Black Bean and Mango Salad-creamy easy, healthy
Introduction
It’s finally summer, and the markets are bountiful with fresh veggies and loads of juicy fresh fruit. It’s the perfect time to make a delicious summer salad.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!And in the spirit of avoiding the hot stove, this black bean mango salad is the perfect lunch idea.
Looking for a vibrant, refreshing dish that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful? This Black Bean and Mango Salad with Lime Dressing is a must-try.
Bursting with color and texture, it combines sweet, juicy mangoes with hearty black beans, crisp veggies, and a tangy lime dressing that ties it all together beautifully.
Whether you’re prepping for a summer picnic, a light lunch, or a flavorful side dish, this recipe delivers a satisfying, nutrient-packed option that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
Let’s dive into a salad that’s sunshine in a bowl!
And more specifically, fresh Mexican flavors. I can eat Mexican food every single day.
This delightful, simple salad combines the sweetness of mangoes, avocados’ creaminess, and black beans’ earthiness with the citrusy olive oil lime dressing for a mouth-watering flavor.
Perfect for a hot summer day, it’s not just tasty but also packed with nutrients.
Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish for a barbecue, or a nutritious snack, this salad fits the bill.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Fresh and flavorful: The combination of juicy mango, creamy avocado, and zesty lime dressing creates a vibrant, mouthwatering bite every time.
- Nutrient-packed: Loaded with fiber, plant-based protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants from whole food ingredients.
- Easy to make: Comes together quickly with simple, wholesome ingredients—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a light lunch, a side dish, or a topping for tacos, rice bowls, or leafy greens.
- Diet-friendly: Naturally gluten-free and easily made vegan by omitting the feta cheese.
- Perfect for summer: Refreshing, colorful, and ideal for picnics, BBQs, or any warm-weather meal.
Ingredients Needed
- Mangoes: Two ripe mangoes, peeled and diced. I prefer to use a ripe, fresh mango that is slightly firm but still juicy. Mangoes add a sweet and tangy flavor, along with a vibrant yellow color.
- Avocados: Two avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced. Avocados contribute a creamy texture and healthy fats.
- Black Beans: One can (15 oz) of black beans, drained and rinsed. Black beans provide protein and a hearty texture. Canned beans work great for this recipe, but of course, you can make them from scratch. I like to make a big batch of black beans and freeze them for recipes such as this.
- Cherry Tomatoes: One cup of halved cherry tomatoes. These add color and a juicy, tangy bite.
- Red Onion: Half a red onion, finely chopped. Red onion adds a sharp, zesty flavor.
- Cilantro: A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped. Cilantro brings a fresh, herbaceous taste.
- Bell Pepper: One bell pepper, diced. Bell peppers bring a crunchy texture and sweet flavor.
- Lemon juice: You can use lime juice. I used lemon juice because that’s what I had, but lime would be better. Freshly squeezed juice of two limes. Lime juice adds brightness and tang.
- 1 jalopeno pepper (optional)
For the Lime Dressing:
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice or lime jyice-(about 2-3 limes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make this black bean mango salad with avocado
- Prepare the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the black beans, diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, jalapeño (if using), and corn. Toss gently to combine.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, honey (or agave syrup), ground cumin, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. If using a jar, shake it until the ingredients are well combined.
- Combine Salad and Dressing:
- Pour the lime dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Serve:
- Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese if desired.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish to complement grilled meats, tacos, or as a topping for greens.
Tips:
- For added crunch, you can top the salad with a handful of crushed tortilla chips just before serving.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more lime juice, salt, or pepper as needed.
- If preparing in advance, add the avocado just before serving to prevent it from browning.
- Add mint to further brighten flavors.
- Add corn for added texture.
- You can also add some green onions for garnish alongside the cilantro.
Nutritional Benefits
Health Benefits of Mango
Mangoes are not just delicious; they’re also incredibly nutritious. Packed with vitamins A and C, they boost immunity and promote healthy skin.
Mangoes also contain antioxidants that help fight inflammation and support overall health.
For more detailed nutritional information about mangoes, check out Healthline’s article on mangoes.
Health Benefits of Avocado
Avocados are a powerhouse of nutrients. Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, they are great for heart health. They also provide fiber, which aids in digestion and helps keep you full longer.
The combination of vitamins and minerals in avocados, including vitamins E and K, offers numerous health benefits.
For more insights, see WebMD’s health benefits of avocados.
Health Benefits of Black Beans
Black beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, complex carbs, and fiber.
They help maintain gut health and stabilize blood sugar levels. Black beans also provide essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, and folate, making them an integral part of a balanced diet.
Read more about black beans’ nutritional profile on Healthline.
Serving Suggestions
As a Main Course
serve with a side of tortilla chips.
This salad makes a great side dish for many mains, such as grilled chicken or other grilled meats.
But it’s also perfect for a perfect summer lunch.
To make this salad a more filling meal, consider adding cooked quinoa, which complements the textures and flavors beautifully.
A side of crusty bread can also turn this salad into a satisfying main course.
As a Side Dish
This mango avocado black bean salad is a hit at BBQs, picnics, and family gatherings.
It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, adding a fresh and vibrant counterpoint to the smoky flavors of the grill.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Final words about this black bean and mango salad
The mango, avocado black bean salad is a refreshing, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy the bounty of summer produce.
Its nutritional benefits, coupled with its vibrant flavors and textures, make it a must-try recipe.
You can enjoy this salad as a light meal or as a supplement to your main course.
This salad is sure to be a hit.
Give it a try and and you may just find yourself making it on repeat this summer.
Other delicious recipes you may love:
Sweet and spicy pineapple habanero salsa
Easy and delicious spring salads
