Black Bean Mango Salad

As the seasons change, our taste buds start craving fresher, lighter, and more colorful meals. Whether you’re looking to invigorate your lunch routine, searching for the perfect side dish for a barbecue, or simply want to add more fruits and vegetables to your diet, this Black Bean Mango Salad recipe is a brilliant choice. Not only is it visually appealing with its vibrant colors, but it also offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that are sure to please any palate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

• 3 cups diced mango (about 2 large or 3 medium mangoes)
• 1 cup diced cucumber (1/2 English cucumber or 2 Persian cucumbers)
• 1/2 cup diced red onion (about 1/2 medium onion)
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper (about 1/2 pepper)
• 2 tablespoons seeded and finely diced jalapeno (1 large jalapeno or 2 serrano peppers)
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 3 cups thinly sliced red cabbage (or Napa cabbage)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (leaves and light green stems)
• 1 can (14 oz) cooked black beans, rinsed and drained, or 1 and 1/2 to 2 cups cooked beans

For the Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (1 large lime)
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt or pink salt, or 1/8 teaspoon regular salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne (optional – for a milder version, skip)
• 1/2 teaspoon agave syrup or maple syrup (or honey for non-vegan)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Directions to Delight

1. Prep Your Veggies and Mango: For uniform pieces that blend well in every bite, use a vegetable chopper for the mango and cucumber. Halve the tomatoes with a knife, thinly slice the cabbage, and finely chop the cilantro.
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the diced mango, cucumber, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeno, cherry tomatoes, red cabbage, cilantro, and black beans.
3. Whisk Together the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk lime juice, salt, black pepper, cayenne (if using), sweetener of your choice, and olive oil until the dressing is emulsified.
4. Dress and Toss: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure every ingredient is lightly coated. For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad until ready to serve.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 6 | Kcal: 166

A Symphony of Flavors and Textures

This Black Bean Mango Salad is more than just a dish; it’s a harmonious blend of sweet and savory, crunchy and soft, fresh and fulfilling. The mango provides a sweet, juicy contrast to the creamy black beans, while the crunch of red cabbage and cucumbers adds a satisfying texture. The dressing, with its zesty lime and hint of spice, brings all the flavors together in a delightful symphony.

Perfect Pairings

This salad is versatile enough to stand alone as a hearty lunch or can be served alongside grilled meats or seafood for a balanced dinner. It’s also a great choice for picnics and potlucks, as it can be made ahead of time and is easily transportable.

Nutritional Benefits

Not only is this salad bursting with flavor, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Mangoes are a great source of vitamins C and A, while black beans provide fiber and protein. The variety of vegetables adds vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making this dish a healthy choice for any meal.

Closing Thoughts

Embrace the flavors of fresh produce with this Black Bean Mango Salad. It’s a testament to the beauty of combining simple ingredients to create something truly extraordinary. Perfect for any occasion, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. So, grab your chopping board, and let’s bring this vibrant dish to life!

Print