Meatless Monday: A Twist on Texas Caviar

Texas caviar is a delcious and healthy combination of beans, quinoa, peppers, onion and spices.

If you have a potluck to go to, this take on the popular “Texas Caviar” dish is an easy and delicious recipe to make. What makes it so good? In this twist, I have added quinoa, which makes this recipe an extra good source of protein.

Here are some other reasons that this recipe is great!

    1. Variety of flavors: Texas caviar is typically made with a combination of beans, corn, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and various herbs and spices. The combination of these ingredients gives the dish a delightful taste and texture.

    2. Fresh and vibrant ingredients: Texas caviar often incorporates fresh and colorful vegetables, which contribute to both the taste and the visual appeal of the dish. Freshly chopped onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers add a burst of freshness and crunch to the mixture.

    3. Zesty dressing: The dressing used in Texas caviar is typically a tangy and zesty blend of vinegar, lime or lemon juice, olive oil, and a variety of seasonings. This dressing adds a refreshing and flavorful element that complements the natural flavors of the vegetables.

    4. Versatility: Texas caviar can be enjoyed in various ways, making it a versatile dish. It can be served as a dip with tortilla chips, as a side dish, or even as a topping for grilled meats or tacos. This adaptability allows for different flavor combinations and makes it suitable for a wide range of tastes and dietary needs and preferences.

    5. Nutrition-packed: Texas caviar is not only delicious, but also very nutritious. It contains a variety of vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, providing a good amount of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The beans and quinoa, in particular, are good sources of protein. The combination of healthy ingredients makes it a satisfying and wholesome dish.

    Texas Caviar with a Twist

    • 1 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
    • 1 cup yellow bell pepper, finely diced
    • 1 cup orange bell pepper, finely diced
    • 1 cup corn
    • 3/4 cup sliced red onion
    • 14 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
    • 1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa
    • 2 cups cherry tomatoes
    • 1/2 jalapeno pepper, de-seeded and very finely diced
    • 1 cup chopped cilantro leaves and tender stems
    • 1/2 tsp cumin
    • 1/2 tsp chipotle powder
    • 1/4 tsp salt
    • 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
    • 3 Tbsp lime juice

    In a large mixing bowl, combine bell peppers, corn, onion, beans, quinoa, tomatoes, jalapeno pepper, and cilantro.

    In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, cumin, chipotle powder, and salt. Pour this over the salad and mix well. The longer this dish has to sit, the tastier it becomes. If possible, let it sit overnight, but don’t worry if you don’t have that sort of time. This will also be tasty if eaten right away!