Ham and Black Bean Salad

Ham and Black Bean Salad Recipe: A Flavorful and Nutritious Meal

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Ham and Black Bean Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, this salad is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional bean salads, incorporating ham for added protein and flavor. The combination of black beans, rice, and fresh vegetables creates a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

3 cups of cooked rice, cooled to room temperature
2 cups of canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1 medium red onion, chopped
1 cup of cubed jicama (cut into 0.13 inch cubes)
0.5 cup of sliced black olives
0.5 cup of diced red pepper
0.5 cup of diced green pepper
0.25 cup of olive oil, divided
0.75 cup (4 oz (113 g)) of cubed cooked ham
3 tbsp of red wine vinegar
1 clove of garlic, minced
0.5 tsp of ground cumin
0.5 tsp of chili powder
0.5 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of ground black pepper

How to prepare

Combine rice, beans, onion, jicama, and pepper in a large bowl; set aside.
Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add ham; cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
Add the ham to the rice mixture.
Combine the remaining 3 tbsp of oil, vinegar, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small jar with a lid.
Shake well to blend the dressing.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad.

Variations

Add diced avocado for a creamy texture.
Substitute quinoa for the rice for a gluten-free option.
Use different beans, such as kidney beans or chickpeas, for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse and drain the black beans before adding them to the salad to remove excess sodium.

- For added flavor, try grilling the peppers before adding them to the salad.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served on its own as a light meal or paired with grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial dish. It also makes a great side dish for barbecues or picnics.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the rice according to package instructions and allow it to cool before adding it to the salad.

- Saute the ham in a skillet to enhance its flavor before adding it to the salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have jicama, you can substitute with diced cucumber or celery.

- Feel free to use any color of bell pepper in place of the red and green peppers.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to add the dressing right before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the salad in a large bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also goes well with a light beer or sparkling water with a splash of citrus.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for 1-2 minutes or enjoy it cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Ham and Black Bean Salad contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Carbohydrates

This salad is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy to fuel your day. The rice and black beans in this dish are both rich in complex carbohydrates, which are digested slowly to help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Fats

The olive oil in this salad provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. The olives and ham also contribute small amounts of healthy fats to this dish.

Proteins

The ham and black beans in this salad are excellent sources of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. Protein also helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied after a meal.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the peppers, vitamin A from the red pepper, and potassium from the black beans. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens, making it suitable for most dietary restrictions. However, be sure to check the labels on your ingredients to ensure they are safe for your specific needs.

Summary

Overall, this Ham and Black Bean Salad is a well-balanced and nutritious dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a healthy and delicious option for any meal.

Summary

This Ham and Black Bean Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. Packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Ham and Black Bean Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha's house for a little luncheon. As we sat down to eat, she brought out a beautiful bowl filled with a vibrant mix of black beans, diced ham, tomatoes, and avocados. The colors alone were enough to make my mouth water, and when I took my first bite, I knew I had to ask her for the recipe.

Martha smiled as I sang the praises of her delicious salad and gladly shared the recipe with me. She explained that she had learned how to make it from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to add this new dish to my repertoire, and I couldn't wait to try it out for myself.

I rushed home that day, eager to recreate Martha's Ham and Black Bean Salad in my own kitchen. I gathered all the necessary ingredients – a can of black beans, a juicy ripe tomato, a ripe avocado, and of course, some thick slices of ham. I chopped and diced with care, following Martha's instructions to the letter.

As the salad came together, I couldn't help but marvel at how simple yet flavorful it was. The combination of the smoky ham with the creamy avocado and the tangy black beans was a match made in heaven. I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen.

Over the years, I have made Martha's Ham and Black Bean Salad countless times, each time tweaking the recipe ever so slightly to suit my own tastes. Sometimes I add a little extra lime juice for a zesty kick, or throw in some fresh cilantro for a burst of herbal flavor. No matter how I choose to customize it, the salad never fails to impress.

As I continued to make and share Martha's recipe, I found that it became a beloved dish among my family and friends. It was always a hit at potlucks and gatherings, with people eagerly asking for the recipe after just one bite. I felt a sense of pride knowing that I was able to pass on this delicious recipe to others, just as Martha had done for me.

One day, while visiting my own granddaughter, I decided to teach her how to make Martha's famous Ham and Black Bean Salad. As she stood by my side, carefully chopping the ingredients and mixing them together, I couldn't help but reflect on the journey this recipe had taken me on.

I thought back to that warm summer day at Martha's house, where I first tasted the salad that would become a staple in my kitchen. I remembered the joy and excitement I felt as I recreated the dish for the first time, and the satisfaction of knowing that I had mastered a new recipe.

As my granddaughter took her first bite of the salad, her face lit up with delight. I knew then that the tradition of Martha's Ham and Black Bean Salad would continue for generations to come, with each new cook adding their own personal touch to the beloved recipe.

And so, as I sit here writing this story, I am filled with gratitude for the wonderful gift of cooking and sharing recipes. It is a gift that has brought me so much joy and connection throughout the years, and one that I will continue to cherish for as long as I am able.

So to Martha, wherever you may be, thank you for sharing your delicious recipe with me. And to my dear granddaughter, may you continue to cook and share with love and generosity, just as I have done before you. And may the tradition of Martha's Ham and Black Bean Salad live on for many more years to come.