Cuban Black Bean Salad Recipe
Refreshing, vibrant, and full of flavors, this Cuban Black Bean Salad is the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory. Tossed in a zesty Mojo Sauce, it’s a delightful treat that can be served as a light lunch, snack, or a side dish with any meal.
Recipe Details:
- Cuisine: Continental
- Course: Snack
- Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
- Prep Time: 0 minutes (use pre-cooked or canned beans)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Serves: 4-6 people
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Canned black beans (drained & rinsed) | 1 can (about 15 oz) |
| Tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes) | 2, diced |
| Red, yellow, and green bell peppers (capsicum) | 1 each, finely chopped |
| Red onion | 1, chopped |
| Sweet corn (steamed) | 1 cup |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh parsley leaves | A small bunch, finely chopped |
| Salt | To taste |
For the Mojo Sauce Dressing:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh orange juice | 3 tablespoons |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Orange zest (rind) | ½ teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | ½ teaspoon |
| Cumin powder (jeera) | 2 teaspoons |
| Black pepper powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by gathering all the ingredients for the salad. If you prefer, you can substitute black beans with Rajma (red kidney beans), which you can cook in advance. Once you have all your ingredients, proceed to the next steps. -
-
Make the Mojo Sauce:
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh orange juice, minced garlic, orange zest, dried oregano, cumin powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until the dressing becomes smooth and well combined. -
Prepare the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, add the drained black beans, diced tomatoes, finely chopped bell peppers, chopped red onion, and steamed sweet corn. Add the dried oregano, finely chopped parsley, and season with salt to taste. Toss everything together to combine all the ingredients evenly. -
Combine with Mojo Sauce:
Pour the prepared Mojo Sauce over the salad and toss gently to ensure that the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or black pepper as desired. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Cuban Black Bean Salad immediately, or chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for the flavors to meld together. This salad pairs wonderfully with a warm bowl of soup and crusty bread for a light dinner. You can also pack it into your lunch box for a refreshing and protein-packed meal.
Serving Suggestions:
- This Cuban Black Bean Salad is a versatile dish. Serve it on its own, or pair it with grilled meats, sandwiches, or tacos for a more complete meal.
- For an added twist, top the salad with some crumbled feta cheese or avocado slices for extra creaminess and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
The combination of fresh, crunchy vegetables with the richness of the black beans creates a satisfying texture in every bite. The Mojo Sauce, with its mix of citrusy orange juice, fragrant garlic, and aromatic spices, elevates this simple salad to something truly special. Plus, it’s packed with protein, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a vegetarian dish that still delivers on nutrition.
Enjoy this easy-to-make, refreshing Cuban Black Bean Salad as a delightful snack or side dish for any occasion!
