Zesty Couscous and Black Bean Fiesta Salad
This vibrant Zesty Couscous and Black Bean Fiesta Salad is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that's perfect for any occasion. With the nutty couscous as the base, combined with protein-packed black beans and sweet roasted corn, this dish is not only filling but also nourishing. The dressing of fresh lime juice and extra virgin olive oil brings a zesty brightness that complements the earthy tones of the beans and the crispness of diced tomatoes. Ideal as a standalone vegetarian meal or a colorful side dish, this salad is sure to impress and satisfy guests at gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners. Make it ahead of time for an even more flavorful experience as the ingredients meld together beautifully overnight.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable broth
2 cups (or chicken broth)
couscous
1 (10 ounce) box (uncooked)
extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup (cold-pressed)
fresh cilantro
1/3 cup (chopped)
fresh lime juice
5 tablespoons (squeezed from limes)
minced garlic
2 teaspoons (fresh)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
fresh corn kernels
1 cup (roasted (or frozen or canned))
tomatoes
2 (diced)
black beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
green onion
1/3 cup (thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
In a 2-quart saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
2
Once boiling, stir in the couscous, cover the saucepan, and remove it from the heat. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the liquid.
3
After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains and then transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
4
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, chopped fresh cilantro, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
5
Gently pour the dressing over the couscous and fold in carefully to ensure even distribution without breaking up the couscous.
6
Add the roasted corn kernels, diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed black beans, and sliced green onions to the bowl. Gently fold all the ingredients together until well mixed.
7
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
8
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Couscous and Black Bean Fiesta Salad?
It is a vibrant fusion salad featuring nutty couscous, protein-packed black beans, sweet roasted corn, and a zesty lime dressing.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is a standalone vegetarian meal when prepared with vegetable broth.
How do I prepare the couscous for this salad?
Bring vegetable broth to a rolling boil, stir in the couscous, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, chicken broth can be used as a substitute for vegetable broth if you do not require the dish to be vegetarian.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing consists of extra virgin olive oil, chopped fresh cilantro, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least one hour, though letting it sit overnight allows the flavors to meld even better.
Can I use canned corn for this recipe?
Yes, you can use roasted, frozen, or canned corn kernels.
Should the black beans be prepared in any specific way?
The black beans should be drained and rinsed before being added to the salad.
What is the best way to serve this fiesta salad?
It can be served either chilled or at room temperature, making it versatile for potlucks and dinners.
How do I ensure the couscous doesn't break up?
Gently fold the dressing and other ingredients into the couscous rather than stirring vigorously.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for two diced tomatoes; you can use any variety like Roma or vine-ripened.
Is the garlic used in the recipe fresh or powdered?
The recipe specifies using 2 teaspoons of fresh minced garlic for the best flavor.
Can this salad be made in advance?
Yes, it is an ideal make-ahead dish as the ingredients meld together beautifully over time.
What size saucepan is needed?
A 2-quart saucepan is recommended for boiling the broth and preparing the couscous.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients including the seasonings and broth.
Is this salad considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy, nourishing dish full of vegetables and plant-based protein.
Can I substitute the cilantro?
While cilantro provides a specific flavor profile, you could try fresh parsley if you have a preference against cilantro.
How should the green onions be prepared?
The green onions should be thinly sliced using approximately 1/3 cup.
What type of olive oil is best?
The recipe recommends using 1/3 cup of cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil.
How do I fluff the couscous?
After the couscous has absorbed the liquid for 5 minutes, use a fork to separate the grains.
Is this dish spicy?
The dish is zesty and bright rather than spicy, though the garlic and lime provide a bold flavor.
Can I add extra protein to this salad?
While filling on its own, you could easily add grilled chicken or shrimp if desired.
How much lime juice is required?
The recipe calls for 5 tablespoons of fresh lime juice, squeezed from fresh limes.
Is the couscous cooked or uncooked when measuring?
The recipe uses one 10-ounce box of uncooked couscous.
Should I adjust the seasoning at the end?
Yes, after mixing all ingredients, you should taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Is this a side dish or a main?
It is versatile enough to be a standalone vegetarian main or a colorful side dish.
What is the texture of the salad?
It features a mix of textures: nutty couscous, soft beans, sweet corn, and crisp tomatoes.
Can I use frozen corn directly?
It is best to thaw frozen corn or roast it briefly before adding it to the salad for the best texture.
What makes this a 'Fiesta' salad?
The combination of black beans, corn, lime, cilantro, and tomatoes gives it a vibrant Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
Can I use any type of salt?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of salt, but you can use sea salt or kosher salt and adjust to taste.