Texas Caviar (No-Cook Black Bean Salad)
A vibrant, protein-packed salad with black beans, corn, avocado, and a zesty lime-cilantro dressing — perfect for picnics or meal prep. This american-inspired salads (vegetarian, vegan) ready in about 15 minutes pairs (15 oz) black beans, corn kernels, medium diced avocado 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
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 medium diced avocado
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
Instructions
- Step 1: Drain and rinse 1 can black beans (15 oz) thoroughly in a colander, then transfer to a large bowl.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup corn kernels, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, and 1 medium diced avocado to the beans.
- Step 3: Whisk together 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin in a small bowl; pour over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Step 4: Fold in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Texas Caviar (No-Cook 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 Texas Caviar (No-Cook 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 (15 oz) black beans from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Texas Caviar (No-Cook 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 Texas Caviar (No-Cook 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 Texas Caviar (No-Cook Black Bean Salad) vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
