Zesty Black Bean Fiesta Salad
This vibrant Zesty Black Bean Fiesta Salad is the perfect accompaniment to any Mexican-inspired feast! Bursting with colorful veggies and fresh flavors, it complements rich dishes like chicken mole splendidly, adding a refreshing crunch. Not only does it serve as a delightful side dish, but it also works beautifully as a sassy salsa or zesty dip for tortilla chips. With a medley of canned black beans, crunchy red bell pepper, sweet corn, and creamy avocado, every bite is a fiesta for your taste buds. This salad is also quick and easy to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings!
N/A
Servings
113
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
black beans
1 (15 1/2 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
red bell pepper
1/2 (chopped fine)
red onions or scallions
1/2 cup (chopped)
sweet corn
1/4 cup (frozen, thawed)
jalapenos or other hot pepper
1-2 (sliced into rings)
lime
1 (juiced)
fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (minced)
extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons
granulated sugar
1 tablespoon
ripe avocado
1 (diced (preferably on the firm side))
garlic
1-2 cloves (chopped)
salt
to taste
fresh ground black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed and drained black beans, chopped red bell pepper, chopped red onions (or scallions), thawed sweet corn, and sliced jalapeños.
2
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, granulated sugar, minced cilantro, chopped garlic, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful dressing.
3
Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
4
Fold in the diced avocado carefully to avoid breaking it up too much.
5
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and taste to adjust seasoning if necessary.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
15g
Carbs
3.8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Black Bean Fiesta Salad?
It is a vibrant salad featuring black beans, corn, and fresh vegetables tossed in a lime-cilantro dressing.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include black beans, red bell pepper, red onions, sweet corn, jalapeños, and avocado.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are approximately 113 calories per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products.
Can I use this salad as a dip?
Absolutely, it works beautifully as a sassy salsa or zesty dip for tortilla chips.
How long should the salad refrigerate before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to properly meld together.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 15.5-ounce can of black beans, rinsed and drained.
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, you can use 1/4 cup of frozen sweet corn that has been thawed.
Does the dressing contain sugar?
Yes, the recipe includes one tablespoon of granulated sugar to balance the acidity of the lime.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides about 3.8 grams of protein.
Can I substitute red onions?
Yes, the recipe suggests using either 1/2 cup of chopped red onions or scallions.
How should I prepare the avocado?
The avocado should be diced, and it is best to use one that is slightly firm so it holds its shape.
What kind of oil is used in the dressing?
Extra virgin olive oil is used to create the flavorful dressing.
Is this salad spicy?
It contains 1-2 sliced jalapeños, providing a mild to moderate level of heat.
Should I use fresh or dried cilantro?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of minced fresh cilantro for the best flavor profile.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are a total of 13 ingredients used in this salad.
What are some serving suggestions for this salad?
It pairs excellently with Mexican-inspired dishes like chicken mole or can be served as a side at gatherings.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients listed in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, making it ahead is encouraged so it can chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 5 grams of fat.
What is the total carbohydrate count?
There are 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
When should I add the avocado?
The avocado should be folded in carefully after the dressing has been tossed with the other ingredients.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
While fresh is best, you can use the juice from one lime, which is roughly 2 tablespoons.
How should the red bell pepper be cut?
The recipe recommends chopping one-half of a red bell pepper into fine pieces.
Why is refrigeration important for this recipe?
Chilling allows the lime, garlic, and cilantro flavors to penetrate the beans and corn for a better taste.
Does the recipe include garlic?
Yes, it calls for 1-2 cloves of chopped garlic in the dressing.
How is the salad seasoned?
It is seasoned to taste with salt and fresh ground black pepper.
Can I use other types of peppers?
Yes, you can substitute jalapeños with other hot peppers depending on your heat preference.
What is the texture of this salad?
It offers a refreshing crunch from the peppers and onions contrasted with the creamy texture of the avocado.
What is the final step before serving?
Give the salad a gentle stir and taste it to see if any additional salt or pepper is needed.