Tropical Black Bean Salsa
This vibrant Tropical Black Bean Salsa is a delightful combination of fresh fruits and vegetables, perfect for bringing a taste of summer to your table. Inspired by a mix of recipes and customized based on available ingredients, this salsa is exceptionally versatile. With juicy pineapple, ripe mangoes, and fresh strawberries, it provides a sweet contrast to the hearty black beans and crunchy corn. The kick from jalapeño and the zesty lime juice adds an exciting twist, making it a delicious dip for tortilla chips or a vibrant topping for grilled meats. Customize the ingredients to suit your taste—whether you prefer more heat, additional veggies, or extra sweetness, it’s all up to you. Gather your friends and family, and enjoy this refreshing treat at parties, barbecues, or as a light snack!
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pineapple tidbits
20 ounces (canned, drained)
Mangoes
2 (peeled, diced)
White onion
1/2 (finely chopped)
Black beans
15 ounces (canned, drained & rinsed)
Corn
7.5 ounces (canned, drained)
Strawberries
8-10 (hulled and sliced (add right before serving if chilling))
Jalapeño
1/2-1 (seeded and finely chopped)
Tomato
1 (diced)
Cilantro
1/2-1 bunch (chopped)
Lime juice
2-3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Salt
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your ingredients. Dice or chop the mangoes, white onion, tomato, and jalapeño while hulking and slicing the strawberries.
2
In a large bowl, combine the pineapple tidbits, black beans, corn, diced mangoes, chopped onion, diced tomato, and jalapeño.
3
Add the chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Stir to mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
4
If you're chilling the salsa, cover and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
5
Just before serving, gently fold in the sliced strawberries to keep them fresh and vibrant.
6
Serve the salsa with your favorite tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled meats. Enjoy the explosion of flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Black Bean Salsa?
It is a vibrant combination of fresh fruits like pineapple, mango, and strawberries mixed with black beans, corn, and vegetables for a sweet and savory dip.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
What are the primary fruits used in this salsa?
The recipe features pineapple tidbits, ripe mangoes, and fresh strawberries.
Can I make this salsa in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the base and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld, but add the strawberries just before serving.
Why should I wait to add the strawberries?
Folding them in at the last minute keeps the strawberries fresh and prevents them from becoming mushy or bleeding color into the rest of the salsa.
What should I serve with Tropical Black Bean Salsa?
It is excellent with tortilla chips or as a vibrant topping for various grilled meats.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from the jalape!o; you can adjust the heat by adding more or fewer peppers and including or excluding the seeds.
Do I need to cook the black beans?
No, you use canned black beans that have been thoroughly drained and rinsed.
What kind of onion is recommended?
The recipe calls for half of a finely chopped white onion.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Freshly squeezed lime juice is recommended for the best zesty flavor.
Is this salsa vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
How much pineapple is needed?
You will need one 20-ounce can of pineapple tidbits, drained.
How should the mangoes be prepared?
The mangoes should be peeled and diced into small pieces.
What is the role of cilantro in this recipe?
Cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the lime and tropical fruits.
How much corn should I add?
The recipe requires 7.5 ounces of canned corn, which should be drained before adding.
Can I customize the ingredients?
Absolutely. You can add more heat, extra vegetables, or different fruits to suit your personal taste.
Is there a specific way to prep the jalape!o?
It should be seeded and finely chopped to ensure the heat is evenly distributed.
What type of tomato works best?
Any firm tomato works well; just ensure it is diced into small pieces.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is packed with fiber from the beans and corn, as well as vitamins from the fresh fruit and vegetables.
How much cilantro is used?
Use between 1/2 to 1 full bunch of chopped cilantro depending on your preference.
What is the primary flavor profile?
It is a sweet and zesty salsa with a hearty texture from the black beans.
Do I need to add salt?
Yes, add salt to taste to help balance the sweetness of the fruit.
How many strawberries are used?
The recipe calls for 8 to 10 hulled and sliced strawberries.
Is this a good dish for barbecues?
Yes, its refreshing nature makes it a perfect side dish or topping for summer barbecues.
How long should the salsa sit before serving?
At least 30 minutes in the refrigerator is recommended for the best flavor development.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute fresh diced pineapple for the canned tidbits.
What makes this salsa 'tropical'?
The combination of pineapple, mango, and lime gives it a distinct tropical flavor.
Is the onion flavor overpowering?
Finely chopping half a white onion provides a mild bite that balances the sugar in the fruit without being too strong.
Does this recipe contain any fat?
This salsa is naturally very low in fat as it is made primarily of fruits, vegetables, and beans.
What category does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized under Black Beans.