Texas Caviar rice and beans

This was from Southern Living July 2013 here  I changed it up some so go there if you want the original.

Ingredients

• 1 (15.8-oz.) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/3 cup finely chopped roasted red bell peppers (I added a bit more )
• 1/4 cup finely chopped poblano pepper (I used a different kind--I think it was a cubian pepper)
• Texas Vinaigrette, divided see below (If you are using)
• 2 (8.8-oz.) pouches fully cooked basmati rice (I just used my palmetto brown rice from a local farm)
• 1 1/4 cups halved grape tomatoes $
• 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded pepper Jack cheese (omitted)
• 3/4 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves(omitted)
• 2/3 cup thinly sliced celery $ (I just used some celery sticks)
• 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions $
• Tortilla chips $
• Garnish: sliced pickled jalapeño peppers (omitted)

Note--INSTEAD OF THE Vinaigrette ---I just sprinkled with garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin, and salt. My hubby added some Texas Pete. We also served it with some Salsa.

1. 1. Stir together first 4 ingredients and 1/4 cup Texas Vinaigrette in a microwave-safe glass bowl; let stand 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Microwave at HIGH 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring at 30-second intervals.
2. 2. Heat rice according to package directions; fluff with a fork. OR COOK YOUR OWN RICE> Divide bean mixture, rice, tomatoes, and next 4 ingredients among 4 to 6 individual plates. Serve with tortilla chips and remaining vinaigrette.
3. Note: This is also good with some Mrs. Ralph Izard's Awendaw also found in July 20013 Southern Living or here

HERE is the Vinaigrette RECIPE IF YOU ARE USING IT:

Whisk 1/2 cup oliveoil; 1/4 cup fresh lime juice; 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro; 1 Tab hot sauce; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1/2 tsp chili powder'; and 1/2 tsp ground cumin. Add kosher salt and black peper to taste. Makes 1 cup

Another recipe   I like from a friend:

Use a large bowl put all the following ingredients in and stir in as much Italian dressing as you like

2 cans drained black beans

2 cans drained black eyed peas

1 can drained nibbles corn

1 can drained showpeg corn

1 container of chopped onions

1 container of mixed green peppers chopped

1 container of chopped green onions

1 container of chopped tomatoes

Chopped cilantro to your taste

1 small can of mild rotel

When I say container I buy the pre chopped stuff from Ingels or Walmart.  I like wishbone Italian dressing but have used knockoffs also.  

Enjoy