Zesty Black Bean & Cilantro Rice Salad
Elevate your meal with this vibrant and nutritious Zesty Black Bean & Cilantro Rice Salad. This delightful recipe combines wholesome black beans, fluffy rice, and fresh cilantro, tossed together with a zesty lime dressing. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, this salad is packed with protein, fiber, and flavor. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or prepping for a meal prep week, this salad is sure to impress and nourish. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing treat.
4
Servings
300
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Black beans
2 cups (cooked or canned (rinsed and drained))
Rice
2 cups (cooked)
Fresh cilantro
1.5 cups (chopped)
Lime juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
Olive oil
3/4 cup (extra virgin preferred)
Onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
Garlic
2 cloves (crushed)
Salt
to taste
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked black beans and rice.
2
Add the chopped cilantro to the mixture and toss gently to combine.
3
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and olive oil until emulsified.
4
Stir in the chopped onion and crushed garlic into the lime-oil mixture.
5
Pour the dressing over the bean and rice mixture, and toss until everything is well coated.
6
Season the salad with salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
7
Serve immediately, or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
10g
Protein
7.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Black Bean & Cilantro Rice Salad?
It is a vibrant and nutritious salad featuring black beans, rice, and fresh cilantro tossed in a zesty lime and olive oil dressing.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is completely vegetarian-friendly.
Is the Zesty Black Bean & Cilantro Rice Salad gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed, including rice and beans, are naturally gluten-free.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The primary ingredients are cooked black beans, cooked rice, fresh cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, onion, and garlic.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
Can I use canned black beans for this salad?
Yes, you can use canned black beans; simply ensure they are thoroughly rinsed and drained before adding them to the salad.
How much cooked rice is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of cooked rice.
What goes into the dressing for this salad?
The dressing is a mixture of 1/4 cup lime juice, 3/4 cup olive oil, chopped onion, and crushed garlic.
How much fresh cilantro should I add?
You should add 1.5 cups of chopped fresh cilantro.
Does this recipe contain garlic?
Yes, it includes 2 cloves of crushed garlic for flavor.
What kind of olive oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for the best flavor profile in the dressing.
Should this salad be served hot or cold?
It can be served immediately at room temperature or chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as it can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving provides 10g of protein.
How much fiber does one serving contain?
There are 7.5g of fiber per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
One serving contains 37.5g of carbohydrates.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 15g of fat.
Can I substitute the black beans with another bean?
While black beans are traditional for this recipe, you could substitute them with chickpeas or pinto beans.
Do I need to cook the cilantro?
No, the cilantro should be added fresh and chopped to maintain its vibrant flavor.
Is the onion in the salad raw or cooked?
The onion is chopped and added raw to the dressing mixture for a sharp, fresh taste.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, you should season the salad with salt and fresh ground black pepper to your personal taste.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are plant-based, making this recipe vegan.
Can I serve this at a summer barbecue?
Absolutely, it is a refreshing and sturdy side dish perfect for outdoor gatherings.
Is it better to use fresh or bottled lime juice?
Freshly squeezed lime juice is recommended for the best 'zesty' flavor.
Does this salad contain any cholesterol?
Based on the plant-based ingredients, this recipe contains 0mg of cholesterol.
How many total ingredients are required?
The recipe requires 9 ingredients including seasonings.
Can this salad be a main course?
Yes, it is hearty enough to serve as a light main course due to the protein and fiber content.
How long does it take to prepare?
Preparation is quick once the rice and beans are cooked; it mostly involves chopping and mixing.
Is the salad spicy?
The recipe as written is not spicy, focusing instead on zesty and fresh flavors, though you could add peppers for heat.