Description
A vibrant, nutritious, and versatile Black Bean and Rice Salad combining hearty black beans, fluffy rice, and fresh vegetables with a zesty lime dressing. Perfect as a healthy lunch, quick dinner, or refreshing side dish, this salad is easy to make, customizable, and keeps well for make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked black beans (drained and rinsed if canned)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or grain alternative)
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice and Beans: Cook the rice according to package instructions, whether white, brown, or an alternative grain. Drain and rinse canned black beans under cold water thoroughly to reduce excess sodium and freshen the taste.
- Chop the Vegetables and Herbs: Dice the bell peppers, finely chop the red onion, and roughly chop the fresh cilantro into bite-sized pieces to ensure balanced flavor and texture in every bite.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together fresh lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. The lime juice brightens the salad and acts as a flavor enhancer and natural preservative.
- Combine Everything Gently: In a large bowl, fold together the cooked rice, black beans, chopped vegetables, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss lightly until everything is evenly coated but remains fluffy and distinct in texture.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the dressing to soften the vegetables slightly. Serve chilled for best taste.
Notes
- Cook rice ahead and chill overnight for better texture and less stickiness.
- Rinse black beans well to remove excess sodium and enhance flavor.
- Adjust lime juice gradually to balance acidity without overpowering.
- Chill salad before serving to enhance flavor and texture blending.
- Add fresh herbs like cilantro right before serving to maintain vibrancy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking (assembly, cooking rice separately)
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: black bean salad, rice salad, healthy salad, vegan, gluten free, quick dinner, meal prep, fresh vegetables
