Vibrant Fiesta Bean Salad

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Vibrant Fiesta Bean Salad with Cumin-Lime Vinaigrette

Bursting with flavor, nutrition, and color, this Fiesta Bean Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish perfect for lunch, as a side, or a light dinner. Packed with black beans, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and fresh cilantro, all tossed in a zesty cumin-lime vinaigrette — it’s a healthy recipe that comes together in just 10 minutes and keeps everyone coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy – Ready in 10 minutes with no cooking required!
  • Plant-Based & Protein-Packed – With over 14 grams of protein and 15 grams of fiber per serving.
  • Naturally Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free
  • Perfect Make-Ahead Salad – Just add the avocado before serving.

Ingredients

For the Dressing:

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1–2 limes)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

For the Salad:

  • 1 (15 oz / ~425g) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup finely minced red onion
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 medium ripe avocado, diced (add just before serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dressing
    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt until well combined.
  2. Assemble the Salad
    Add the black beans, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and chopped cilantro to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat all ingredients with the vinaigrette.
  3. Add the Avocado
    Just before serving, gently fold in the diced avocado to keep it fresh and vibrant. Taste and adjust salt or lime juice as needed.
  4. Serve and Enjoy
    Serve immediately as a side dish, light lunch, or on top of leafy greens for a hearty salad bowl.

Tips & Variations

  • Make It a Meal: Add cooked quinoa, grilled chicken breast, or roasted sweet potatoes for a more filling option.
  • Storage: This salad (without avocado) can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add avocado right before serving to avoid browning.
  • Extra Crunch: Toss in some corn kernels, diced bell peppers, or crushed tortilla chips for more texture.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

  • Serving Size: 1 generous cup
  • Calories: 335 kcal
  • Protein: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 47g
  • Fat: 11.5g
  • Fiber: 15.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Sodium: 481.5mg
  • Sugar: 0.5g

This fiesta of flavors is perfect for barbecues, meal prepping, or just a wholesome boost of plant-based energy. Let your readers know how it turned out by encouraging them to comment and share their twist on this vibrant salad!

 

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