Get ready for a taste explosion with this zesty Mango Black Bean Salad with avocado, herbs and a chili lime dressing. It's quick, easy, healthy and delicious!
When it comes to salads, the Black Bean Salad is a standout. Bursting with colors, textures, and flavors, it's a wholesome and satisfying dish that's as versatile as it is tasty.
Whether you're in need of a quick weeknight meal, a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, or a healthy lunch option, this salad has got you covered.
The heart of this dish lies in the rich, velvety black beans, which provide a hearty base for the medley of ingredients that follow. Cherry tomatoes offer a burst of freshness, avocado adds creaminess, red onion lends a touch of zing, and ripe mango brings a sweet, tropical twist.
All of this goodness is tied together with a zesty Chili Lime Dressing that infuses each bite with a tantalizing kick.
This Black Bean Salad isn't just about satisfying your taste buds; it's also a nutritional powerhouse. Packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats, it's a meal that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied.
Plus, it's a breeze to prepare, making it the perfect recipe for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Serve it on its own for a vegetarian meal, or enjoy as a side dish with Chicken Patties drizzled with Mexican Ranch Dip. Also great with Pork Carnitas or Quesabirria Tacos!
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Why You Should Make This Recipe
- Healthy Eating: Loaded with black beans, fresh veggies, and a citrusy dressing, this salad is a nutritious choice that's low in calories and high in fiber.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep work, this recipe is a go-to for busy days when you need a tasty meal on the table in no time.
- Versatile: Customize it with your favorite ingredients or adapt it to what's in your fridge-this salad is flexible and forgiving.
- Perfect for Sharing: It's a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, picnics, and barbecues, and it scales easily for larger gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- Black Beans: The star of the show, black beans bring protein and fiber to the dish. You can use canned or freshly cooked beans.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These add a burst of freshness and color. Feel free to use grape tomatoes if that's what you have on hand.
- Avocado: Creamy and buttery, avocado complements the beans beautifully. Make sure it's ripe!
- Red Onion: Adds a mild, crisp bite. If you're not a fan of raw onion, you can soak it in cold water for a milder flavor.
- Mango: This tropical fruit adds a sweet and juicy element, balancing the flavors perfectly.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro lends a burst of herbaceousness to the salad, but if you're not a fan, you can substitute parsley or leave it out.
For the Chili Lime Dressing:
- Olive Oil: Provides richness and a smooth texture to the dressing.
- Lime Juice and Zest: These bring a zesty, citrusy punch that brightens up the salad.
- Garlic: A small amount of minced garlic adds a delightful kick.
- Ground Cumin: This spice adds depth and warmth to the dressing.
- Chili Powder: Use it to adjust the heat level to your preference.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste.
See the recipe card for the full method and quantities.
Variations
Protein-Packed: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, scallops, or tofu for an extra protein boost.
Spicy Kick: Boost the heat by adding jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Nutty Crunch: Toss in some toasted pine nuts or almonds for extra texture.
Instructions
If you're wondering how to make this mango black bean salad recipe, don't worry, it's easy!
Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.
Prepare the black beans and set aside.
Make the chili lime dressing by whisking together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
In a large salad bowl, combine black beans, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, cilantro, and mango.
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat.
Serve immediately or refrigerate briefly to let flavors meld.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy it as a standalone meal for a light lunch or dinner.
- Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a heartier entrée. It's great with Old Bay Salmon.
- Serve it as a side dish at your next barbecue or potluck.
- Spoon it onto a bed of greens for a Black Bean Salad lettuce wrap.
Storage
This salad is best when enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Be sure to consume within a day or two for the best flavor and texture. Note that the avocado may brown over time, but it won't affect the taste.
Recipe Tips
- Customize to Your Taste: Don't be afraid to tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences. If you love heat, add more chili. If you're not a fan of cilantro, swap it for parsley.
- Don't Overmix: When tossing the salad, be gentle. Overmixing can cause the avocado to turn mushy.
- Prevent Avocado Browning: To keep the avocado from browning if you're making the salad ahead of time, squeeze some extra lime juice over it or store the avocado pit with the salad.
- Make It Ahead: While it's best fresh, you can prepare the components separately and assemble the salad just before serving to maintain optimal texture.
FAQ
Yes! I use drained canned black beans for this salad since they're so convenient. But it's cheaper to buy dried beans and cook them yourself. Be sure to let them cool completely.
Try sliced peaches, nectarines or other fruit. You can also omit the fruit entirely. Canned peaches in juice are great too.
📖 Recipe
Mango Black Bean Salad
Equipment
- Bowl
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups black beans canned and drained or freshly cooked
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 ripe avocado chopped
- ½ red onion finely diced
- 1 ripe mango chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Chili Lime Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of 1 limes
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder adjust to taste
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the chili lime dressing by whisking together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- In a large salad bowl, combine black beans, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, cilantro and mango.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate briefly to let flavors meld.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Dannii says
This salad had so much flavour and it was just vibrant. It went really well with tacos.
Kim says
I really love this side dish! It's velvety and tangy, just how I like it. It goes so well with grilled chicken.
Chelsea says
The combo of mangos and black beans wass so unique and it's one I wouldn't have thought of. I loved this and will definitely be making it again soon!
Holley says
I can seriously eat this salad everyday for lunch! In fact, I've had it everyday this week lol. LOOOOVE this salad recipe!!
Beth says
This salad was absolutely amazing. Scooped it up with tortilla chips! Yummo!