Chilled Southwestern Black Bean & Hominy Fiesta Salad
Beat the summer heat with this vibrant Southwestern Black Bean and Hominy Fiesta Salad! This refreshing dish is packed with protein-rich black beans and chewy hominy, which add a unique twist to the typical salad. Diced avocados contribute creaminess, while sweet yellow bell peppers and zesty red onion provide a crunchy texture. The fresh cilantro and spicy jalapeños offer delightful flavor notes, complemented by a tangy salsa verde dressing. Best of all, it’s served cold, making it perfect for warm days. Allow some time in the refrigerator for the flavors to meld together and enjoy a salad that’s not only filling but also bursting with color and taste!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
black beans
30 ounces (rinsed and drained well)
hominy
30 ounces (rinsed and drained well)
avocados
2 (peeled, pitted, and diced)
yellow bell peppers
2 cups (diced)
red onion
1 cup (chopped)
cilantro
1/2 cup (chopped)
jalapeños
3 tablespoons (seeds and ribs removed, chopped)
salsa verde
1 cup (or more to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed and drained black beans and hominy.
2
Gently fold in the diced avocados, yellow bell peppers, chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, and chopped jalapeños until well mixed.
3
Pour in 1 cup of salsa verde and carefully toss the salad to coat all the ingredients evenly. If you prefer a more saucy salad, feel free to add additional salsa verde until the desired consistency is achieved.
4
Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to a sealed container, and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to develop.
6
Serve chilled and enjoy your colorful, wholesome meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chilled Southwestern Black Bean & Hominy Fiesta Salad?
It is a refreshing, protein-packed cold salad featuring black beans, chewy hominy, avocado, and crunchy vegetables tossed in a tangy salsa verde dressing.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in this salad?
The main ingredients are black beans, hominy, avocados, yellow bell peppers, red onion, cilantro, jalapeños, and salsa verde.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian and also happens to be vegan-friendly.
Do I need to cook any of the ingredients?
No, this is a no-cook recipe. You simply rinse and drain the canned beans and hominy and chop the fresh vegetables.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
What kind of dressing is used for this fiesta salad?
A tangy salsa verde is used as the dressing for this dish.
Is this salad spicy?
It has a mild to moderate kick from the jalapeños and salsa verde, but you can control the heat by removing the jalapeño seeds or using a mild salsa.
What is hominy?
Hominy is made from dried corn kernels that have been treated with an alkali, resulting in a chewy texture and unique flavor.
Can I use a different color of bell pepper?
Yes, while yellow bell peppers are suggested for color, red or orange bell peppers would work perfectly as well.
How should I prepare the black beans and hominy?
Both should be rinsed and drained well before being added to the mixing bowl.
Can I add more salsa verde than the recipe calls for?
Absolutely. If you prefer a saucier consistency, feel free to add more than the initial 1 cup of salsa verde.
What can I substitute for cilantro if I don't like it?
If you dislike cilantro, you can omit it or substitute it with fresh flat-leaf parsley.
How should the avocados be prepared?
The avocados should be peeled, pitted, and diced into small pieces before being gently folded into the salad.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The core ingredients are gluten-free, but always ensure your chosen brand of salsa verde is certified gluten-free if you have a sensitivity.
How much red onion is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped red onion.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it is actually better when made ahead because it gives the flavors more time to develop in the fridge.
How do I prepare the jalapeños?
Remove the seeds and ribs for less heat, then chop them finely until you have about 3 tablespoons.
What texture does the hominy provide?
Hominy provides a delightful chewy texture that contrasts well with the soft beans and crunchy peppers.
How should I season the salad?
Season it with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your personal taste.
Can I add corn to this recipe?
Yes, adding fresh, canned, or roasted corn would be a great addition to the Southwestern flavor profile.
Is this salad high in fiber?
Yes, both black beans and hominy are excellent sources of dietary fiber.
What type of bowl should I use?
A large mixing bowl is recommended to allow enough room for tossing all the ingredients without crushing the avocado.
Can I use white onion instead of red?
Yes, white or yellow onions can be used, though red onion is preferred for its milder flavor and vibrant color.
How long will leftovers keep in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days, though the avocado may brown slightly.
Is this a good meal prep recipe?
Yes, because it is served cold and the flavors improve over time, it is an excellent choice for meal prep.
What makes this a 'fiesta' salad?
The name comes from the vibrant colors of the peppers, beans, and herbs, along with the festive Southwestern flavors.
Can I add meat to this salad?
Yes, grilled chicken or shrimp would make a great addition if you want to add animal protein.
Is the salad dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve it chilled as a main course, a side dish, or even as a dip with tortilla chips.