Vegan Texas Caviar Recipe (2024)

We are so excited to share with you this delicious and healthy version of the Texas Caviar. Warning! You might have a hard time not eating it all at once and It might (will!) become a regular in your regular appetizer spread. Ready to learn the ropes on how to prepare this healthy salsa?

Table of contents

  • Salsa, Dip, or Salad?
  • Why You Should Make Vegan Texas Caviar
  • Fun Facts About Vegan Texas Caviar
  • Star Ingredients
  • Can I Use Any Kind of Bean?
  • How to Serve Up Your Vegan Texas Caviar
  • Crafting Your Caviar
  • How Long Does Vegan Texas Caviar Keep For?
  • Equipment You’ll Need
  • More Awesome Appetizers to Try

Salsa, Dip, or Salad?

This colorful Texas caviar is full of “good for you” ingredients while being packed with protein and flavor, but what is this dish exactly? Is it a salsa or a dip? Or is it a salad? The answer is: all three! That’s right, you can make it whatever you want it. Eat it alongside some tortilla chips and eat as a salsa, bean pico de gallo or dip, or as a side salad with some roasted potatoes. This Texas caviar is so good you can eat with anything!

Why You Should Make Vegan Texas Caviar

Texas caviar is a dream for those who are gluten-free or just absolutelylove beans! Our recipe features black and pinto beans but other variations can include black-eyed peas. This caviar is super simple to throw together and is perfect for a party, light dinner, lunch, or appetizer. You can also make it more or less spicy depending on your taste and substitute other ingredients as you see fit with minimal preparation.

Fun Facts About Vegan Texas Caviar

  • Texas caviar was invented in the state of Texas by a native New Yorker named Helen Corbitt around the year 1940.
  • Helen Corbitt first served the dish on New Year’s Eve at the Houston Country Club when she was the director of food service for Neiman Marcus in Dallas, Texas.
  • It has also been called “cowboy caviar” due to its Texan roots.
Vegan Texas Caviar Recipe (1)

Star Ingredients

Protein-packed, gluten-free, and full of fresh veggies and beans—this Texas caviar features a stacked lineup of nutrient-dense and flavorful ingredients.

  • Bad to the Bean– The true star of Texas caviar is the beans! Both pinto and black beans are rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants—though pinto beans contain a slightly higher carbohydrate and fat content.
  • Southern BellPepper– Beautiful bell peppers come in a variety of shades offering slightly different flavor profiles. Want a sweeter crunch? Go with red, yello, or orange peppers. Sticking to a more savory salad? Green it is! All bell peppers offer a high dose of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Yee-haw!
  • Cute Corn– Yes, corn is cute! With its bright yellow kernels and sweet taste, corn is a great complement to the peppers, beans, and spices of this caviar.
  • Simple Cilantro– Alright, so we understand that not everybody likes cilantro, but for those that do, you’re in for a treat! This fragrant herb adds heaps of flavor to any dish and contains a hefty load of antioxidants, too. Plus, it’s just beautiful!

Can I Use Any Kind of Bean?

Absolutely! You can use any beans you have on hand like pinto beans, chickpeas, black beans, or white beans. You add or substitute anything you want and will end up with a super delicious vegan caviar.

How to Serve Up Your Vegan Texas Caviar

Enjoying your vegan Texas caviar couldn’t be easier. It’s delicious on its own but if you’re looking to make a fuller meal out of it, you’ve got plenty of amazing options.

  • Build a Bowl – Balance out your beans with somericeorpotatoesand have yourself a delicious meal! Don’t forget the guac!
  • Taco Time– Grab or make somefresh tortillasand toss some Texas caviar inside for an easy munch. Be sure to melt some vegan cheese onto your tortilla to take it to the next level!
  • Add Some Appetizers– If you’re having a party, why not turn it into a Texan feast with somevegan jalapeño poppersandnon-dairy buffalo quesoto enjoy alongside your caviar? Grab a bag of chips and you’ll be good to go!
Vegan Texas Caviar Recipe (2)

Crafting Your Caviar

All you need to put together your Texas caviar are your ingredients, a bowl, and a spoon or tongs to mix everything together! If you’re partial to one ingredient over another, feel free to add more or less of something. Not on Team Cilantro? No worries! Sub out for parsley or leave it out altogether.

How Long Does Vegan Texas Caviar Keep For?

Good news! You can keep your caviar in your refrigerator for up to three to four days if you store it in an airtight container. You can make this the night before you plan to serve it and it will taste even better.

Are you dying to try this fresh and colorful recipe?

Equipment You’ll Need

No need to have a Texas-sized cabinet of appliances to make this vegan caviar! Here’s a list of just four simple gadgets recommended for making this dish.

More Awesome Appetizers to Try

  • Tomatillo Salsa
  • Colorful Hummus Crostini
  • Roasted Beetroot Hummus

If you try this VeganTexas Caviar recipe,let us know what you think by leaving a comment and rating below! Be sure to follow along onPinterest,InstagramandFacebookfor even more vegan recipe inspiration.

Vegan Texas Caviar Recipe (4)

Vegan Texas Caviar

Author: Kara Schunk

This super delicious vegan Texas caviar recipe is the perfect fresh appetizer! Naturally fish- and gluten-free!

Vegan Texas Caviar Recipe (10)

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cans white corn, rinsed and drained
  • 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and finely chopped
  • 1 small red onion or half a large red onion, finely chopped
  • ½ bunch cilantro leaves, finely chopped
  • ½ cup rice vinegar
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • cup white sugar
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  • Mix the black beans, pinto beans, white corn, green pepper, red onion, and cilantro together in a large bowl.

  • With a wire whisk, mix the rice vinegar, olive oil, sugar, and garlic powder in a bowl. Mix well to ensure that the sugar dissolves. Pour onto the bean mixture and mix it all together.

  • Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

Video

Notes

If you’d like a little more spice, feel free to add some chopped jalapeño!

Nutrition

Calories: 493kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 550mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 186IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 3mg

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword texas caviar, vegan black beans, vegan texas caviar

Vegan Texas Caviar recipe by Kara Maria Schunk. Photos by Zhoro Apostolov for World of Vegan. Recipe and photographs copyright of World of Vegan™, all rights reserved. Article written by Kara Schunk and edited by Amanda Meth.

Vegan Texas Caviar Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is vegan caviar made of? ›

Vegan caviar is made from seaweed and kelp. Read about the differences between kelp and seaweed here. Containing no animal ingredients it's a plant-based product. Seaweed contains a lot of great vitamins, minerals, and important nutrients.

What is Texas caviar made of? ›

Cowboy caviar is made with black-eyed peas and black beans, chopped tomatoes, corn, bell pepper, onion and cilantro tossed in tangy Italian dressing. I typically think of cowboy caviar as a warm weather salad, but it's made with ingredients that are readily available year-round.

How long is Texas caviar good for in the fridge? ›

If you don't eat it all in one sitting, Cowboy Caviar will last in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. After that, the beans and vegetables do start to get a little mushy. I don't recommend freezing your Cowboy Caviar, it just isn't the same when it thaws. Plus, the dip is so easy to make…

What is a vegetarian substitute for caviar? ›

A vegan alternative to caviar includes products made from seaweed extracts, sodium alginate, or other plant-based materials that replicate the delicate texture and slight burst of flavor found in fish roe. Some great plant-based brands are Cavi-art and Zeroe.

Does vegan caviar taste like real caviar? ›

Seaweed caviar is rich in taste just as the fish caviar. Of course, the taste is not the same down to every little detail, but pretty close and on the other hand why should it be? This sustainable 'green' product creates a new and more exciting experience, which you can consume with a good conscience.

What does vegan caviar taste like? ›

Customers are mixed about the taste of the seafood. Some mention that their guests were astounded with the flavor, it doesn't taste unpleasant, and is a delicious substitute for caviar. They find it as advertised, with a salty, briney flavor. Others say that the taste was odd, chemically, and sour.

Why do they call it Texas caviar? ›

The name Cowboy Caviar — also known as Texas Caviar — actually has some Dallas history. It was created by Helen Corbitt, the legendary culinary director at Neiman Marcus in downtown Dallas, in the 1940s. Since then it's been a potluck staple for many Texans, and has even been fried at the State Fair of Texas.

Is caviar healthy for you? ›

Yes. Caviar is one of the most nutritious foods in the world. It offers a vast list of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats and helps boost your immune system. Additionally, it is beneficial for people suffering from depression due to its high omega-3 content, which helps boost your mood.

Why is Texas caviar called that? ›

Later, when she served them again at the Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas, the dish was christened "Texas caviar," as a playful comparison to the expensive, fish roe delicacy.

How long does vegan caviar last? ›

Far less expensive than fish roe, this plant-based caviar is a great choice for eco-conscious cooks. The product will keep for 3 months at room temperature once opened. However, it is best served chilled, so we'd advise keeping in the fridge.

How can you tell if caviar has gone bad? ›

A strong, fishy odor indicates spoilage. Color and Appearance: Any significant changes in color or appearance can be a sign of deterioration. Texture: The eggs should be firm yet delicate. If they become mushy or overly hard, the caviar is likely spoiled.

What is a cheap caviar called? ›

Lumpfish roe is a less expensive alternative to genuine caviar, but still a rather tasty option! Lumpfish Caviar is delicious served on blinis with creme fraiche for a classy canape. It is also great used as a garnish to impress your guests - spoon lumpfish roe over soft boiled eggs or even over hot buttered toast.

What is a cheaper alternative to caviar? ›

Fish roe substitutes are cost-effective replacements that can serve as effective counterparts to what authentic caviar offers. The best fish roe substitutes include herring caviar, salmon caviar, and lumpfish roe because they have a similar salty and briny flavor.

What is it called when you are vegetarian but eat fish? ›

By that definition, a pescatarian is someone who chooses to eat a vegetarian diet, but who also eats fish and other seafood. It's a largely plant-based diet of whole grains, nuts, legumes, produce and healthy fats, with seafood playing a key role as a main protein source. Many pescatarians also eat dairy and eggs.

Why are eggs vegetarian but caviar isn t? ›

So, to summarize, caviar is not considered vegetarian because it comes from a fish that is caught and killed for its eggs.

How is caviar made without killing the fish? ›

When extracting fish roe from sturgeon, there are two main processes: the classic harvesting method and the "no-kill" harvesting method. The classic method kills the fish, while the humane method keeps the fish alive and extracts the roe through the vivace or c-section method.

Are black seaweed pearls healthy? ›

These Pearls are a Gem of Sustainability

Caviart® Black Seaweed Pearls from Season Brand are not only healthy for us and chock full of iodine, B-12, and other vitamins and minerals. They're also healthy for the seas.

Why is caviar not vegetarian but eggs are? ›

The language here around eggs (with caviar being a type of egg; in this case, a fish egg) does make it confusing when it comes to caviar being vegetarian or not. Ultimately, because the fish has to die in order to consume the fish eggs, the process and product are not considered vegetarian.

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