Easy Black Bean Salad Recipe: A 15-Minute Recipe

A vibrant and fresh black bean salad recipe is the perfect solution for a quick and healthy meal or a delicious side dish. This simple recipe brings together a beautiful mix of textures and flavors, from the hearty black beans and crisp vegetables to a zesty lime dressing. It’s a versatile dish that requires no cooking and can be ready in just 15 minutes, making this black bean salad recipe an essential addition to your go-to list.

What is a Black Bean Salad?

A black bean salad is a simple, no-cook dish where black bean is the star ingredient. It’s a very popular dish in both Tex-Mex and Southwestern cuisines. The black beans are typically combined with other fresh vegetables like corn, bell peppers, and red onion, then dressed in a light vinaigrette. Unlike many salads, it doesn’t wilt over time and actually tastes better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld. This makes a black bean salad recipe perfect for meal prep or a picnic.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn (canned, frozen, or fresh)
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely diced
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional)

For the Dressing

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from 1-2 limes)
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

How to Make a Black Bean Salad

1. Prepare the Vegetables: If using fresh corn, you can quickly blanch it or use it raw off the cob. If using frozen corn, thaw it completely. For canned corn, just drain and rinse. Make sure all your vegetables are finely diced to ensure a good mix in every bite.
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rinsed and drained black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and diced jalapeño (if using).
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
4. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the black bean and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
5. Serve: The salad can be served immediately. For the best flavor, allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. The flavors will have time to meld, creating a more cohesive and delicious black bean salad recipe. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips for the Best Black Bean Salad

• Rinse Your Beans: Rinsing the canned black beans well not only cleans them but also removes the excess sodium and starchy liquid.
• Customize It: This black bean salad recipe is very flexible. Feel free to add other ingredients like diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Meal Prep: This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for meal prep.

Conclusion

This black bean salad recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that is both healthy and incredibly satisfying. It’s a versatile and flavorful staple that you’ll want to make again and again.

Easy Black Bean Salad Recipe: A 15-Minute Recipe

foodifa

An easy, 15-minute recipe for a fresh and healthy black bean salad with corn, bell peppers, and a zesty lime dressing.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine Mexican, Southwestern, Vegetarian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Salad

• 1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn canned, frozen, or fresh
• 1 red bell pepper finely diced
• 1/2 red onion finely diced
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 jalapeño seeded and finely diced (optional)

For the Dressing

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp fresh lime juice from 1-2 limes
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Vegetables: If using fresh corn, you can quickly blanch it or use it raw off the cob. If using frozen corn, thaw it completely. For canned corn, just drain and rinse. Make sure all your vegetables are finely diced to ensure a good mix in every bite.
• Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rinsed and drained black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and diced jalapeño (if using).
• Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
• Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the black bean and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
• Serve: The salad can be served immediately. For the best flavor, allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. The flavors will have time to meld, creating a more cohesive and delicious black bean salad recipe. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

The salad tastes even better after an hour in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to fully develop.

Keyword black bean salad, black bean salad recipe, easy salad, Healthy recipes, vegetarian