Southwest Bean Salad
This Southwest bean salad is packed with chickpeas, black beans, pinto beans, corn, and fresh veggies tossed in a zesty lime cumin vinaigrette. A hearty, make-ahead vegetarian salad that’s perfect for meal prep.
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
For the salad
- 1 15-oz can chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 1 15-oz can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 15-oz can pinto beans drained and rinsed
- 1 ½ cups corn kernels fresh, frozen and thawed, or canned
- 1 large red bell pepper finely diced
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ cup red onion finely diced
- 1 medium jalapeño finely minced (seeds removed for less heat)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- ½ cup cotija cheese
For the Southwest vinaigrette
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice about 2 limes
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas, black beans, and pinto beans very well. Shake off excess water and add them to a large bowl. Add the corn, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Toss to combine.
- Make the vinaigrette. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, lime juice, honey (or agave), cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated. Add in the cotija and toss gently.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Taste again and adjust seasoning if needed. If adding avocado, wait and do it on an individual basis as you’re eating the salad. I do NOT suggest adding the avocado in if you’e making this for meal prep.
Notes
Storage Instructions
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Nutrition
Calories: 487kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 579mg | Potassium: 1025mg | Fiber: 20g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 1451IU | Vitamin C: 47mg | Calcium: 166mg | Iron: 6mg
