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Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a vibrant Black Bean Salad dressed in a Zesty Lime Vinaigrette. This easy salad promises simplicity, nutrition, and bursts of flavour in every bite. This recipe is a perfect example of how just a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Not only is this bean salad recipe quick to assemble, but it also brings a splash of colour and plant-based protein to your dinner table. It’s also my go-to light lunch on those hot summer days.

Table of Contents

Why I Love This Salad

I love making this Black Bean Salad with Zesty Lime Vinaigrette because it’s a vibrant, healthful dish that combines simplicity with bold flavors. The freshness of the lime juice paired with the creaminess of the feta and the heartiness of the black beans makes it a balanced dish that’s perfect for any meal. Plus, this Mexican-inspired salad is a great way to incorporate more vegetables and legumes into my diet.

Ingredients for This Easy Black Bean Salad

  • 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cucumber, chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 red pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup of feta cheese (and don’t hesitate to add more if you’re a feta enthusiast like me)
  • Lime wedges, for garnish

For the Zesty Lime Dressing

  • 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp of fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/8 tsp of garlic powder
  • 1/8 tsp of onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Fresh black pepper, to taste

How to Make This Black Bean Salad

  1. Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the drained black beans, chopped cucumber, sliced red onion, diced red bell pepper, and crumbled feta cheese.
  2. Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Dress and Toss: Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss gently to ensure every bite is coated in the zesty lime vinaigrette. Let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavours to meld.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish with fresh lime wedges.

Tips for Success

  • Freshness is Key: Use fresh lime juice for the dressing to get the best flavor.
  • Let It Marinate: Allowing the salad to sit for a bit before serving enhances the flavors. I love making this one in advance and find it even tastes better the next day! It also makes it perfect for meal prep.

Variations of this Black Bean Salad

I love creating variations of this classic Black Bean Salad, especially when I need a great side dish. It’s a simple way to keep my meals. Here are a few of my favourite delicious twists on my original recipe that you can try:

1. Spicy Black Bean and Corn Salad

  • Ingredients: Add 1 cup of sweet corn kernels for fresh corn and 1 diced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat) to the salad for a sweet and spicy kick. For an extra layer of flavor, grill the corn beforehand.
  • Why I Love It: The sweetness of the corn beautifully contrasts with the spicy jalapeño, offering a salad that’s both refreshing and invigorating.

2. Avocado and Cilantro Lime Black Bean Salad

  • Ingredients: Incorporate 1 diced avocado and 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro into the salad. You might also want to increase the lime juice slightly to accentuate the citrus notes.
  • Why I Love It: Avocado adds creaminess and a dose of healthy fats, while cilantro introduces a fresh, a brightness you can only get from fresh herbs, making the salad even more flavorful and satisfying.

3. Mediterranean Black Bean Salad

  • Ingredients: Substitute feta cheese with crumbled goat cheese and add 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1/4 cup of sliced black olives. A sprinkle of dried oregano in the dressing complements the Mediterranean vibes. You can also use fresh lemon juice instead of lime.
  • Why I Love It: This version transports your taste buds to the Mediterranean, offering a tangy and savory experience that pairs well with a variety of dishes.

4. Black Bean and Quinoa Salad

  • Ingredients: Add 1 cup of cooked quinoa to the salad for a hearty, protein-packed version. This addition transforms the salad into a complete meal, perfect for lunchboxes.
  • Why I Love It: Quinoa not only adds a wonderful texture and nutty flavour but also boosts the protein content, making the salad a more substantial and satisfying option.

5. Tex-Mex Black Bean Salad

  • Ingredients: Include 1 cup of black bean corn, a dash of chili powder, and a handful of crushed tortilla chips for a Tex-Mex twist. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top.
  • Why I Love It: This variation introduces a crunchy texture and a smoky flavor, making it a hit for those who love Tex-Mex cuisine. It’s perfect as a filling for tacos or as a standalone dish.

Each of these variations maintains the essence of the original Black Bean Salad while introducing new flavors and textures, demonstrating the versatility and adaptability of this delightful dish.

How to Store This Black Beans Salad

To store leftover Black Bean Salad, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 5 days. If it’s dressed, the flavours will meld and intensify over time, making it even more delicious the next day. However, if you plan to add ingredients like avocado or corn tortilla chips, it’s best to add these just before serving to maintain their texture and freshness. Always give the salad a good stir before serving to redistribute the flavours.

Other Salad Recipes You’ll Love

Frequently Asked Questions

Do canned black beans need to be cooked?

No, canned black beans are pre-cooked and ready to eat directly from the can, making them a convenient and time-saving ingredient for salads, soups, and more. However, it’s recommended to drain and rinse them under cold water before use to remove excess sodium and any preservatives.

Can you freeze Black Bean Salad?

Yes, you can freeze black bean salad, although the texture of some ingredients like cucumber and bell peppers may change upon thawing. For best results, freeze without these fresh additions and add them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Let me know if you try this in the comments. I’d love to hear what you think!

And connect with me on social! You can find me on Instagram and follow along on Facebook for new recipes every week!

Easy Black Bean Salad Recipe with Lime Vinaigrette

Yield: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

This Black Bean Salad with Lime Vinaigrette is a healthy, flavorful recipe perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and delightfully delicious!

Ingredients

  • 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cucumber, chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 red pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup of feta cheese (and don’t hesitate to add more if you’re a feta enthusiast like me)
  • Lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the drained black beans, chopped cucumber, sliced red onion, diced red bell pepper, and crumbled feta cheese.
  2.  In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss gently to ensure every bite is coated in the zesty lime vinaigrette. Let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavours to meld.
  4. Just before serving, garnish with fresh lime wedges.

Notes

For the Zesty Lime Dressing

  • 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp of fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/8 tsp of garlic powder
  • 1/8 tsp of onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Fresh black pepper, to taste

© Christopher

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