Cuban Black Bean Salad Recipe
Welcome to a vibrant culinary experience with the Cuban Black Bean Salad, a dish that beautifully marries health and flavor while offering a delightful medley of textures. This refreshing salad, perfect for any occasion, is not only high in protein but also bursting with color and taste, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch or a flavorful side dish. The combination of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and zesty dressing creates a dish that is both nourishing and satisfying.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Canned black beans (drained & rinsed) | 1 can |
| Tomatoes (diced or cherry tomatoes) | 2 |
| Bell peppers (red, yellow, and green) | 1 (finely chopped) |
| Red onion | 1 (chopped) |
| Sweet corn (steamed) | 1 cup |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Parsley leaves | Small bunch |
| Salt | To taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh orange juice | 3 tablespoons |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Orange zest (rind) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin powder (jeera) | 2 teaspoons |
| Black pepper powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Total Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 26 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugars | 3 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Time (mins) |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 0 |
| Cook Time | 20 |
| Total Time | 20 |
Instructions
To embark on the delightful journey of creating the Cuban Black Bean Salad, start by gathering all your ingredients, ensuring everything is prepped and ready for assembly. If black beans are unavailable, consider substituting with Rajma (red kidney beans), which can be cooked ahead and used in this vibrant salad.
-
Make the Mojo Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, fresh orange juice, minced garlic, orange zest, dried oregano, cumin powder, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until they form a smooth and cohesive dressing.
-
Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the drained black beans, diced tomatoes, finely chopped bell peppers, chopped red onion, and steamed sweet corn. Toss everything together gently to ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed.
-
Dress the Salad: Pour the mojo sauce over the salad mixture and toss gently again, making sure that all the ingredients are well coated with the flavorful dressing.
-
Season to Taste: Check for salt and other seasonings, adjusting as necessary to match your preference. The goal is to have a balance of flavors that enhance each other.
-
Serve: This Cuban Black Bean Salad is best served immediately but can also be enjoyed chilled. Pair it with a warm bowl of soup and some crusty bread for a satisfying weeknight dinner, or pack it into your lunch box for a delicious workday meal.
Enjoy the freshness and nutrition packed in each bite, and share this delightful recipe with friends and family as you celebrate the simple joys of home-cooked meals. This salad is not just food; it’s an invitation to savor the vibrant flavors of Cuba right at your table.
