15 Minute Mexican Bean Salad Recipe

This 15 Minute Mexican Bean Salad is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a healthy side. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant flavors, making it a satisfying and nutritious option.

Ingredients

Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need to create this 15 Minute Mexican Bean Salad:

• Low Sodium Black Beans: Rinsed and drained thoroughly. These beans provide a rich, earthy flavor and a soft, creamy texture.
• Low Sodium Red Kidney Beans: Rinsed and drained thoroughly. These beans add a vibrant red color and a slightly firmer texture.
• Low Sodium Navy, Cannellini, Great Northern Beans, or Black-Eyed Peas: Rinsed and drained thoroughly. Choose one of these options to add variety and complexity to the bean mixture.
• Corn: Fresh corn kernels cut off the cob or frozen corn thawed. The sweetness of the corn complements the savory beans and adds a pleasant pop of color.
• Bell Pepper: Any color (green, red, yellow, or orange), chopped into small, uniform pieces. Bell peppers add a crisp texture and a slightly sweet flavor.
• Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes halved, or larger tomatoes diced. Tomatoes add juiciness and a touch of acidity.
• Cilantro: Finely chopped. Cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a distinctive flavor.
• Red Onion: Finely chopped. Red onion adds a mild pungency and a hint of sweetness.

For the Dressing:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Provides a rich, fruity base for the dressing.
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed. Lime juice adds a bright, citrusy tang that balances the richness of the oil and the sweetness of the vegetables.
• Garlic Clove: Grated using a microplane or finely minced. Garlic adds a pungent, savory depth to the dressing.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar. A small amount of sugar balances the acidity of the lime juice and enhances the overall flavor of the dressing.
• Ground Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy, and slightly smoky flavor.
• Frank’s Red Hot Sauce: Or any similar hot sauce. Adds a spicy kick. Adjust the amount to your preference.
• Chili Powder: Adds a mild, warm spice and a subtle smoky note.
• Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, grated or minced garlic clove, sugar, ground cumin, Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, chili powder, and salt. Whisk vigorously with a fork or small whisk until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the dressing is emulsified. Set aside.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the rinsed and drained black beans, red kidney beans, your chosen third bean (navy, cannellini, great Northern, or black-eyed peas), corn kernels, chopped bell pepper, tomatoes, finely chopped cilantro, and finely chopped red onion.

Step 3: Dress and Serve

Give the dressing a final whisk to ensure it is well combined, then pour it over the salad ingredients. Gently toss the salad with a large spoon or spatula until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled meats, poultry, or fish.
• Taco Filling: Use as a flavorful filling for tacos or burritos.
• Salad Topping: Top a green salad for added protein and flavor.
• Appetizer: Serve with tortilla chips for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Refrigerate leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Make Ahead:

Prepare the salad ingredients (beans, vegetables, herbs) and store them separately from the dressing. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Prepare the dressing and store it separately. Combine the salad ingredients and dressing just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen corn?

Yes, canned corn works well. Drain and rinse it before adding it to the salad.

Can I make the salad spicier?

Yes, add more Frank’s Red Hot Sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, you can add diced avocado, jalapeños, or cucumbers for extra flavor and texture.

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

While lime juice is recommended, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute.

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