Zesty Texas Bean Salad
This vibrant Texas Caviar, also known as a bean salad, is a delightful medley of flavors that brings a southwestern flair to any gathering. Bursting with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing, it's perfect for scooping with chips, layering on crackers, or topping salads. The combination of black-eyed peas, pinto beans, and sweet shoepeg corn creates a hearty dish that is refreshing and nutritious. Whether you're entertaining guests or preparing a quick lunch, this versatile salad is sure to be a favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Water
1 tablespoon (none)
Oil
1/4 cup (none)
Cider Vinegar
3/4 cup (none)
Sugar
1 cup (none)
Black-eyed Peas with Jalapenos
1 (15.5 ounce) can (drained)
Pinto Beans
1 (15.5 ounce) can (drained)
White Shoepeg Corn
1 (11 ounce) can (drained)
Onion
1 small (chopped)
Green Pepper
1 cup (chopped (red, orange, yellow are optional))
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine salt, pepper, water, oil, cider vinegar, and sugar.
2
Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a boil.
3
Once boiling, remove the saucepan from heat and let the dressing cool to room temperature.
4
In a large bowl, combine the black-eyed peas (drained), pinto beans (drained), white shoepeg corn (drained), chopped onion, and green pepper.
5
Pour the cooled dressing over the bean mixture and gently stir to combine.
6
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
7
Before serving, drain excess liquid and transfer to a serving dish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Texas Bean Salad?
Zesty Texas Bean Salad, also known as Texas Caviar, is a vibrant medley of black-eyed peas, pinto beans, and sweet shoepeg corn tossed in a tangy dressing.
Is Texas Caviar the same thing as this bean salad?
Yes, Texas Caviar is a popular alternative name for this southwestern-style bean salad.
What are the primary bean ingredients?
The recipe calls for one 15.5-ounce can of black-eyed peas with jalapenos and one 15.5-ounce can of pinto beans.
What type of corn is best for this recipe?
White shoepeg corn is recommended for its sweet flavor and crisp texture.
How do I prepare the dressing?
In a saucepan, combine salt, pepper, water, oil, cider vinegar, and sugar, then heat until boiling before cooling to room temperature.
Why must the dressing be boiled?
Boiling the dressing ensures the sugar is fully dissolved and helps the flavors of the vinegar and spices meld together.
How long should the salad refrigerate before serving?
The salad should be covered and refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
Do I need to drain the canned beans and corn?
Yes, the black-eyed peas, pinto beans, and shoepeg corn should all be drained before being added to the bowl.
Can I use different colored peppers?
While the recipe uses green pepper, you can optionally use red, orange, or yellow peppers for extra color.
What are the best serving suggestions for Texas Caviar?
It is excellent for scooping with tortilla chips, layering on crackers, or as a topping for fresh green salads.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Zesty Texas Bean Salad is 100% vegetarian as it contains only plant-based ingredients.
Is the salad spicy?
The salad has a mild kick because it utilizes black-eyed peas canned with jalapenos.
Can I make this salad a day in advance?
Yes, making it ahead of time is actually preferred as it gives the beans more time to marinate in the dressing.
How do I store leftover bean salad?
Store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and chilled.
Should I serve the salad with the dressing liquid?
No, you should drain the excess liquid from the bowl before transferring the salad to a serving dish.
What kind of vinegar does this recipe require?
The recipe specifies 3/4 cup of cider vinegar for the dressing.
What type of oil should I use for the dressing?
A neutral vegetable or canola oil works well, though the recipe simply lists it as 'oil'.
How much sugar is in the Zesty Texas Bean Salad?
The dressing contains 1 cup of sugar to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
How much onion is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires one small onion, finely chopped.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients including the beans, vegetables, and dressing components.
Is this salad served warm or cold?
This is a chilled salad and is best served cold directly from the refrigerator.
Can I add fresh cilantro to the salad?
While not in the original list, fresh cilantro is a common addition that complements the southwestern flavors.
What makes the salad 'zesty'?
The combination of cider vinegar, sugar, and the jalapenos from the black-eyed peas provides the zesty flavor profile.
Can I use regular sweet corn if shoepeg corn is unavailable?
Yes, standard canned sweet corn is a perfectly acceptable substitute for white shoepeg corn.
Is this a good dish for parties?
Absolutely, it is categorized as a party food and appetizer because it is easy to share and serve with chips.
Can I substitute pinto beans with black beans?
Yes, black beans are a very common and delicious substitute for pinto beans in Texas Caviar recipes.
How much green pepper should I chop?
The recipe calls for exactly 1 cup of chopped green pepper.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a fiber-rich and nutritious dish thanks to the variety of beans and fresh vegetables.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the dressing?
Yes, you can adjust the sugar to your taste preference, though it may change the traditional 'zesty' balance.
What is the overall texture of the dish?
The dish offers a satisfying contrast between the soft, hearty beans and the crisp, crunchy peppers and onions.