If you're looking for a bean salad with substance that can serve as a dip, a condiment, a side dish or even a vegetarian entrée, than you must make Cowboy Caviar a part of your summer cookout repertoire. Also called Texas Caviar, this protein-packed salad is amazing, and so very versatile.
It has its origin in Texas, hence the alternate name. This salad was invented in 1940 by Chef Helen Corbitt, who was later to head up the culinary world at Neiman Marcus in Dallas. The tongue-in-cheek name Texas Caviar stuck, obviously a nod to the amusing disconnect of a bean salad being compared to fancy, pricey fish roe. Since then, it’s become more commonly known as Cowboy Caviar and very popular throughout the Southwest and all of the country.
