Half-Measure Avocado and Black Bean Salad
A refreshing salad combining creamy avocado and black beans with a zesty half lime, half lemon dressing for a bright, nutritious side or light meal. This mexican-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs large, diced ripe avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion 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 220 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
- 1 large, diced ripe avocado
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed canned black beans
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, gently combine 1 large diced ripe avocado, 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3: Pour the citrus dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients without mashing the avocado.
- Step 4: Let the salad rest for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Measure Avocado and Black Bean Salad take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 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 Half-Measure 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 large, diced ripe avocado from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Measure 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 Half-Measure 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.
What goes well with Half-Measure Avocado and Black Bean Salad?
Mexican salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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