Zesty Ina Garten’s Black Bean Salad Recipe for Summer Bites

Summers heat calls for a refreshing black bean salad that Ina Garten crafted with vibrant, zesty ingredients.

Mediterranean flavors dance through each colorful bite.

Fresh herbs and crisp vegetables create a delightful texture contrast.

The recipe bursts with bold, tangy notes that awaken your palate.

Lime juice and cumin add a robust kick to this simple yet elegant dish.

Packed with protein and nutrients, this salad serves as a perfect side or light meal.

You’ll love how quickly this recipe comes together, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Instructions to Toss a Zesty Black Bean Bowl

• Garlic Base

Create a smooth garlic foundation by crushing garlic with salt into a rich, fragrant mixture.

• Zesty Liquid Blend

Combine tangy lime juice with garlic paste, adding a splash of heat from chili powder to create a vibrant dressing.

• Oil Infusion

Slowly incorporate olive oil into the liquid mixture, allowing the flavors to meld and develop a silky consistency.

• Vegetable Sizzle

Heat corn, bell peppers, and onions in a skillet until they caramelize and develop golden edges, then introduce black beans to warm through.

• Final Composition

Generously coat the warm vegetables with the prepared dressing, then gently fold in fresh tomatoes, creamy avocado chunks, and bright cilantro leaves for a colorful, texture-rich salad.

Spice or Citrus Additions You Can Try

• Char the corn, bell peppers, and onions for deeper, smokier notes that elevate the salad's overall taste profile.
• Adjust chili powder quantity or swap with fresh jalapeños, serranos, or chipotle peppers to match your preferred spice tolerance.
• Prepare the dressing and chopped vegetables separately, storing them in airtight containers, then combine just before serving to maintain crisp textures and prevent sogginess.
• Enhance the salad's nutritional value by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or crumbled queso fresco for a more substantial meal that satisfies hunger and adds complexity.
• Experiment with different beans like pinto or kidney beans, replace cilantro with fresh parsley, or introduce roasted corn kernels for varied textures and exciting flavor combinations.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 6

Black Bean Salad the Ina Way – Ingredients First

• Garlic: Provides sharp, aromatic foundation that amplifies overall flavor complexity.
• Salt: Enhances and balances taste profile, drawing out deeper notes in the salad.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright, zesty acidity that cuts through richness and lifts other ingredients.
• Chili Powder: Introduces subtle warmth and depth with a gentle spicy undertone.
• Olive Oil: Creates smooth, silky texture and carries flavor throughout the dish.

• Corn: Sweet kernel that adds delightful crunch and golden color when caramelized.
• Bell Pepper: Brings vibrant color and crisp texture with mild, sweet undertones.
• Onions: Provides savory base note and develops rich, caramelized flavor when sautéed.

• Black Beans: Hearty protein source with creamy texture and earthy flavor profile.
• Tomatoes: Juicy element that introduces fresh, bright accent to the salad.
• Avocado: Creamy, luxurious ingredient that adds buttery richness.
• Cilantro: Herbaceous garnish with fresh, citrusy notes that elevates entire dish.

Bowls & Strainers You’ll Need on Hand

• Chef's knife: Sharp blade for precise chopping of vegetables.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for preparing ingredients safely.
• Large skillet: Essential for sautéing corn, bell pepper, and onions.
• Whisk: Perfect for creating smooth, well-blended dressing.
• Mixing bowl: Needed for combining dressing ingredients and tossing salad.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir and cook vegetables evenly.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and oil quantities.

Serve as a Side or Protein-Packed Main

• Spice Up Your Plate: Serve this vibrant black bean salad as a zesty side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish for a protein-packed meal that bursts with flavor.
• Create a Fiesta Bowl: Transform the salad into a hearty lunch by spooning it over warm rice or quinoa, topped with a dollop of sour cream and extra cilantro.
• Wrap and Roll: Use the salad as a delicious filling for soft tortillas, creating fresh and colorful Mexican-inspired wraps that are perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner.
• Crunchy Dip Delight: Pair the salad with crispy tortilla chips as a fresh and exciting appetizer that will impress guests at your next gathering.

Store Covered to Keep Beans from Drying Out

• Refrigerate with Care: Store this vibrant salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avocado might brown slightly, but the flavors will continue to meld beautifully.
• Quick Ingredient Prep: Chop vegetables and mix dressing in advance to save time. Keep ingredients separate until just before serving to maintain maximum crispness and prevent soggy textures.
• Customize Meal Portions: Easily scale this recipe up or down depending on the number of people. Works perfectly as a side dish or light lunch, with potential to add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
• Smart Serving Suggestions: Enjoy chilled or at room temperature. Pack for picnics, potlucks, or quick work lunches. Serve over mixed greens or with tortilla chips for added crunch and variety.

Vibrant Black Bean Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Black bean salad from Ina Garten blends Mexican-inspired flavors with fresh ingredients. Home cooks will savor this zesty side dish that brings complex textures and bold seasonings to summer gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup fresh corn kernels (from about 2 ears)
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 orange bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small hass avocado, halved, seeded and diced
• ½ small red onion, finely chopped (about ¼ cup)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) lime juice (from 1 ½ limes)
• 1 small clove garlic
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, leaves and stems
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Garlic Preparation: Create an aromatic paste by crushing garlic with kosher salt using the flat side of a chef’s knife until a coarse mixture forms.
2. Dressing Creation: Whisk garlic paste with lime juice, salt, and chili powder in a medium bowl, gradually streaming in olive oil while continuously blending to create a smooth emulsion.
3. Vegetable Sautéing: Heat skillet over medium-high heat, caramelize bell peppers and onions until edges turn golden brown, developing rich, deep flavors.
4. Bean Integration: Add rinsed black beans to the skillet, gently warming through without scorching, allowing ingredients to meld together harmoniously.
5. Flavor Infusion: Remove vegetable-bean mixture from heat, let cool briefly, then drizzle with prepared lime-garlic dressing, tossing gently to ensure complete coating.
6. Final Assembly: Delicately fold in ripe tomatoes, creamy avocado, and fresh cilantro leaves, maintaining ingredient integrity while distributing flavors evenly.
7. Seasoning Refinement: Taste and adjust with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice to balance and enhance the salad’s overall flavor profile, then serve at ambient temperature.

Notes

• Maximize Garlic Flavor: Crushing garlic with salt helps release essential oils and create a more intense, smooth flavor profile for the dressing.
• Emulsify with Precision: Whisking olive oil slowly into lime juice creates a stable, creamy dressing that coats ingredients evenly and prevents separation.
• Caramelize Vegetables Carefully: Sautéing bell peppers and onions at medium-high heat develops rich, sweet undertones that enhance the salad’s overall depth.
• Serve at Optimal Temperature: Allowing the salad to rest at room temperature allows flavors to meld and develop, creating a more harmonious and delicious dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 9 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg