Grilled Poblano and Black Bean Salad with Cilantro-Lime Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant vegetarian salad featuring smoky grilled poblano peppers, hearty black beans, and a zesty cilantro-lime dressing. This mexican-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes blends large poblano peppers, (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, halved cherry tomatoes into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Place 3 large poblano peppers directly on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes until skin is charred and blistered.
  2. Step 2: Transfer peppers to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap for 10 minutes to steam. Peel off charred skin, remove stems and seeds, then slice into 1/2-inch strips.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, and 1 diced avocado.
  4. Step 4: Whisk together 3 tbsp lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  5. Step 5: Add grilled poblano strips and 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro to the bean mixture, pour dressing over, and toss gently to coat. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Poblano and Black Bean Salad with Cilantro-Lime Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Poblano and Black Bean Salad with Cilantro-Lime Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Poblano and Black Bean Salad with Cilantro-Lime Dressing?

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 Grilled Poblano and Black Bean Salad with Cilantro-Lime Dressing 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 Grilled Poblano and Black Bean Salad with Cilantro-Lime Dressing vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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