Description
A refreshing Mexican black bean salad that’s perfect for a quick and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 cups black beans, canned or cooked
- 1 cup sweet corn, canned or cooked from frozen or fresh
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 red onion, chopped finely
- 2 tomatoes, chopped into small cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/21/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/41/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup Cotija cheese or feta cheese, crumbled on top
Instructions
- Mix Beans & Veggies: Start by tossing the black beans with chopped red bell pepper, red onion, and sweet corn in a large bowl. The vibrant colors will come together, making everything look fresh. This mix adds texture and crunch, so be gentle when folding; you want everything well combined without smashing the beans.
- Add Cilantro & Lime: Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and pour in the lime juice. The zesty scent will brighten up your kitchen. This step brings a burst of flavor, so do not skimp on the lime. If you skip the lime, the salad could taste flat, so be sure to add enough.
- Season with Spices: Sprinkle in the salt, chili powder, and minced garlic. Give it a good mix, and let those spices work their magic as their aroma fills the air. These seasonings are key to elevating the salad. Just be cautious—adding too much salt can lead to an overpowering taste.
- Drizzle Olive Oil: Pour the olive oil over the salad for that smooth finish. It should glisten and feel a bit moist but not drowning. This step adds a nice richness, but remember not to go overboard with the oil, as too much could make it slippery and oily.
- Toss & Taste: Gently toss everything together to combine all those delicious flavors. Take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—maybe a pinch more salt or lime juice. Skipping this step might leave you with an unbalanced flavor profile, so trust your taste buds here!
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Expert Tips: If the salad feels a bit dry after mixing, a splash of olive oil and an extra squeeze of lime can boost its moisture. When using canned beans, rinsing them thoroughly can help cut down on the sodium content. If the beans end up mushy, opting for canned beans or slightly undercooking fresh beans can maintain a better texture. For a flavor boost, consider adding more garlic, salt, or lime juice if the dressing seems lacking after mixing. When looking for added heat, including fresh jalapeños or a dash more chili powder can really kick up the spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 266
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 412mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 13mg