Spiced Mango-Chili Black Bean Salad with Lime Dressing
A vibrant, protein-packed salad featuring sweet mango, earthy black beans, and a zesty lime-chili dressing that's perfect for summer lunches. This mexican-inspired salads (vegetarian, low carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs black beans, mango, red bell pepper 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 380 calories and feeds 2, 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 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans
- 1 cup diced mango
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 lime
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 medium, diced avocado
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp cumin
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together juice from 1 lime, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/4 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 2: Combine 1 can (15 oz) drained black beans, 1 cup diced mango, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, and 1/4 cup sliced red onion in a large bowl. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat.
- Step 3: Fold in 1/2 diced avocado and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, being careful not to mash the avocado. Chill for 15 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more lime juice or chili powder if desired. Serve chilled as a side or over greens for a complete meal.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Mango-Chili Black Bean Salad with Lime Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (20 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 Spiced Mango-Chili Black Bean Salad with Lime Dressing?
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 black beans from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Mango-Chili Black Bean Salad with 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 Spiced Mango-Chili Black Bean Salad with Lime Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Spiced Mango-Chili Black Bean Salad with Lime Dressing vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
