Citrus-Dressed Avocado and Black Bean Salad
A refreshing, nutrient-packed salad featuring creamy avocado, protein-rich black beans, and a zesty lime-cilantro dressing. This latin american-inspired salads (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 10 minutes pairs ripe avocados, black beans, cherry tomatoes into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 260 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 medium, diced ripe avocados
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, finely diced red onion
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 diced ripe avocados, 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well blended and slightly emulsified.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat all components evenly without mashing the avocado. Serve immediately for a fresh, creamy salad with a citrus kick.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Dressed Avocado and Black Bean Salad take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Citrus-Dressed Avocado and Black Bean Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ripe avocados from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Dressed Avocado and Black Bean Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Citrus-Dressed Avocado and Black Bean Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Citrus-Dressed Avocado and Black Bean Salad vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Made it for a potluck and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★★
This is my new go-to salad! So fresh and healthy, and the avocado and black beans pair perfectly.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty and refreshing, but the citrus dressing was a bit too tart for my family. Next time I'll add a touch of honey.
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