Are you tired of boring, bland salads that leave you unsatisfied? Prepare to be amazed by this vibrant Black Bean Salad with Citrus Dressing that will transport your palate straight to the sunny streets of Mexico! Packed with fresh ingredients and a punch of tangy citrus, this recipe is not just a salad – it's a culinary adventure that takes just 15 minutes to create. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or someone looking for a quick, delicious meal, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn, cooked
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess sodium and starch. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- If using fresh corn, cook the corn kernels by boiling or grilling. If using frozen corn, thaw completely. Add the corn to the black beans.
- Wash the bell pepper and red onion. Dice both vegetables into small, uniform pieces approximately 1/4 inch in size to ensure even distribution and consistent texture.
- Finely chop fresh cilantro, removing any tough stems. The herb will add brightness and authentic Mexican flavor to the salad.
- Combine the prepared black beans, corn, diced bell pepper, red onion, and chopped cilantro in the mixing bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice and orange juice to create the citrus dressing. The combination will provide a tangy and bright flavor profile.
- Pour the citrus dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light lunch. Optionally garnish with additional fresh cilantro leaves.
Tips
- Rinse your black beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve digestibility.
- For maximum flavor, use fresh corn kernels when possible - grilled corn adds an incredible smoky dimension.
- Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure each bite is perfectly balanced.
- Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- For extra freshness, use freshly squeezed lime and orange juice instead of bottled juices.
- Feel free to customize by adding diced avocado or jalapeños for extra texture and heat.
- This salad tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 9g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
