Simple Mexican Black Bean and Roasted Poblano Salad
A vibrant salad featuring smoky roasted poblano peppers, black beans, fresh tomatoes, and a zesty lime dressing for a refreshing side or light meal. This mexican-inspired salads (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs large poblano peppers, 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 210 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 large poblano peppers
- 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 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
Instructions
- Step 1: Roast 2 large poblano peppers directly over a gas burner flame or under a broiler, turning occasionally, until the skin is charred and blistered, about 8-10 minutes. Place in a bowl covered with plastic wrap for 10 minutes to steam.
- Step 2: Peel off the charred skin from the poblanos, remove seeds, and dice into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the diced roasted poblano peppers, 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 fresh cilantro.
- Step 4: 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 emulsified.
- Step 5: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Chill for 15 minutes before serving for flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simple Mexican Black Bean and Roasted Poblano Salad take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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 Simple Mexican Black Bean and Roasted Poblano 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 poblano peppers from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Simple Mexican Black Bean and Roasted Poblano 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 Simple Mexican Black Bean and Roasted Poblano 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 Simple Mexican Black Bean and Roasted Poblano Salad vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.