No Queso Black Bean Salad
A vibrant, fresh salad featuring protein-rich black beans and corn, tossed in a zesty lime-cilantro dressing without cheese. This mexican-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs can, rinsed and drained black beans, corn kernels, finely diced 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 320 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
- 15 oz can, rinsed and drained black beans
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup, finely diced red onion
- 1, diced avocado
- 1/4 cup, chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine rinsed black beans, corn, diced red onion, and diced avocado in a large bowl.
- Step 2: Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
- Step 3: Pour dressing over bean mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
- Step 4: Fold in chopped cilantro and chill for 15 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No Queso 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 No Queso 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 corn kernels from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in No Queso 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 No Queso 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 No Queso 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My family loved the fresh flavors. I'll definitely make this again for dinner parties.
- ★★★★★
This salad is a game-changer! The black beans are perfectly seasoned and the no queso twist makes it refreshing.
- ★★★★☆
The salad is healthy and tasty, but I found the dressing a bit too sweet.
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