Island-Style Sweet Plantain and Black Bean Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant salad combining caramelized sweet plantains with black beans, red onion, and a tangy lime dressing for a perfect side or light meal. This caribbean-inspired caribbean (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans, small, thinly sliced red onion, chopped fresh cilantro for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.6 (9 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add 2 large peeled and sliced ripe plantains (1/2-inch pieces) and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to make the dressing.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, 1/2 small thinly sliced red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro to the bowl with dressing. Toss gently to combine.
  4. Step 4: Fold in the warm caramelized plantain slices just before serving to maintain texture and enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors blending together.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Island-Style Sweet Plantain and Black Bean Salad take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Island-Style Sweet Plantain 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 chopped fresh cilantro from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Island-Style Sweet Plantain 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 Island-Style Sweet Plantain 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 Island-Style Sweet Plantain and Black Bean Salad 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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