Zesty Mexican Three Bean Fiesta Salad
This vibrant Zesty Mexican Three Bean Fiesta Salad brings together the hearty flavors of black beans, pinto beans, and crisp green beans, enhanced with a zesty lime dressing. A delightful twist on the traditional three bean salad, this dish is perfect for summer barbecues or as a colorful side for any meal. The combination of fresh ingredients, including jalapeños for a hint of spice and Cotija cheese for creaminess, makes this salad not only delicious but also visually stunning. Serve it chilled to allow the flavors to meld beautifully for a refreshing and nutritious experience.
N/A
Servings
103
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Black beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
Pinto beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
Green beans
1/2 lb (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
Salt
to taste (for cooking and seasoning)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (for drizzling)
Green onions
3 (sliced)
Jalapeno pepper
1-2 (seeded and chopped)
Garlic
1 large clove (sliced thin)
Cotija queso seco
1 cup (crumbled)
Fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (chopped)
Fresh lime juice
1/3 cup (freshly squeezed)
Sugar
1/4 cup (for dressing)
Instructions
1
Begin by trimming the ends off the green beans and slicing them into one-inch pieces. Fill a medium pot halfway with salted water and bring it to a boil.
2
Once boiling, add the green beans to the pot. Cook for 5 to 20 minutes, checking for tenderness. More mature green beans may take longer, so taste test for doneness.
3
Drain the cooked green beans and transfer them to a large mixing bowl along with the drained and rinsed black and pinto beans.
4
Drizzle the olive oil over the beans and toss gently to combine, ensuring even coating of the oil.
5
Fold in the sliced green onions, chopped jalapeño, thinly sliced garlic, and crumbled Cotija cheese, mixing carefully.
6
In a separate bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice and sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved.
7
Pour the lime juice mixture over the bean salad and mix thoroughly to coat all the ingredients.
8
Cover the bowl and let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably several hours to enhance the flavors.
9
Just before serving, stir in the freshly chopped cilantro and adjust seasoning with additional salt if necessary. Serve chilled.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
13g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Mexican Three Bean Fiesta Salad?
It is a vibrant salad that combines black beans, pinto beans, and crisp green beans with a zesty lime dressing and Mexican-inspired ingredients like Cotija cheese and jalapeños.
Which three types of beans are used in this recipe?
The salad features black beans, pinto beans, and fresh green beans.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are approximately 103 calories per serving.
Is this Mexican Three Bean Salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian and contains no meat products.
How long should I cook the green beans?
You should boil the green beans for 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the maturity of the beans and your preferred level of tenderness.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing is a simple and zesty mixture of 1/3 cup fresh lime juice and 1/4 cup sugar.
How much fat is in this recipe?
This salad contains 4 grams of fat per serving.
Does this recipe contain protein?
Yes, each serving provides 5 grams of protein.
What kind of cheese is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of crumbled Cotija queso seco.
How long should the salad marinate before serving?
It should marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, though several hours is preferred for the best flavor development.
Should the salad be served warm or cold?
The salad should be served chilled for a refreshing experience.
Is this salad spicy?
It has a hint of spice from the inclusion of 1 to 2 seeded and chopped jalapeño peppers.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 13 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How should the garlic be prepared?
One large clove of garlic should be sliced very thin.
What is the purpose of the olive oil in this recipe?
Three tablespoons of olive oil are drizzled over the beans and tossed to ensure they are evenly coated.
How many green onions are used?
The recipe uses 3 sliced green onions.
When should the cilantro be added?
Freshly chopped cilantro should be stirred in just before serving to maintain its freshness.
How should I prepare the canned beans?
Both the black beans and pinto beans should be drained and rinsed before being added to the salad.
What is the size for the cut green beans?
The fresh green beans should be trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces.
Is there sugar in the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of sugar is used in the lime juice dressing.
How many total ingredients are needed?
The recipe requires 12 total ingredients.
Can I adjust the salt level?
Yes, you can adjust the seasoning with additional salt just before serving if necessary.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Main tags include salad, bean salad, Mexican cuisine, healthy, refreshing, and summer recipes.
How do I ensure the dressing is well-mixed?
Whisk the lime juice and sugar together in a separate bowl until the sugar is fully dissolved before adding it to the beans.
What makes this salad visually stunning?
The combination of different colored beans, green onions, bright jalapeños, and white Cotija cheese creates a colorful presentation.
Is this dish suitable for a barbecue?
Yes, it is described as perfect for summer barbecues or as a colorful side dish.
How do I cook the green beans initially?
Fill a medium pot halfway with salted water, bring it to a boil, and then add the green bean pieces.
What type of lime juice should be used?
The recipe recommends 1/3 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice.
Can I make this salad a few hours in advance?
Yes, marinating it for several hours in the refrigerator is recommended to enhance the flavors.
What should I do with the jalapeño seeds?
The jalapeño should be seeded and chopped to provide flavor and a hint of spice without excessive heat.