Avocado Black Bean Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing

 

Craving a vibrant, flavorful salad that’s as easy to make as it is good for you? This Avocado Black Bean Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing is your answer! It’s a refreshing mix of creamy avocado, hearty black beans, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty cilantro-lime dressing that will awaken your taste buds. Perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a potluck contribution that everyone will rave about.

Why You’ll Love This Avocado Black Bean Salad

This Avocado Black Bean Salad is a surefire winner. Here’s why:

• Ready in 15 minutes: A super quick and easy recipe for busy weeknights.
• Bursting with flavor: The cilantro-lime dressing is tangy, fresh, and utterly irresistible.
• Healthy and nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep you feeling full and energized.
• Versatile: Serve it as a side, a main course, or even as a topping for your favorite dishes.
• Budget-friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you can easily find at your local grocery store.
• Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free: Perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
• Crowd-pleaser: Always a hit at parties, potlucks, and BBQs.
• Incredibly satisfying: A delightful combination of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more.

The aroma of fresh cilantro and lime fills the kitchen, creating an irresistible anticipation for the first bite. This salad is simple enough for a novice cook, yet impressive enough to serve to guests.

Ingredients Needed for Avocado Black Bean Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious salad:

• 2 ripe avocados, diced (about 300g) – Choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure.
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained (about 425g) – Ensure they are well-rinsed to remove excess sodium.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (about 150g) – Look for vibrant, firm cherry tomatoes for the best flavor.
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced (about 75g) – Red onion adds a nice bite, but you can substitute with a milder sweet onion if preferred.
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (about 15g) – Fresh cilantro is key to the dressing’s vibrant flavor; don’t skimp!
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional) – Add a kick of heat; remove seeds for less spice.

For the Cilantro Lime Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons lime juice (about 45ml) – Freshly squeezed is always best for the most vibrant flavor.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (about 30ml) – Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.
• 1 garlic clove, minced (about 3g) – Mince finely to ensure even distribution of flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (about 2g) – Toasting the cumin in a dry pan for a minute enhances its flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (about 3g) – Adjust to taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (about 1g) – Freshly ground black pepper adds a delightful kick.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Chickpea and Avocado Salad with Lime – A zesty and equally delicious alternative!

Essential Equipment List

• Large mixing bowl: To combine all salad ingredients.
• Small mixing bowl: For preparing the cilantro lime dressing.
• Whisk: To emulsify the dressing ingredients.
• Knife: For dicing the avocados, red onion, and jalapeño.
• Cutting board: To protect your countertop while chopping.

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A good quality knife and cutting board will make prepping this salad a breeze.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Difficulty: Easy

This recipe is easily scalable – double or triple it for a larger crowd!.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Avocado Black Bean Salad:

Step 1: Combine Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, gently combine the diced avocados, rinsed and drained black beans, halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and minced jalapeño (if using). Handle the avocado gently to avoid mashing it.

Step 2: Prepare the Cilantro Lime Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Make sure all ingredients are fully incorporated for a smooth and flavorful dressing.

Step 3: Dress and Toss the Salad

Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the avocado to become mushy.

Step 4: Let the Flavors Meld

Let the salad sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for the dressing to fully infuse the salad ingredients.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving for best freshness. If refrigerating, add an extra squeeze of lime juice to prevent the avocado from browning.

CHECK OUT: Black Bean Corn Avocado Salad with Lime Vinaigrette – Another fantastic salad option with a similar flavor profile!

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your Avocado Black Bean Salad turns out perfectly:

• Don’t overmix: Gentle tossing prevents the avocado from becoming mushy.
• Taste and adjust: Adjust the salt, pepper, and lime juice to your liking.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cilantro and lime juice make a big difference in flavor.
• Prepare ahead: You can chop the vegetables ahead of time, but dress the salad just before serving to prevent the avocado from browning.
• Add protein: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Variations & Substitutions

Get creative with these delicious variations and substitutions:

• Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
• Creamy: Stir in a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream.
• Herby: Add other fresh herbs like parsley or mint.
• Sweet: Add a handful of corn kernels or diced mango for a touch of sweetness.
• For a Vegan Option: ensure your ingredients are 100% plant based, with no traces of animal products.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Avocado Black Bean Salad

This salad is incredibly versatile! Here are some serving suggestions:

• As a side dish: Perfect with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu.
• As a main course: Serve it over a bed of lettuce or quinoa.
• As a topping: Add it to tacos, nachos, or quesadillas.
• With Chips: Serve it with tortilla chips as a dip.

Pair this salad with a refreshing glass of lemonade or iced tea.

Health Benefits

This Avocado Black Bean Salad is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits:

• Avocados: Rich in healthy fats, fiber, and potassium.
• Black Beans: Excellent source of protein and fiber.
• Cherry Tomatoes: High in antioxidants and vitamins.
• Cilantro: Contains vitamins A and C, and has detoxifying properties.

A single serving offers a substantial boost of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for any meal.

Storage & Reheating

Here’s how to store and enjoy leftovers:

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Not recommended, best served cold.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as the avocado will become mushy.

To prevent the avocado from browning, squeeze a little extra lime juice over the salad before storing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can chop the vegetables and prepare the dressing ahead of time. However, it’s best to dress the salad just before serving to prevent the avocado from browning.

Can I substitute the red onion with another type of onion?

Yes, you can use sweet onion or white onion as a substitute. The flavor will be slightly milder.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! Corn, bell peppers, and cucumbers are all great additions.

How can I make this salad spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing, or use a hotter variety of pepper.

Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prepping! Just store the salad and dressing separately and combine them just before eating.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 10g
• Carbs: 30g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 12g

Please note: These values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more vibrant and flavorful recipes? Check out these tasty options:

• Chickpea and Avocado Salad with Lime – A light and refreshing salad bursting with citrusy flavors.
• Black Bean Corn Avocado Salad with Lime Vinaigrette – A colorful and flavorful salad perfect for summer gatherings.
• Mediterranean Chickpea Feta Salad – A hearty and healthy salad with a delicious Mediterranean twist.

Conclusion

This Avocado Black Bean Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whip it up tonight and enjoy a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors! Share this recipe with your friends and family who would love it! Join our vibrant community on Facebook and Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration, cooking tips, and more tasty ideas! Happy cooking!

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