Imagine the sunniest day, where every color seems just a bit brighter—this is the vibe of our Flavorful Fiesta Bean Salad. It’s like a party on a plate, bringing together the crunch of fresh veggies and the zing of lime, all while making you feel like you’re in a cozy cantina. Oh, and did I mention how perfect it is for those unexpected potlucks or just a lazy afternoon snack?
Steps
- In a large mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, freshly squeezed lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, ground cumin, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. Stir the ingredients together until they are well incorporated to form the dressing.
- Add rinsed and drained black beans, chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, and chopped cilantro to the bowl with the dressing. Mix all these ingredients thoroughly until they are evenly coated with the vinaigrette.
- Just before serving, gently fold in the diced avocado to the salad mixture. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 medium avocado, diced
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1340 kcal | Carbohydrates: 188 g | Protein: 56 g | Fat: 46 g | Saturated Fat: 8 g | Sodium: 1926 mg | Fiber: 62 g | Sugar: 2 g
FAQ
- Can I prepare Fiesta Bean Salad in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare Fiesta Bean Salad ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It’s best to add the avocado just before serving to maintain its freshness.
- What can I use instead of cilantro in the salad?
- If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can omit it from the recipe. Alternatively, you can substitute it with fresh parsley for a different flavor profile.
- How can I change up the beans used in this salad?
- You can substitute black beans or chickpeas with other options like white beans, pink peas, or black-eyed peas to suit your taste preferences or to use what you have on hand.
- What are some suitable pairings for Fiesta Bean Salad?
- Fiesta Bean Salad is versatile and pairs well as a side dish with grilled steak, tacos, shrimp, or chicken. It’s also a great option for a light lunch on its own.
- Is it possible to add more ingredients to this salad?
- Yes, you can enhance the salad by adding ingredients like corn, especially charred summer corn for a smoky flavor, to complement the existing ingredients.
Tips
- For best results, mix in the avocado just before serving to prevent it from browning and maintain its freshness.
- If you’re not a fan of cilantro, feel free to leave it out or substitute it with parsley for a different flavor profile.
- To enhance the salad’s texture and taste, consider adding charred summer corn for a sweet and smoky element.
- The salad can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl – for combining the ingredients.
- Citrus Juicer – to efficiently extract juice from fresh limes.
- Salad Spinner – to thoroughly dry ingredients like cilantro if you wash them.
- Garlic Press – for mincing garlic easily.
- Chef’s Knife – for chopping and dicing vegetables.
- Cutting Board – for preparing the vegetables.
- Airtight Containers – for storing the salad if you’re preparing it ahead of time.
