Go Back
vegetarian salad recipe

Black Bean Salad Recipe

This vibrant Black Bean Salad combines hearty black beans, sweetcorn, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, colourful peppers, red onion and fresh coriander with a zesty lime dressing. Quick, healthy and refreshing, it’s perfect for lunches, picnics, BBQs, meal prep and family gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Course Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6 People
Calories 265 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife
  • 1 Cutting Board -
  • 1 Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula:
  • 1 Small Mixing Bowl
  • Measuring Cups And Measuring Spoons:
  • 1 Citrus Juicer –
  • 1 Can Opener –

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans 400g each black beans, - drained and rinsed
  • 1½ cups sweet corn kernels
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes - halved
  • 1 large red bell pepper - diced
  • 1 large yellow bell pepper - diced
  • ½ medium red onion finely - diced
  • 2 large avocados - diced
  • ½ cup fresh coriander - chopped
  • 1 fresh jalapeño - finely chopped (optional)
  • Juice of 2 fresh limes
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil - extra virgin
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 garlic cloves - minced
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon chilli powder

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

  • Wash all the vegetables thoroughly under cold running water.
  • Dice the bell peppers into evenly sized pieces.
  • Slice the cherry tomatoes in half.
  • Finely dice the red onion.
  • Chop the fresh coriander.
  • If using jalapeño, remove the seeds for a milder flavour before chopping.

Step 2: Prepare the Beans

  • Drain the canned black beans.
  • Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water.
  • Allow the beans to drain well so excess water does not dilute the dressing.
  • Transfer the drained beans into a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients

  • Add the sweet corn.
  • Add the chopped bell peppers.
  • Add the cherry tomatoes.
  • Stir in the diced red onion.
  • Add the fresh coriander.
  • Gently fold everything together.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

  • In a small bowl, combine:
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Honey
  • Minced garlic
  • Ground cumin
  • Chilli powder
  • Sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Black Bean Salad

  • Pour the dressing evenly over the vegetables and beans.
  • Gently fold everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated.
  • Add the diced avocado last.
  • Carefully fold again to prevent the avocado from becoming mashed.

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

  • Cover the bowl with a lid or cling film.
  • Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes.
  • This resting time allows the dressing to infuse the ingredients, making the Black Bean Salad even more flavourful.
  • Taste before serving and adjust the seasoning with extra lime juice, salt or black pepper if needed.

Notes

  • 🫘 Rinse and Drain Well: Thoroughly drain and rinse the black beans to remove excess liquid and prevent the salad from becoming watery.
  • 🌽 Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn, ripe tomatoes, crisp peppers and fresh coriander will give the Black Bean Salad its best flavour, colour and texture.
  • 🍋 Fresh Lime Juice: Use freshly squeezed lime juice for a bright, zesty dressing that brings all the ingredients together.
  • 🥑 Add Avocado Last: Fold the avocado into the salad just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy or browning too quickly.
  • 🌿 Fresh Herbs: Add the chopped coriander just before serving for a vibrant burst of freshness.
  • 🌶️ Adjust the Heat: Add more or less jalapeño or chilli powder depending on your preferred level of spiciness.
  • 🥣 Let The Flavours Blend: Refrigerate the Black Bean Salad for 20–30 minutes before serving to allow the dressing to infuse the beans and vegetables.
  • 🧂 Taste Before Serving: Check the seasoning after chilling and adjust the lime juice, salt, black pepper or chilli according to your preference.
  • ❄️ Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the freshest texture, store the avocado separately when possible.
  • 🌱 Make It Vegan: Replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a completely vegan version.
  • 🍚 Make It A Complete Meal: Serve the Black Bean Salad with rice, quinoa, couscous, grilled chicken, fish or tortilla chips for a more substantial meal.
  • 💚 Customise Freely: Feel free to add cucumber, mango, pineapple, feta cheese or extra fresh vegetables to create your own delicious variation.
Keyword Black Bean Salad