Zesty Avocado Three Bean Salad

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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If you're looking for a light, refreshing dish that packs a punch of flavor and color, this Zesty Avocado Three Bean Salad is your go-to. Perfect for a summer picnic or a quick weeknight dinner, it brings together fresh ingredients in a delightful, healthy harmony.

Ingredients for Zesty Avocado Three Bean Salad

Chickpeas add a nutty flavor and are an excellent source of protein. Black beans provide a creamy texture and pair well with the other beans. Fresh green beans offer a crisp bite and vibrant color. Avocado brings creaminess and healthy fats, while the red onion adds a sharp, tangy contrast. Cilantro lends a fresh, herbaceous note, complemented by a zesty lime juice dressing, balanced with olive oil and a touch of honey. The ground cumin adds warmth, and the seasoning with salt and black pepper ties everything together.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you like your salad with a bit more kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
  • For the best flavor, let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving — it allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Use ripe but firm avocados to ensure they hold their shape when mixed.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is a fantastic side dish to grilled chicken or fish. You can also scoop it onto a bed of lettuce for a light lunch, or serve it with warm pita bread for a Mediterranean twist. It’s perfect for potlucks or as a refreshing addition to any barbecue spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance. Just add the avocado right before serving to keep it fresh.
What can I substitute for cilantro?
If you're not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley or basil would work well as alternatives.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Fresh is best for this recipe, but if you only have frozen, just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.

Zesty Avocado Three Bean Salad Recipe Walkthrough

First, start by boiling a large pot of water. Once it’s bubbling away, toss in your trimmed green beans. Let them blanch for about 3 minutes to keep them tender-crisp. As soon as they're ready, drain them immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This method keeps them vibrant and crunchy.

While your green beans are cooling, whisk up your dressing. In a small bowl, combine lime juice, olive oil, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined. It's a simple yet flavorful dressing that complements the beans beautifully.

Now, grab a large mixing bowl and combine your chickpeas, black beans, cooled green beans, diced avocado, red onion, and chopped cilantro. This combination is colorful and enticing, making it as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the palate.

Pour your freshly whisked dressing over the bean mixture. Gently toss everything together to coat the beans and avocado without mashing them. You want to be gentle, especially with the avocado, to maintain its texture.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Vibrant flavors with a hint of lime and cumin.
  • Quick and easy to prepare — ready in under 30 minutes!
  • Healthy and satisfying with plant-based protein and fiber.
  • Perfect as a side dish or a light main course.

Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large avocado, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup lime juice
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the green beans for about 3 minutes until just tender-crisp. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine chickpeas, black beans, blanched green beans, avocado, red onion, and cilantro.
4. Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and gently toss to combine.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

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