Southwestern Bean Salsa
This vibrant Southwestern Bean Salsa, also known as Texas Caviar, is a delightful medley of black-eyed peas, black beans, and colorful vegetables that will add a refreshing twist to your gatherings. Originally inspired by a recipe from Erica Cady at the 2007 Blackeyed Pea Festival in Athens, Texas, this dish is perfect for parties and potlucks. Surprisingly tasty even for those who are not fans of black-eyed peas, the flavors meld beautifully over time, making it even better the longer it sits. Serve it with tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that everyone will love, even the picky eaters!
8-12 servings
Servings
65
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Black-eyed peas
2 (15 ounce) cans (drained)
Black beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
Shoe peg corn
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
Rotel tomatoes
1 (10 ounce) can (drained)
Avocado
1 large (chopped)
Yellow bell pepper
1 (chopped)
Red bell pepper
1 (chopped)
Green onion
1 bunch (chopped)
Diced tomato
1 cup (preferably canned)
Red wine vinegar
1/3 cup
Lemon juice
1/3 cup
Garlic powder
to taste
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Cilantro
optional (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the black-eyed peas, black beans, shoe peg corn, drained Rotel tomatoes, chopped avocado, yellow and red bell peppers, green onions, and diced tomatoes.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3
Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture and gently toss to combine.
4
Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least four hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
5
Before serving, give the salsa a final stir and sprinkle with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips.
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
12g
Carbs
3g
Protein
3g
Fiber
75mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southwestern Bean Salsa?
Southwestern Bean Salsa, also known as Texas Caviar, is a vibrant medley of black-eyed peas, black beans, and colorful vegetables often served as a refreshing appetizer.
What is another name for this recipe?
This recipe is also commonly referred to as Texas Caviar.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 8 to 12 servings.
What are the primary beans used in the salsa?
The primary beans used are canned black-eyed peas and black beans.
What type of corn is recommended for this recipe?
Shoe peg corn is recommended for its unique texture and sweetness.
Can I make this recipe if I don't like black-eyed peas?
Yes, many people who are not fans of black-eyed peas find this dish surprisingly tasty because the flavors meld together so well.
How long should the salsa sit before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least four hours, but ideally overnight to allow the flavors to meld properly.
Is this Southwestern Bean Salsa vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed in this recipe are gluten-free.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 65 calories.
How much fat is in a serving of this salsa?
There are 2 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides about 3 grams of protein.
What is the sodium content per serving?
The sodium content is approximately 75mg per serving.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The dressing uses red wine vinegar for a tangy flavor.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
The recipe calls for Rotel and diced canned tomatoes, but you can supplement with fresh tomatoes if preferred.
What should I serve with Texas Caviar?
It is best served with your favorite variety of tortilla chips.
Who inspired this specific recipe?
This recipe was inspired by Erica Cady at the 2007 Blackeyed Pea Festival.
Where is the Blackeyed Pea Festival held?
The festival mentioned is held in Athens, Texas.
What bell peppers are used in the mix?
The recipe uses both yellow and red bell peppers for color and crunch.
Does the salsa contain garlic?
Yes, the dressing includes garlic powder to taste.
How do I prepare the avocado for the salsa?
The avocado should be large and chopped into small pieces before being added to the mixture.
Are the canned ingredients meant to be drained?
Yes, the black-eyed peas, black beans, shoe peg corn, and Rotel tomatoes should all be drained before mixing.
Can I add cilantro to this recipe?
Yes, chopped fresh cilantro is an optional garnish that can be sprinkled on top before serving.
What type of onions are included?
The recipe uses one bunch of chopped green onions.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients in total, including the optional cilantro garnish.
How much fiber is in one serving?
Each serving contains 3 grams of dietary fiber.
What is the total carbohydrate count?
There are 12 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
While the recipe calls for lemon juice, lime juice is a common Southwestern substitute that would work well.
Is this dish suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is specifically described as being perfect for parties and potlucks.
Is the salsa spicy?
The spice level is generally mild to medium, depending on the heat level of the Rotel tomatoes you choose.