southwestern-black-bean-salad-smoky-lime-dressing

Southwestern Black Bean Salad with Smoky Lime Dressing

TOTAL
20min
PREP
20min
COOK
0min
Easy

A vibrant and flavorful Southwestern Black Bean Salad, perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or side dish. Packed with hearty black beans, sweet corn, crisp bell peppers, and fresh cilantro, all tossed in a zesty, smoky lime dressing. It's a refreshing and healthy dish that comes together in minutes.

220 Calories
8g Protein
30g Carbs
8g Fats

*Nutrition per serving

Salad
Southwestern
Vegetarian
Quick & Easy

Ingredients

Servings: 6
400g (2 cans) Canned Black Beans
340g (1.5 cups) Corn Kernels
1 medium (approx. 150g) Red Bell Pepper
1 medium (approx. 150g) Yellow Bell Pepper
0.5 medium (approx. 50g) Red Onion
50g (0.5 bunch) Fresh Cilantro
60ml (4 tbsp) Lime Juice
60ml (4 tbsp) Olive Oil
1.5 tsp Cumin
1 tsp Smoked Paprika
0.5 tsp Chili Powder
0.75 tsp Salt
0.5 tsp Black Pepper
1 small Jalapeño

Steps

1

Prepare the vegetables: Rinse and drain the canned black beans thoroughly. If using frozen corn, thaw it according to package directions. Dice the red and yellow bell peppers into roughly 0.5cm (1/4 inch) pieces. Finely dice half of a red onion. Chop the fresh cilantro. If using, finely mince the jalapeño.

2

Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed and drained black beans, thawed corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, diced yellow bell pepper, finely diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and optional minced jalapeño.

3

Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, whisk together the freshly squeezed lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Ensure all the spices are well incorporated.

💡

Using a jar to mix the dressing allows for easy shaking to emulsify the ingredients. If the dressing appears too thick, you can add an extra teaspoon (5ml) of lime juice or olive oil.

4

Dress the salad: Pour the prepared smoky lime dressing over the ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

5

Taste and adjust seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, lime juice, or chili powder depending on your preference.

6

Chill before serving: For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is optional but highly recommended.

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Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more cohesive and delicious taste. It also ensures the salad is served at a refreshing temperature.

7

Serve: Serve the Southwestern Black Bean Salad chilled. It can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal, as a side dish to grilled meats or tacos, or as a dip with tortilla chips.

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This salad is a versatile dish. It can be served as a side with grilled chicken or fish, as a filling for tacos or burritos, or even as a healthy dip with tortilla chips.

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