Tropical Plantain and Black Bean Salad with Lime Vinaigrette

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-26 · Updated 2026-04-26

A vibrant salad combining sweet fried plantains, hearty black beans, and a zesty lime dressing to evoke Caribbean flavors. This Caribbean recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs vegetable oil, black beans, cooked and drained, red bell pepper, diced 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. 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 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced 1/2 inch thick
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups black beans, cooked and drained
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry 2 large peeled and 1/2-inch sliced plantains in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and caramelized. Drain on paper towels.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp honey, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
4. Step 4: Add the fried plantain slices to the bean mixture and pour the lime vinaigrette over everything. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
5. Step 5: Let salad sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld, then enjoy as a side or light main dish.