Avocado Black Bean Fiesta Salad

$- 2 ripe avocados, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, thoroughly rinsed and drained - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved for sweetness - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced for crunch - 1 small red onion, finely chopped for flavor - 1 cup corn kernels (can be fresh, frozen, or canned) - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped for freshness - Juice of 2 limes for tanginess - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil for richness - 1 teaspoon ground cumin to add depth - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder for a hint of spice - Salt and pepper to taste for seasoning You can swap the avocados for diced mango if you want a sweeter taste. If you do not have black beans, use pinto beans instead. For a lighter flavor, try using lime zest instead of juice. You can also change the bell pepper color to yellow or green. If you prefer, use green onions instead of red onion for a milder flavor. Each serving of this salad contains about 250 calories. You get around 12 grams of protein and 15 grams of healthy fats. The salad is also high in fiber, with about 10 grams per serving. It is a great source of vitamins A and C, thanks to the bell pepper and tomatoes. Plus, it offers minerals like iron and potassium from the black beans and avocados. Enjoy this salad knowing it is not just tasty but also good for you! {{ingredient_image_2}} To make this salad, start by gathering your ingredients. You will need ripe avocados, black beans, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, corn, and fresh cilantro. You will also need lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. This salad is simple and quick, taking only about 15 minutes to prepare. In a large mixing bowl, carefully add the diced avocados. Next, add the rinsed black beans, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, and corn. Mix all these ingredients gently. Be careful not to mash the avocados. Once combined, fold in the finely chopped red onion and the cilantro. This adds color and flavor to your salad. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, and chili powder. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for taste. Whisk until everything blends well. This dressing will boost the flavors in your salad. Once the dressing is ready, drizzle it over the salad mixture. Use a gentle folding motion to mix it all together. Taste the salad and add more salt or pepper if you like. Serve your salad right away for the best flavor and freshness. To keep avocados fresh, store them properly. Place a whole avocado in the fridge. This slows down ripening. Once you cut it, keep the pit in. This helps reduce browning. Brush the cut surface with lime juice. Lime juice slows oxidation. Wrap the avocado tightly in plastic wrap. This limits air exposure. Enjoy your avocado in a day or two for the best taste. Serve the avocado black bean salad chilled. It tastes best fresh. Use a large bowl for sharing. For individual portions, use small bowls. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges. This adds color and freshness. You can also add tortilla chips for crunch. They make a great side or topping. Pair this salad with grilled chicken or fish. The flavors blend well together. You can also serve it as a side dish. It goes well with tacos or burritos. For a light meal, add quinoa or brown rice. This makes it heartier. Enjoy the salad with a refreshing drink, like iced tea or lemonade. These drinks complement the salad's flavors beautifully. Pro Tips Choose Ripe Avocados: Select avocados that are slightly soft to the touch but not overly mushy for the best texture in your salad. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients, especially the corn and cilantro, to enhance flavor and nutrition. Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder to your taste; for a milder salad, use less, or for more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Serve Immediately: For the best taste and presentation, serve the salad right after preparing to maintain the freshness of the ingredients. {{image_4}} To spice things up, add fresh jalapeños. Dice one or two, depending on your taste. You can mix them in with the other ingredients. This adds a nice kick to the salad. Another option is to use hot sauce in the dressing. Just a few drops can elevate the heat. Enjoy this version if you like it hot! For a fruity twist, add ripe mango. Dice one mango and mix it in. The sweet and juicy mango pairs well with the creamy avocado. It adds a tropical flavor that brightens the salad. You can also add a splash of orange juice to the dressing for more zest. If you want a low-carb option, swap out the corn for zucchini noodles. Use a spiralizer to create noodles from fresh zucchini. This keeps the salad light and fresh. Mix the zucchini noodles with all other ingredients. You’ll get all the flavors without the carbs. Enjoy this healthy twist without missing out on taste! To keep your avocado black bean salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors intact. If you have leftover salad, try to eat it within two days. The avocado can brown over time, so it’s best to consume it quickly. When prepping, chop ingredients and store them separately. Keep the dressing in a small jar. Combine everything just before serving. This way, the salad stays fresh and tasty. You can prep veggies like bell peppers and onions a day ahead. This makes meal prep easier and quicker. I do not recommend freezing this salad. The texture of the avocado and other veggies will change once frozen. If you want to save some time, you can freeze the black beans and corn. Just thaw them before making your salad. This keeps your meal prep smooth and simple. To ripen avocados, place them in a brown paper bag. The bag traps ethylene gas, which speeds up ripening. Add an apple or banana for faster results. Check the avocados daily. They should feel soft but not mushy when ready. Yes, you can make this salad ahead. However, I recommend adding the avocado just before serving. This keeps the avocado fresh and green. If you make it early, store it in the fridge. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap to limit air exposure. The salad will last about 1 to 2 days in the fridge. After that, the avocado may turn brown. If you see browning, you can scrape it off. The other ingredients should stay fresh for a bit longer. Always check for taste and texture before eating. This blog post covered all you need for making a tasty avocado black bean salad. You learned about the ingredients, how to prepare them, and smart storage tips. I shared easy ways to keep avocados fresh and offered fun salad variations. Remember, this dish is flexible, so make it your own! Enjoy your salad now and save some for later. Whether you keep it simple or add your twist, this salad will always be a hit. Happy cooking!$

Avocado Black Bean Fiesta Salad

A vibrant and refreshing salad featuring avocados, black beans, and a zesty lime dressing.

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

2 whole ripe avocados, diced into bite-sized pieces
1 can black beans, thoroughly rinsed and drained (15 oz)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
0.25 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
2 whole limes, juiced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
0.5 teaspoon chili powder
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine the diced avocados, rinsed black beans, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, and corn. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed without mashing the avocados.
Next, fold in the finely chopped red onion and freshly chopped cilantro to the mixture, adding color and zest.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well blended.
Drizzle the freshly made dressing over the salad mixture. Using a gentle folding motion, toss everything together to combine, taking care to keep the avocados intact.
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if desired. To enjoy the freshest flavors, serve immediately.

Notes

For an attractive display, serve in a large bowl or individual dishes, garnished with cilantro and lime wedges.

Keyword avocado, black beans, healthy, salad, vegetarian