Avocado and Black Bean Salad

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
1 Review

Looking for a fresh, vibrant salad that’s a breeze to whip up and perfect for any occasion? This Avocado and Black Bean Salad is just the ticket. It’s a deliciously satisfying blend of textures and flavors that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients for Avocado and Black Bean Salad

Avocados bring creaminess and a rich, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. Make sure they’re ripe but not overly mushy for the best texture.

Black beans add a hearty, protein-rich element that makes this salad filling and satisfying. They also contribute a lovely earthy flavor.

Corn kernels, whether fresh or thawed from frozen, add a sweet crunch that complements the creaminess of the avocado and the juiciness of the tomatoes.

Cherry tomatoes offer a burst of tangy sweetness that brightens up the entire dish. Halving them helps distribute their flavor evenly throughout the salad.

Red onion provides a sharp, pungent contrast that cuts through the richness of the avocado, adding depth and complexity.

Fresh cilantro gives this salad a refreshing herbal note that ties all the flavors together. It's the perfect finishing touch.

Lime juice is the key to a zingy, vibrant dressing that lifts the entire dish. It helps balance the flavors and adds a refreshing citrusy kick.

Olive oil adds a smooth, rich base to the dressing, helping to meld all the flavors together seamlessly.

Ground cumin introduces a warm, earthy note that rounds out the salad’s flavor profile beautifully.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you want to make this salad ahead of time, prep all ingredients except the avocados. Add those just before serving to keep them fresh and green.
  • For added heat, consider tossing in some finely chopped jalapeño.
  • Rinse the black beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve their texture.

Serving Suggestions

This salad shines on its own but can also be served alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. If you're feeling adventurous, use it as a filling for tacos or a topping for nachos. It’s versatile enough to play well with a variety of dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned corn?
Yes, just be sure to drain it well before adding it to the salad.
How do I keep avocados from browning?
The lime juice in the dressing will help, but adding the avocados just before serving is your best bet.

Avocado and Black Bean Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large bowl. This will be your mixing headquarters. Add the black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Give them a gentle toss with your hands or a large spoon to get them acquainted.

Now, let's make the dressing. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until it’s all nicely combined and smooth.

Pour your freshly made dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss everything gently so that all the elements are well-coated with that lovely dressing.

Time for the stars of the show: the diced avocados. Add them to the salad and gently fold them in. Be careful here; you want those avocado pieces to stay intact.

Taste your salad and see if you need a bit more lime juice, salt, or pepper. Adjust accordingly to suit your palate.

If you can resist diving in immediately, let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, even on a busy weeknight.
  • Packed with wholesome, nutrient-rich ingredients.
  • Perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors.
  • Versatile enough to serve as a side dish or a light main course.

Ingredients

2 ripe avocados, diced
1 15oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels, fresh or thawed if frozen
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine.
4. Add the diced avocados and gently fold them into the salad to avoid mashing.
5. Adjust seasoning with more lime juice, salt, and pepper if desired.
6. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

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