Black Bean & Avocado Salad

When it’s blazing hot outside, the last thing anyone wants to do is turn on the stove or oven. Enter this Mexican inspired Black Bean and Avocado Salad. It requires absolutely zero cooking, comes together in less than ten minutes, and is packed with creamy avocado and a tangy lime dressing. Very similar to our lentil and corn chopped salad, but even quicker to come together. Consider this your new go-to side dish for pool days, barbecues, or lazy summer weeknights.

Ingredients For Black Bean & Avocado Salad:

Black Beans- The star of the show are definitely the black beans, as we’re getting our protein in this recipe from these delicious legumes. They’re the main substance of the salad, and they’re what’s really going to help keep us full.

Red Bell Pepper- Giving the salad a nice pop of color, and bit of a crunch, we’ve got the red bell pepper. Green or yellow bell pepper will work too, but red is a bit sweeter and that really adds a lot to the mix.

Red Onion- Adding more color, we go for the red onion. Yellow and white onion will work too, but keep in mind that red onion actually offers slightly more antioxidants and nutrients, so when you can, try to use the red ones!

Avocado- Adding some good fat to the recipe to help keep us full throughout the day. The avocado also adds some color and texture to the salad.

Lime Juice- For our dressing, we use lime juice to give a zing and brighten all the flavors. Be generous with your lime juice, the more the better! It will also help conserve your vegetables if you plan on keeping your leftover salad in the fridge for tomorrow.

Chili Powder & Cumin- A little burst of flavor with some of these Mexican inspired spices. Keep in mind the more chili powder you add, the more likely your salad will have a bit of a kick to it. If spicy food is not your thing, you can just keep the chili powder to a minimum.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Black Beans (cooked)
• 1 Red Bell Pepper (chopped)
• 1/4 cup Red Onion (chopped)
• 1 Avocado (diced)
• 1/4 cup Lime Juice
• 1/4 tsp Chili Powder
• 1/4 tsp Cumin
• 1/8 tsp Sea Salt

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl combine the black beans, pepper, onion and avocado.
2. Add the lime juice, chili powder, cumin, and salt to a mason jar. Seal with a lid and shake until combined. Pour dressing over the black bean mixture and stir until evenly coated.
3. Serve chilled and enjoy.

Notes:

• Leftovers- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.
• Serving Size- One serving is approximately 1 cup.
• More Flavor- Add cilantro, tomato, corn or hot sauce.
• No Black Beans- Use cooked lentils or chickpeas instead.

Health Insights:

• Dietary Fiber- The black beans and avocado in this recipe are excellent sources of dietary fiber. Fiber is essential for a healthy digestive system, can help to control blood sugar levels, and may assist in maintaining a healthy weight by promoting feelings of fullness.
• Vitamins and Minerals- This recipe is packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals. The red bell pepper is a great source of Vitamin C, while the black beans provide iron and magnesium. The avocado contributes healthy fats and Vitamin K. These nutrients support various bodily functions including immune health, energy production, and bone health.
• Heart Health- The monounsaturated fats from the avocado, along with the low sodium content and high fiber from the black beans, make this recipe heart-friendly. These components can help to lower bad cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, and decrease the risk of heart disease.