Made with black-eyed peas, corn, and a zesty dressing, Southern Caviar is super delicious and easy to make! This spicy and crunchy recipe is a versatile Southern staple that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or on top of grilled seafood or chicken.
If you love easy, flavor-packed appetizers, try my Million Dollar Dip, Sweet Heat Pickles or Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs.
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People either love or hate caviar—but not this caviar! Also known as Texas caviar or cowboy caviar, everyone loves this “cousin” to pico de gallo, which I call Southern Caviar.
What Is Southern Caviar?
This easy-to-make recipe, lovingly called “redneck caviar” can be served as a dip, appetizer, or side dish. I often serve it with tortilla chips, but it also pairs well with barbecue, burgers, and chicken. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and along with being high in protein, it’s a healthy snack that gets even better once the flavors blend.
What You’ll Need For This Black-Eyed Pea Appetizer
- Canned Ingredients: This salad (salsa?) ‘s base is black-eyed peas, whole-kernel corn, diced tomatoes, and green chilies.
- For Some Spice: To add a kick, stir in minced jalapeño peppers (deseeded) and minced white onion. A red onion will work, too.
- Flavor: For the spices, this recipe keeps it very simple. It’s just chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, lemon juice, salt, and bottled Italian dressing.
Variations and Additions
- Swap the black-eyed peas for black beans or pinto beans.
- Add diced avocado for a creamy twist.
- If you don’t like spice, leave the jalapeño out or substitute chili powder for a smokey flavor.
How To Make Southern Caviar
- In a large bowl, combine everything! Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Let it chill for at least 1 hour, and then enjoy it with chips, warm tortillas, or anything else you love!
Donya’s Success Tips
- You have to let it chill. This allows the flavors to marry, and the peas and corn soak up the yummy dressing.
- Stir before serving. Sometimes, the dressing settles at the bottom, so stirring before serving will redistribute it.
- You can make it your own by adding diced red bell peppers, green peppers, and cheese or swap the lemon and Italian dressing for lime juice and red wine vinegar.
- Wear gloves when handling the jalapeño. Reduce the heat by scraping out the seeds.
Commonly Asked Questions
Yes, it’s actually better if you make it at least an hour before serving.
Southern caviar will last one week in an airtight container stored in the fridge.
The key is to drain the canned ingredients really well! The less moisture you start with, the better this dish will be.
Serving Suggestions
I love this as an appetizer with tortilla chips, but it’s also way more versatile than just that. Serve it over Air Fryer Salmon or with Crock Pot Salsa Chicken in tacos or burritos. It’s one of my favorite things for casual entertaining served with Crock Pot Beef Queso Dip and Cream Cheese Sausage Balls.
Craving More? Try These Easy Appetizers
If you tried this Southern Caviar Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
Ingredients
- 2 cans black-eyed peas – drained and rinsed
- 1 can whole kernel corn – drained (1 ½ cup of frozen corn – thawed)
- 1 can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel) – do not drain
- ½ cup fresh jalapeño peppers – minced
- ½ cup onion – minced
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro or parsley
- 1 cup (8 ounces) of Italian dressing
- Juice of one lemon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Refrigerate for minimum 1 hour allowing flavors to marry.
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Jeanne
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Ivy Mae Lang
I believe this is the recipe I have made before unfortunately I am allergic to hot peppers that have been processed but I changed it up by leaving out the Italian dressing and jalapenos and use salsa verde instead. The kind by tostitos brand it doesn’t really have hot peppers in it.
Sandra Freeman
This was so easy to make. After 2020, I was looking for ways to fix black eyed peas for my picky husband and double as something good to munch on while we watch the CFB semi finals. I believe every one will be very willing to eat this for a prosperous new year. I just made it and tried a couple of spoonfuls. It is awesome! I am sure it will be even better after marinating overnight. Thanks for sharing and I pray for a great 2021 for everyone.
Kay Little
This is such a cool and refreshing…perfect for summertime picnics!
Donya Mullins
It is perfect for a picnic, Kay! Thanks for stopping by.xo,~Donya