Description
Mexican bean salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish packed with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. This colorful salad combines beans, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing, making it perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick and healthy meal. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and a true crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen corn kernels, thawed
- 1 red onion, diced
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ cup red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 2 tablespoons white sugar (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (or to taste)
- 1 dash hot pepper sauce (or to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Rinse and drain the canned beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
- Chop the bell peppers and red onion into small, even pieces.
- Thaw the frozen corn by running it under warm water or letting it sit at room temperature.
- Combine the Salad Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the black beans, kidney beans, cannellini beans, chopped bell peppers, corn, and red onion.
- Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, cilantro, lime juice, lemon juice, and crushed garlic.
- Add sugar, salt, cumin, black pepper, chili powder, and hot pepper sauce. Whisk until the dressing is fully emulsified.
- Toss and Chill:
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat all the ingredients.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the salad cold as a side dish, dip, or topping. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lime juice and cilantro enhance the flavor of the salad.
- Chill for Best Results: Refrigerating the salad allows the flavors to fully develop.
- Adjust to Taste: Add more or less chili powder, sugar, or hot sauce to suit your preferences.
- Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired