Southwestern Black Bean and Couscous Fiesta Salad
Elevate your buffet spread with this vibrant Southwestern Black Bean and Couscous Fiesta Salad! This easy-to-make, colorful dish combines fluffy couscous with hearty black beans, sweet corn, and fresh vegetables, all enhanced by a zesty lime dressing. Perfect for gatherings, this salad not only bursts with flavor but is also a visual feast that will entice guests to come back for seconds. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, making it a versatile option for picnics, potlucks, or any special occasion.
10
Servings
150
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
uncooked couscous
1 cup (Measure the couscous.)
chicken broth
1 1/4 cups (Bring to a boil.)
extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (Measure out for the dressing.)
fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons (Juice fresh limes.)
red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon (Measure out for the dressing.)
ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (Measure out for flavoring.)
green onions
8 (Chopped.)
red bell pepper
1 (Seeded and chopped.)
fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (Chopped.)
frozen corn kernels
1 cup (Thawed.)
black beans
2 (15 ounce) cans (Drained.)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a 2-quart or larger saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a rolling boil.
2
Once boiling, stir in the uncooked couscous, then cover the pot and remove it from the heat.
3
Allow the couscous to stand for 5 minutes, during which time it will absorb the broth and become fluffy.
4
While the couscous is resting, prepare the dressing. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, red wine vinegar, and ground cumin until well combined.
5
Chop the green onions and red bell pepper, and add them to the bowl along with the chopped cilantro, thawed corn, and drained black beans. Gently toss to coat the vegetables with the dressing.
6
Once the couscous has finished resting, fluff it with a fork to break up any clumps, then add it to the bowl with the vegetable mixture.
7
Mix everything together until the couscous is evenly distributed throughout the vegetables.
8
Season with salt and pepper to taste. For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
4.2g
Fat
21g
Carbs
5.6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Southwestern Black Bean and Couscous Fiesta Salad?
It is a vibrant, colorful salad that combines fluffy couscous with black beans, sweet corn, and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a zesty lime and cumin dressing.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 10 servings.
Is this salad vegetarian-friendly?
While the recipe is tagged as vegetarian, it uses chicken broth. To make it strictly vegetarian, you should substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
How do I prepare the couscous for this salad?
Bring the chicken broth to a rolling boil, stir in the uncooked couscous, then cover and remove from heat. Let it stand for 5 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
What are the ingredients for the lime dressing?
The dressing consists of extra virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, red wine vinegar, and ground cumin.
Can I serve this salad immediately?
While you can serve it immediately, it is recommended to let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
How much protein does this salad provide?
Each serving provides about 5.6 grams of protein.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for two 15-ounce cans of black beans, which should be drained before use.
What vegetables are included in the Fiesta Salad?
The salad includes green onions, red bell pepper, and corn.
Is the corn used in the recipe fresh?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of frozen corn kernels that have been thawed.
How many green onions do I need?
You will need 8 green onions, chopped.
Can I serve this dish at room temperature?
Yes, this salad is versatile and can be served chilled or at room temperature.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 4.2 grams of fat.
How much cumin should I add?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin for flavoring.
Do I need to cook the vegetables?
No, the green onions, red bell pepper, and cilantro are added fresh and raw for a crisp texture.
Is there any red wine vinegar in the recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of red wine vinegar is included in the dressing.
How much couscous is needed?
You will need 1 cup of uncooked couscous.
What is the best way to fluff the couscous?
After the couscous has sat for 5 minutes and absorbed the broth, use a fork to fluff it and break up any clumps.
Can I use fresh cilantro?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 21 grams of carbohydrates.
Is this a good dish for a potluck?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for potlucks, picnics, or buffets due to its versatility and yield.
How do I prepare the red bell pepper?
The red bell pepper should be seeded and then chopped into small pieces.
Should the black beans be rinsed?
The instructions specify to drain the black beans; rinsing them is also a common practice to remove excess sodium.
Can I substitute the chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth or even water can be used, though broth provides more flavor.
What size pot should I use for the broth?
A 2-quart or larger saucepan is recommended.
How much lime juice is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe because it involves simple preparation and assembly.
Does this salad contain gluten?
Yes, couscous is made from wheat (semolina) and therefore contains gluten.
How is the dressing mixed?
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, and cumin until well combined.