Black bean salad with chicken – Looking for a protein-rich, easy-to-prepare lunch or dinner? Black Bean Salad with Chicken meets all of the criteria. This colorful and nutrient-dense dinner combines the heartiness of black beans and chicken with a fresh assortment of vegetables and spicy spices. It’s not only tasty, but also high in important nutrients.
Why You Will Love This Dish – Black Bean Salad With Chicken
- Nutritious and balanced: Rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 30 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy days.
- Versatile: Can be served as either a main meal or a side.
- Meal Prep Friendly: It remains fresh for several days, making it great for meal preparation.
Ingredients
Regarding the salad:
- 1 cup cooked black beans, rinsed and drained (if canned).
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup of sweet corn (fresh, tinned, or frozen).
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 diced avocado (optional).
For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil.
- Two teaspoons of lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional to sweeten)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin.
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
- Add salt and black pepper to taste.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients.
If you’re not using pre-cooked chicken, grill, bake, or boil the breast until completely cooked. Let it cool before shredding or dicing.
Rinse and drain the black beans. Chop the veggies as directed.
Step 2: Prepare the dressing.
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, honey, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Step 3: Arrange your salad.
In a large mixing bowl, add the black beans, chicken, cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, red bell pepper, onion, and cilantro.
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure it is equally covered.
Step 4: Include the avocado (optional).
If you’re using avocado, delicately fold it into the salad to avoid mashing.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy!
Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. It is delicious on its own, with tortilla chips, over a bed of greens, or in a wrap.
Tips and Variations
- To add crunch, mix in roasted pumpkin seeds or crushed tortilla chips.
- To add a spicy kick, use diced jalapeño or chili flakes.
- Make it vegetarian by leaving out the chicken and adding additional black beans or grilled tofu.
- Refrigerate in an airtight jar for three days. If using avocado, add it just before serving to prevent browning.
Nutritional Benefits
This salad is a healthy choice for anybody looking to maintain a balanced diet. Black beans include fiber and plant-based protein, whereas chicken provides lean protein. The vibrant veggies provide critical vitamins and antioxidants, making this dish both nutritious and enjoyable.
Conclusion
Black Bean Salad with Chicken is more than simply a meal; it’s an expression of taste and wellness. This dish is perfect for any occasion and will undoubtedly become a family favorite. Try it today and get a blast of freshness in every bite!