Avocado and Black Bean Salsa

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 8

If you're looking for a fresh, vibrant, and absolutely satisfying salsa, you've found it. This Avocado and Black Bean Salsa is not only bursting with flavor, but it's also packed with wholesome ingredients that make it perfect for any gathering or a simple snack.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare in under 15 minutes.
  • Loaded with nutritious ingredients like avocados and black beans.
  • Perfect balance of creaminess, acidity, and spice.
  • Versatile: great with chips, on top of grilled meats, or as a salad.

Ingredients

2 ripe avocados, diced
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
2 tbsp lime juice
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Ingredients Explained

Let’s dive into what makes this salsa tick. First off, **avocados** bring that creamy texture we all love, providing healthy fats and a subtle, buttery flavor. **Black beans** add a hearty texture and are an excellent source of protein and fiber, making the salsa more filling. The **cherry tomatoes** offer a sweet and tangy burst of flavor, perfectly complementing the richness of the avocados. **Red onion** gives a sharp bite, balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes. **Cilantro** adds a fresh, herby note — a must for any salsa. A touch of **jalapeño** brings just the right amount of heat without overpowering the other flavors. Finally, **lime juice** ties everything together with its refreshing acidity, while a sprinkle of **salt** and **black pepper** enhances all the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Choose ripe avocados that give slightly when pressed but aren’t mushy.
  • If you’re sensitive to heat, start with half a jalapeño and adjust to taste.
  • Prepare this salsa just before serving to keep the avocado fresh and vibrant.

Detailed Instructions

Start with your avocados. Slice them in half, remove the pit, and then dice them into small, bite-sized pieces. Toss them into a large mixing bowl. Next, open your can of black beans, give them a good rinse under cold water to remove excess sodium, and let them drain well before adding them to the bowl with the avocados.

Take your cherry tomatoes and quarter them. They should be roughly the same size as your diced avocados for a well-combined salsa. Add these to the bowl. Now, finely chop the red onion — you want these pieces small enough so they don’t overpower each bite.

Chop a generous handful of fresh cilantro. Don't worry about being too precise; just give it a good rough chop and add it to the mix. If you like a bit of heat, carefully seed and mince a jalapeño, then include it in the salsa. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.

Drizzle the lime juice over the ingredients. This not only adds flavor but also helps prevent the avocados from browning too quickly. Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper, and give everything a gentle toss. Be careful not to mash the avocados; you want to keep those lovely chunks intact. Now, have a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Simplified Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced avocados, black beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.
2. Drizzle the lime juice over the ingredients and season with salt and black pepper.
3. Gently toss the mixture until all ingredients are well combined.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
5. Serve immediately with whole-grain tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled chicken skewers.

Serving Suggestions

This salsa is a delightful match for whole-grain tortilla chips, offering a healthy yet indulgent snack. It also shines as a topping for grilled chicken skewers or fish tacos, adding a fresh, zesty contrast. For a light meal, serve it over a bed of greens for a refreshing salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salsa ahead of time?
It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients a few hours in advance. Mix everything together just before serving.
What if I don’t have fresh lime juice?
Bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch, but fresh is always best for flavor.

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