Redneck caviar, also known as Cowboy Caviar and Texas Caviar, is one of my favorite potluck dishes because it’s quick and easy to make and is delicious served with chips like a salsa or as a satisfying side dish. You’ll only need a handful of ingredients to make it and it’s naturally gluten free and free from common allergens.
Why Redneck Caviar?
The word "redneck" might not sound very nice, but it actually describes this dish well because it's not fancy or expensive like traditional caviar. But just because it isn’t fancy or expensive doesn’t mean it isn’t delicious!
Here’s why I love it:
Simple to make - You can literally make this in 15 minutes with easy-to-find ingredients, many of which are probably already in your pantry and fridge.
Versatility - you can enjoy it as a dip with chips, as a flavorful side salad, or use it to transform a simple lettuce salad into a satisfying, full-fledged meal.
It's nutritious - With two types of beans, it offers a good amount of fiber and plant-based protein that makes it filling and incredibly nutritious.
Delicious and satisfying - The vibrant flavors of vegetables combined with a zesty vinaigrette create a mouth-watering dish that's sure to satisfy even the most finicky eater!
Ingredients
- Canned black beans - drained and rinsed
- Canned white beans - drained and rinsed. I use great northern beans or black-eyed peas
- Tomatoes - seeded and diced
- Red onion - finely diced
- Green peppers - diced
- Minced garlic - I use the minced garlic in olive oil from a jar for the convenience factor
- Balsamic vinegar
- Cumin
- Lime juice - fresh is always best but I keep bottled lime juice in the fridge just in case.
- Granulated sugar
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
How to make it
This recipe could not be easier to make - the longest step is chopping the tomatoes, onion, and peppers. Once you have that done, follow these steps:
First, add the beans, diced tomatoes, onion, green peppers, garlic, and cilantro (if using) to a large bowl.
Next, in a smaller bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the vinegar, lime juice, sugar, cumin, salt, and olive oil.
Pour the vinaigrette over the bean mixture and toss to coat. If you're adding cilantro, now is the time to stir it in.
Serve with tortilla chips or as a side salad.
Tips and FAQs
Yes! I like to use large tomatoes and seed them but you can use Roma or even quartered cherry or grape tomatoes. Use whatever you have on hand.
Nightshades are vegetables, including tomatoes and peppers, that contain small amounts of alkaloids. Even though nightshade vegetables contain a lot of beneficial nutrients, some people find that they cause inflammation and autoimmune disease flare-ups.
If you are avoiding nightshade vegetables, try using other vegetables such as summer squash, celery, cucumbers, and zucchini.
Technically, you could freeze this dish but I wouldn't recommend it. The fresh flavors and texture of the vegetables would be lost in the freezing process making it less tasty. Being that it is so quick and easy to make, it’s worth it to take 15-20 minutes to whip up a fresh batch when you’re ready to eat it!
You can store leftover redneck caviar in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. I love adding a cup of it to my lettuce greens for a filling lunch the next day!
📖 Recipe
Redneck Caviar {Gluten and Dairy Free}
Ingredients
- 1 (16) ounce can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 (16) ounce can great northern beans or black-eyed peas
- 2 large tomatoes seeded and diced
- ¼ cup red onion finely diced
- 2 medium green peppers diced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup cilantro (optional) chopped
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serve with tortilla chips, on top of a bed of lettuce, or as a side dish.
Notes
Nutrition
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Sharon says
Simple yet delicious!