Name: Spicy Texas Caviar Salad Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 3 Roma tomatoes, seeds removed and diced; 2 ripe avocados, diced; 1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 15 oz can black eyed peas, rinsed and drained; 1 ½ cups frozen sweet corn, thawed; 1 bell pepper, diced (half green, half red); ⅓ cup red onion, diced; 1 jalapeno pepper, seeds removed and diced very small; ⅓ cup cilantro, finely chopped; ⅓ cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 2 tablespoons lime juice, fresh-squeezed preferred; 1 teaspoon sugar; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; Tortilla chips

If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and packed with bold flavors, you’re going to love this Spicy Texas Caviar Salad Recipe. It’s a colorful Tex-Mex bean salad that brings a delightful tangy kick and creamy textures all in one chilled bowl—perfect for sharing with friends or family!

A close-up view of a colorful mixed bean salad in a white bowl, showing a blend of layers that includes black beans, white beans, bright yellow corn kernels, chopped green bell pepper, small red onion pieces, diced red tomatoes, and fresh green cilantro leaves all mixed together with a creamy texture, giving the salad a fresh and vibrant look. The background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Texas Caviar Salad Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Texas Caviar Salad Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Texas Caviar Salad Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this salad quickly became a staple in my kitchen. It’s easy to put together—no cooking required—and every bite bursts with fresh, zesty flavors that make simple ingredients shine.

Super Fresh & Vibrant: A colorful mix of beans, veggies, and herbs that brighten up any table.
Healthy & Satisfying: Packed with fiber and protein, it’s a guilt-free crowd-pleaser.
Easy Prep, No Cooking: Toss everything together in just 10 minutes, then chill.
Perfect Party Food: Serve with crunchy tortilla chips for fun dipping.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When making this Spicy Texas Caviar Salad Recipe, fresh produce is key—pick ripe avocados and firm Roma tomatoes to get the best texture. Don’t worry if you can’t find fresh lime juice; bottled works in a pinch without sacrificing too much zest.

Flat lay of a group of three ripe Roma tomatoes with seeds removed and diced, two ripe avocados diced showing green flesh, a small white ceramic bowl of rinsed black beans, another small white ceramic bowl of rinsed black eyed peas, a small white ceramic bowl filled with thawed sweet corn kernels, a diced bell pepper half green half red, a small mound of diced red onion, a whole green jalapeno pepper, a few sprigs of finely chopped fresh cilantro, three small white ceramic bowls containing olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fresh lime juice, and a small white ceramic bowl with a mix of sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, all arranged symmetrically with perfect proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Roma tomatoes: Removing the seeds helps keep the salad nice and fresh without excess moisture.
Avocados: They add creamy richness that balances the tangy dressing.
Black beans: A hearty base full of protein and fiber.
Black eyed peas: Traditional in Texas Caviar for authentic flavor and texture.
Frozen sweet corn: Thawed and adds a subtle sweetness; handy to keep on hand for quick salads.
Bell pepper: I like to mix green and red for a colorful crunch.
Red onion: Adds just the right amount of sharpness and bite.
Jalapeno pepper: Seeds removed for controlled heat, then diced small for even flavor throughout.
Cilantro: Brightens every bite with fresh herbal notes.
Olive oil: The base of the dressing that helps marry all the flavors smoothly.
Red wine vinegar: Brings a deep, tangy acidity to balance the salad.
Lime juice: Fresh-squeezed if possible, for zesty brightness.
Sugar: Just a touch to round out the tanginess.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasoning to bring it all together.
Garlic powder: Adds subtle savory depth without overpowering.
Tortilla chips: The perfect crunchy vehicle for scooping up this tasty salad.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The wonderful thing about the Spicy Texas Caviar Salad Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your taste buds or whatever you have on hand. Feel free to tweak the heat level, swap veggies, or add your favorite extras to make it truly your own.

Variation: Amp Up the Heat – If you love a fiery kick, keep some of those jalapeno seeds or even add a second jalapeno. I sometimes sprinkle in a dash of cayenne or smoked paprika for an extra smoky, spicy layer that really wakes up the salad.
Variation: Fresh and Fruity – In the summer months, I like adding diced mango or pineapple instead of some of the avocado for a sweet, tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the tangy lime vinaigrette.
Variation: Vegan and Gluten-Free Friendly – This salad is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a great choice for diverse gatherings. Just be sure your tortilla chips fit those needs too!
Variation: Make It a Meal – For a heartier option, toss in cooked quinoa or brown rice. It bumps up the protein and makes it a perfect light lunch or dinner.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Texas Caviar Salad Recipe

A clear glass bowl holds seven different layers of fresh ingredients arranged in sections. Starting at the top left and moving clockwise, there is a deep black layer of black beans, followed by a light beige layer of black-eyed peas. Next is a small section of finely chopped red onion, then a pile of diced pale green avocado. Below these is a mix of finely chopped orange and green peppers, with a yellow layer of corn kernels next to it. Alongside the corn, there is a bright red layer of diced tomatoes, and in the center is a mound of green chopped cilantro and jalapeño. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a wooden-handled utensil and halved lime nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Combine Fresh Veggies and Beans

Start by gathering all your colorful ingredients. In a large bowl, gently toss together the diced Roma tomatoes (don’t forget to remove the seeds to avoid extra watery salad!), ripe avocados, crisp red onion, rinsed black beans, black eyed peas, thawed corn, diced bell pepper, finely chopped jalapeno (with seeds removed if you want milder heat), and fresh cilantro. Mixing everything gently keeps the avocados from getting mushy and ensures each bite is bursting with flavor and texture.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Zesty Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh-squeezed lime juice, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until the vinaigrette is smooth and emulsified. This tangy dressing is what brings everything to life, balancing the earthiness of the beans with a bright, citrus zing.

Step 3: Coat and Chill for Maximum Flavor

Pour your freshly made dressing over the salad ingredients, then toss it all together thoroughly but gently so every morsel is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for one hour. This chilling time is key—it lets the beans soak up all those delicious flavors and helps the salad cool down perfectly for serving.

Step 4: Final Stir and Serve with Chips

When you’re ready to enjoy, give the salad one last good stir to reincorporate the dressing. I like to add the avocados last if I’m making it ahead of time, just to keep their bright green color. Serve chilled alongside crunchy tortilla chips for scooping—the perfect way to savor this refreshing Tex-Mex treat!

Top Tip

Making the perfect Spicy Texas Caviar Salad Recipe is easier than you think once you know a few handy tips. These little nuggets of wisdom come from plenty of taste testing and experimenting in my own kitchen.

Fresh Lime Juice Makes a Difference: I always opt for freshly squeezed lime juice in the dressing. It adds a zesty brightness that bottled juice just can’t match, making the flavors really pop.
Dicing Avocado Last: To keep the avocado from browning, add it right before serving. This keeps your salad looking fresh and vibrant.
Chill the Salad Well: Refrigerating the salad for a full hour allows the beans and vegetables to soak up the dressing, enhancing every bite with balanced tangy and spicy notes.
Adjust Heat Carefully: Start with removing the jalapeno seeds to tame the spice level, then add more or some seeds back in if you want more kick—getting it just right is a game changer.

How to Serve Spicy Texas Caviar Salad Recipe

A white bowl filled with a colorful bean salad made of black beans, white beans, diced red tomatoes, yellow corn, green avocado chunks, and small pieces of red onion, mixed in a slightly creamy dressing. The salad shows a variety of colors including black, white, red, yellow, green, and purple all evenly combined. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, surrounded by light beige tortilla chips. In the background, there is a blurred green leafy element and a red cloth adding contrast. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra chopped cilantro or finely sliced green onions on top just before serving for a fresh punch of herbal brightness. For a creamy twist, add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco. A light drizzle of hot sauce or a few extra jalapeno slices can amp up the heat if you're feeling spicy!

Side Dishes

This vibrant salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or steak, making it perfect for backyard barbecues. It’s also fantastic alongside Tex-Mex favorites such as quesadillas, enchiladas, or even a hearty bowl of chili. Don’t forget an extra basket of crunchy tortilla chips for scooping — it’s the ideal way to enjoy this colorful dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Spicy Texas Caviar Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Remember to add the diced avocado just before serving again to keep it looking appetizing and prevent browning.

Freezing

Because of the fresh vegetables and avocado, freezing this salad isn’t recommended—it can affect the texture and flavor. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.

Reheating

This salad is designed to be enjoyed chilled, so reheating is unnecessary and not advised. Just give it a good stir and serve it cold with your favorite tortilla chips.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Spicy Texas Caviar Salad Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! This salad is naturally vegan and vegetarian since it’s packed with beans, vegetables, and a simple olive oil-based dressing.

How spicy is the jalapeno in this recipe?

The heat level can be adjusted easily by removing the jalapeno seeds to reduce spiciness or leaving some seeds in if you like a stronger kick. Start mild and add more as you prefer.

Can I substitute fresh lime juice with bottled lime or lemon juice?

Yes, bottled lime or lemon juice works fine in a pinch, but fresh lime juice gives the best bright, fresh flavor to the dressing.

Should avocado be mixed in right away?

For the freshest taste and best appearance, add diced avocado just before serving to prevent it from browning.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully satisfying about a big bowl of Spicy Texas Caviar Salad Recipe—colorful, fresh, zesty, and just the right amount of spicy. Whether you’re bringing it to a party or enjoying it as a light meal at home, I hope these tips and serving ideas help you create your perfect batch. Remember, the best cooking moments happen when you adapt the recipe to your liking and share it with loved ones. Enjoy every flavorful scoop!