this when our youngest granddaughter graduated from high school. Here in Nebraska, we know how to throw a party and rustle up some great food!
Her aunt and I made a batch for 150 party guests, so if you need quantities for that many people, I’d be happy to share them with you; send me a message. Yep, that’s a roaster full!
You’ll need a can opener, a strainer, a sharp knife, a cutting board, and a big bowl. Begin by opening the black beans, corn, and black-eyed peas.
Drain the corn, rinse and drain the beans and peas, and then throw them in a great big bowl. Chop a red onion and add it.
Remove the seeds from the green pepper (you can use a red pepper instead if you like!), dice it, and add it to the bowl.
Wash, seed, and chop the tomatoes. Use a firm tomato like Roma tomatoes because you don’t want a lot of juice in the mix. Add the tomatoes to the bowl.
Wash and remove all the seeds from the jalapenos (where the heat is) and dice them fine. Please respect the heat in the jalapenos, and do not touch your eyes while handling them!
Put the diced jalapenos in the bowl with the other veggies, and then wash the equipment you used, your hands, and under your fingernails thoroughly with soap and water before moving on!
Whisk the sugar, red wine vinegar, lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl and pour it over the vegetables. Now, gently mix everything together.
For the best flavor, chill the mixture for a couple of hours so the ingredients get to know each other. Just before serving, fold in the chopped cilantro for the brightest green color.
Serve up this amazing cowboy caviar with some sturdy tortilla chips, and watch that bowl empty before your eyes! It’s hard to stop once you start eating it! What are you waiting for? Saddle up and give Cowboy Caviar a try. Your taste buds will thank you, partner!
A fresh and healthy appetizer often served with tortilla chips, it's loaded with vegetables in a tangy marinade.
Who can resist delicious snacks like this at a party, picnic, or potluck? I think I could live on snacks alone! In our family, we have a cherished name for all foods of this type: SNACKAGE! We love snackage of all kinds, and here are some of our favorites: Dried Beef Dip, Cheese Ring, Pickle Balls, and Bruschetta!
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Love, GB (Betty Streff)
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