Zesty Texan Wild Rice and Black Bean Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant and hearty rice salad packed with black beans, corn, and a tangy lime-cilantro dressing inspired by Texas flavors. This latin american-inspired salads (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs long grain white rice, water, (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans 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 280 calories and feeds 6, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 6 Latin American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add 1 cup long grain white rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until rice is tender and water absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  2. Step 2: While the rice cooks, in a large bowl combine 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, 1 cup corn kernels, 1 diced medium red bell pepper, and 3 sliced green onions.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  4. Step 4: Add the cooked rice and dressing to the large bowl with vegetables and beans. Toss gently to combine.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lime juice if desired.
  6. Step 6: Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Zesty Texan Wild Rice and Black Bean Salad take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Zesty Texan Wild Rice and 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 long grain white rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zesty Texan Wild Rice and 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 Zesty Texan Wild Rice and Black Bean Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Zesty Texan Wild Rice and Black Bean 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.

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