Zesty Cucumber and Black Bean Fiesta Salad
Bright and vibrant, our Zesty Cucumber and Black Bean Fiesta Salad is the ultimate summer side dish, bursting with fresh flavors and textures. This refreshing salad combines crisp English cucumber with hearty black beans and sweet corn, all enhanced with zesty lime juice, aromatic cilantro, and a hint of spice from cumin and cayenne pepper. Perfect for summer picnics or as a light meal year-round, this salad offers a delightful twist on the classic black bean and corn salad. Serve it chilled as a salsa with tortilla chips, or use it as a vibrant topping for your favorite tacos. Healthy, colorful, and oh-so-delicious!
6
Servings
40
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
English cucumber
1 (diced)
black beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
corn
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
red onion
1/2 (chopped)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
lime juice
1 1/2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
cilantro
1 tablespoon (chopped)
cumin
1/2 teaspoon
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by ensuring all canned ingredients (black beans and corn) are thoroughly drained and rinsed.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, black beans, corn, chopped red onion, and minced garlic.
3
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, chopped cilantro, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create a zesty dressing.
4
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to combine all the ingredients evenly.
5
If you prefer milder flavors, you can microwave the red onions and garlic for 20-30 seconds to reduce their spiciness before adding them to the salad.
6
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
7
Serve the salad chilled, either as a stand-alone dish, a refreshing salsa for tortilla chips, or as a topping for tacos or taco salads.
Nutrition Information
7g
Carbs
2g
Protein
2g
Fiber
0.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Cucumber and Black Bean Fiesta Salad?
It is a bright and vibrant summer side dish that combines crisp English cucumber, hearty black beans, and sweet corn with a zesty lime dressing.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this salad is vegan as it contains only plant-based ingredients like beans, corn, and vegetables.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Zesty Cucumber and Black Bean Fiesta Salad is naturally gluten-free.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 40 calories per serving.
What type of cucumber is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one English cucumber, which should be diced.
How do I prepare the black beans and corn?
Both the canned black beans and the canned corn should be thoroughly drained and rinsed before use.
What are the main spices used in the dressing?
The dressing is seasoned with cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
How much lime juice is required?
You will need 1 1/2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice.
Can I reduce the spiciness of the red onion and garlic?
Yes, you can microwave the chopped red onions and minced garlic for 20-30 seconds to reduce their sharp bite before adding them to the salad.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
It is recommended to chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Can this salad be served as a dip?
Yes, it works perfectly as a refreshing salsa when served with tortilla chips.
What are other ways to serve this salad?
In addition to being a side dish, it can be used as a vibrant topping for tacos or taco salads.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving contains 2 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving contains 7 grams of carbohydrates.
How much fiber does this salad provide?
This recipe provides 2 grams of fiber per serving.
Is there much sugar in this recipe?
No, there is only 0.5 grams of sugar per serving.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 11 total ingredients required for this recipe.
What aromatics are used in the salad?
The recipe uses fresh red onion, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is ensuring all canned ingredients like black beans and corn are thoroughly drained and rinsed.
How do you make the zesty dressing?
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, chopped cilantro, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
What size can of black beans is used?
The recipe uses one 15-ounce can of black beans.
What size can of corn is used?
The recipe uses one 15-ounce can of corn.
How much cumin is added?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of cumin.
How much cayenne pepper is included?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a hint of spice.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer picnic?
Yes, it is described as the ultimate summer side dish and is perfect for picnics.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
Based on the provided data, the cholesterol content is not listed, but the ingredients are naturally cholesterol-free.
What kind of onion is recommended?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 of a red onion, chopped.
Can I use fresh cilantro?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy, low-calorie, and high-fiber, making it a nutritious choice.