I hope some of you have missed the somewhat daily installments Dinner Dish. I didn’t do it intentionally – I’ve had a bad week. But, I’m back and hope to keep the dinner (and other meal) ideas coming for you.

Earlier today a friend sent out a request for an “easy” version of Redneck Caviar. Now, I knew immediately what she was talking about but I’ve more often heard the dish referred to as Cowboy Caviar instead of using the word redneck.

Either way, the dish is actually pretty tasty and can be used in so many different settings. Everyone I know really likes the dish and none of them are cowboys or rednecks – well, maybe a few are rednecks!

I’ve found a couple of versions of the dish that you may want to give a try. One is super simple – that’s the one I’ve already shared with my friend. The other is a little more complicated because it requires more ingredients and a little more chopping. Either way, you won’t go wrong by serving either of these versions.

The dish is best served with corn chips or tortilla chips. I have had a friend who serves it with the cornbread crackers and even Wheat Thins. Shoot, I’d probably just eat it straight from the bowl with a spoon. But, no matter how you plan to serve it you won’t be disappointed.

Cowboy Caviar

1 (15.5 ounce) can black beans, drained

1 (15.5 ounce) can black-eyed peas, drained

1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained

2 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed

1/2 medium onion, chopped

1/4 green bell pepper, finely chopped

1/2 cup chopped pickled jalapeno peppers

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

1 cup Italian salad dressing

3/4 cup chopped cilantro

Mix beans, peas, tomatoes, corn, onion, bell pepper, and jalapeno peppers in a large bowl. Season with garlic salt. Add dressing and cilantro; toss to coat. Refrigerate for 20 minutes or until ready to serve.

Easy Texas Caviar

1 (15.5 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

8 oz. chunky picante sauce

salt and pepper to taste

Mix sauce with beans and season with salt and pepper to taste. Note: If you like things a little hot, simply use hot picante sauce. Otherwise, the mild or medium sauce would be perfect.

I hope you enjoy these recipes. This is a great dish to serve as an appetizer before the big cookout. With this kind of food, a cold glass of iced tea and great friends, any gathering is a party!