Mississippi Caviar is one of those hearty and refreshing appetizers that hits the spot and brings people together. You’ve got black-eyed peas, which are a Southern staple, mixed in with veggies like corn, bell peppers, onions, Rotel tomatoes, and zesty Italian dressing.
So its got this kinda sweet, kinda savory, with a little bit of kick that works great as a dip with corn chips or even just on its own. It's Southern charm will reel you in for sure!
Jump to:
- Why Make This Crazy Good Dip
- Why is it Called Mississippi Caviar?
- Check Out These Ingredients
- Ingredient Substitutions
- What is Shoe Peg Corn?
- How to Make Mississippi Caviar
- What to Serve with Mississippi Caviar
- Entrees to Serve with Mississippi Caviar
- Questions Frequently Asked
- Our Favorite Dips and Appetizers
- Join My Email List
- Recipe
- Comments
If you're a corn fan and love no-cook corn recipes, this Cold Corn Salad has been another wonderful option for get togethers! Use it as a side dish or a dip!
Why Make This Crazy Good Dip
I've got more reasons folks around here love it and you will, too! First, it's easy, it’s versatile, and it’s perfect for gatherings. Second, it's a no-cook, make-ahead appetizer that you can make it, then forget about it for a couple of hours or a day or two!
Whether you're at a backyard BBQ, a church potluck, or just hanging out on the porch with neighbors, Mississippi Caviar is one of those dishes that everyone can enjoy.
If blackeyed peas are one of your favorites, I'd love for you to take a look at this One Pot Hoppin John Recipe. It's quick and easy thanks to using canned blackeyed peas!
Why is it Called Mississippi Caviar?
Mississippi Caviar is very similar to Texas Caviar. From what I've been able to figure out, Mississippi Caviar usually uses a bottled Italian salad dressing, and Texas Caviar mostly has a homemade vinegarette dressing. The Texas version is known to have avocado in it, whereas the Mississippi version doesn't. While all of this isn't set in stone, most of us can agree both are delicious and super easy to make!
Check Out These Ingredients
Here's a quick look at the ingredients for Mississippi Caviar.
- canned black-eyed peas (2 cans)
- canned shoe peg corn (2 cans)
- Rotel tomatoes (mild or spicy)
- red onion (I liked red because of its flavor and color it adds)
- assorted bell peppers (green, yellow, and red)
- Italian salad dressing (I like the Zesty version!)
Ingredient Substitutions
What I love about this recipe is that it's versatile and customizable! While the recipe ingredients listed above are commonly used, you can use a substitution or two and it will still turn out delicious!
Black-eyed peas: You can use just about any kind of canned beans such pinto beans, black beans, or even navy beans. They have a similar texture and will work well in the dip.
White shoe peg corn: Regular canned corn, frozen corn, or fresh sweet corn kernels can be used as a substitute.
Rotel tomatoes: Substitute with a can of diced tomatoes or use fresh chopped tomatoes.
Red onion: You can use yellow onion or shallots.
Bell peppers: Use all the same color bell peppers. Or increase the spice level by using poblano peppers, Anaheim peppers, or jalapeno peppers.
Zesty Italian Salad Dressing: You could sub with bottled Greek salad dressing or balsamic vinegrette. Or go all out and make your own by combining olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, and Italian herbs (like oregano, basil, and thyme). Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra zest.
What is Shoe Peg Corn?
Shoe peg corn is extra crispy and a little sweeter than regular corn. Its kernel is more slender than a regular corn kernel...it literally looks like an old fashioned shoe peg used in shoe making!
How to Make Mississippi Caviar
Let me show you just how simple this recipe is!
(1) Mix all the ingredients together. Let it marinate in the fridge for a couple of hours. Yep, super simple so far!
(2) Drain off the liquid right before serving, put it in a nice dip bowl. Put some corn or tortilla chips out and let the munching begin!
What to Serve with Mississippi Caviar
You can serve this dip with a nice variety of options:
- Corn or tortilla chips. Pita chips are great, too.
- Scoopable vegetables like celery sticks, large chunks of bell peppers, cucumber or carrots slices.
- A variety of crackers such as Ritz, Saltine, or Wheat Thins.
- Crunchy bread slices like crostini
Entrees to Serve with Mississippi Caviar
When your guests have finished the dip off, go straight to the main course. I like to pair this dip with any one of these entrees:
Questions Frequently Asked
For the best flavor, let it marinate for at least 1 hour (2 is better). You can always make this dip the day before you plan to eat it.
Keep it covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. The veggies might get a little soft, but it will still taste very good.
It does not freeze well because when it thaws, the vegetables will be mushy.
Let me know if the comment section, or send me an email at anne@mykitchenserenity.com.
Our Favorite Dips and Appetizers
A party wouldn't be complete without an appetizer to share! To see all of them, go to my Dips and Appetizers page!
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Recipe
Mississippi Caviar
Equipment
- measuring cup(s)
- mixing bowl
- serving dish
Ingredients
- 2 15.5 cans of black-eyed peas, drained
- 2 11 oz cans of white shoe peg corn, drained
- 10 oz can of Rotel tomatoes
- 1 cup diced red onion ¼” dices
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper ¼” dices
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper ¼” dices
- 1 cup diced yellow bell pepper ¼” dices
- 16 oz bottle of Kraft Zesty Italian Salad Dressing
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients.
- Chill at least 2 hours (or overnight).
- Drain before serving. Transfer to a nice dip bowl, if desired.
- Serve with tortilla chips, pita chips, Rtiz crackers, and/or Fritos scoops.
Notes
- Corn or tortilla chips. Pita chips are great, too.
- Scoopable vegetables like celery sticks, large chunks of bell peppers, cucumber or carrots slices.
- A variety of crackers such as Ritz, saltine, or Wheat Thins.
- Crunchy bread slices like crostini.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy to my readers. I'm not a nutritionist and I don't guarantee the accuracy of this data. The data may differ according to the brands I used versus the brands you use. To calculate the data yourself using your brands, try using an online nutrition calculator or app.
Comments
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