Mississippi caviar is a quick, easy, versatile black eyed pea salsa appetizer that's perfect for parties or snacking! Serve with chips or crackers and dip away!
Mississippi caviar is the working man’s solution to a fancy, tasty appetizer.
I’ve honestly never had real caviar and I’m even a little reluctant to try it. But this black-eyed pea dip? This I know.
This is Southern food, y’all, and it’s as yummy as it is easy and budget-friendly.
So no, I’m not from Mississippi, but people throughout the South make this and everyone has their own spin.
Some people use corn, some use pickled jalapeño peppers, some add tomatoes or avocado.
You can certainly tailor it to your needs, but it’s basically a bean dip-salsa hybrid.
The recipe comes from my aunt, who has also shared her hot artichoke dip with me, if you'd like a hot app to go with this.
Or if you are a black-eyed pea fan, check out this baked black-eyed pea dip for a cheesy hot appetizer. Or this black-eyed pea salad for a delicious marinated side salad.
It's so easy and fast, which is a quality I love in my appetizers.
Just see my black bean and mango salad or my cheese and herb spread - great quick fixes!
This one is too, and you can use it in so many ways!
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with tortilla chips for an appetizer -- great for parties, tailgating, cookouts and more. It travels, well, too.
- Use it to jazz up some grilled chicken, burgers or pork chops - just top and devour!
- It can even be folded into wraps, tacos or used with nachos.
Plus it’s so fast to make - maybe 5 minutes.
Just mix everything together, refrigerate and you’re ready to go.
The perfect make-ahead party dip. So you can enjoy yourself, too!
My family’s original recipe was for a triple batch — because it seriously goes with everything -- but I scaled it back in case you want a smaller portion.
Feel free to double or triple this recipe if you’re hosting a bigger crowd.
But please do wear gloves - you’ll be handling lots of jalapeños.
And even though you washed your hands six times during the process with lots of soap, you will go to rub your eye three hours later and find a searing hot sting. Ouch.
Learn from my laziness and put the gloves on.
Mix up this Mississippi caviar for your next party, or just to have on hand for snacking.
Enjoy!
XO,
Kathryn
Mississippi Caviar
Mississippi caviar is an easy, versatile black eyed pea salsa appetizer that's perfect for parties or snacking! Serve with chips or crackers and dip away!
Ingredients
- 1 (14.5 oz) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- ½ bell pepper, diced small (red, green, yellow or orange are all fine)
- 1 cup onion, diced small
- 4 jalapeno peppers, membranes and seeds removed, finely chopped
- 1 2 oz. jar pimientos, drained
- ½ cup Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients, cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight. Stir occasionally.
- Serve with tortilla chips or crackers. Or use with pork chops or grilled chicken. Or on top of burgers - it seriously goes with everything!
Notes
My easy homemade Italian dressing works great here, but a store-bought dressing is fine as well.
Be sure to remove most of the membranes and seeds from the jalapeños so this isn't overly spicy.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 64Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 162mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 2g
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary
I have had Texas Caviar... and REAL caviar.. but Mississippi caviar? I must be living under a rock, because this version of the bean-bad-boy-caviar looks YUMMMMM! I am a HUGE fan of all the Jalapeno action happening up in here! Gimme ALL the heat! I could (and will) totally eat this as a meal! I'm a rebel 😉 lol. Cheers, my dear and thanks for introducing me to something new! <3
Kathryn
Oh girl, you gotta get on this! You're a fellow N.C. resident now and by association, a true Southerner. This is where it's at 🙂 My family's original recipe is for triple the batch and 12 jalapenos!!! Love that. Gonna make it that way next time cause I'm with you, it's absolutely a meal in itself! Happy Friday!