SouthWestern-Style Black Bean Salad

Southwestern-Style Black Bean Salad Recipe from Pakistan

Region / culture: Pakistan | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

This Southwestern-Style Black Bean Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue or as a side dish for any meal. Packed with protein and fiber, this salad is not only tasty but also good for you.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Southwestern cuisine, which is known for its bold flavors and use of fresh ingredients. Black beans, corn, and peppers are staple ingredients in Southwestern cooking, and this salad brings them all together in a delicious and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (8 oz / 227 g) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (8 oz / 227 g) whole kernel corn, drained
0.5 cup chopped green pepper
0.25 cup red onion
0.25 cup salad oil
0.25 cup vinegar
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp chili powder
0.25 tsp ground cumin
salt
1 clove garlic, minced
shredded salad leaves
tortilla chips (optional)

How to prepare

In a large mixing bowl, combine black beans, kidney beans, corn, green pepper, and onion.
For the dressing, combine oil, vinegar, lime juice, sugar, chili powder, cumin, salt, and garlic in a screw-top jar.
Cover the jar and shake well to mix the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the beans mixture and toss lightly to coat.
Cover the bowl and chill the salad for 4 to 24 hours, stirring occasionally.
To serve, line a salad bowl with salad leaves.
Serve the bean salad with tortilla chips (optional).

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or avocado for extra flavor and texture.
Swap out the black beans for pinto beans or chickpeas for a different twist.
Top the salad with crumbled feta or cotija cheese for a creamy finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse and drain the beans and corn thoroughly to remove any excess salt or liquid.

- For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeno pepper to the salad.

- Make sure to chill the salad for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is delicious on its own as a light meal, or it can be served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. It also pairs well with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream on top.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making this salad is to allow it to chill for at least 4 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and creates a more delicious and cohesive dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have red kidney beans, you can use black beans or pinto beans instead. You can also use frozen corn kernels instead of canned corn if you prefer.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this salad in a large bowl lined with fresh salad leaves for a beautiful presentation. You can also garnish the salad with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, such as chicken, steak, or shrimp. It also goes well with Mexican-inspired dishes like tacos or enchiladas.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This salad is best served cold, so there is no need to reheat it before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this salad contains approximately 200 calories. This makes it a light and healthy option for a meal or side dish.

Carbohydrates

This salad is a great source of carbohydrates, with each serving containing approximately 30 grams of carbs. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and are essential for overall health.

Fats

This salad is low in fat, with each serving containing only about 5 grams of fat. The majority of the fat comes from the salad oil used in the dressing, which adds flavor without adding too much fat.

Proteins

This salad is a good source of protein, with each serving containing approximately 8 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, making this salad a nutritious and satisfying meal option.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron. These nutrients are important for overall health and can help support a strong immune system and healthy bones.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens, making it a safe option for those with food allergies or sensitivities.

Summary

Overall, this Southwestern-Style Black Bean Salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, this salad is a healthy and satisfying option for a meal or side dish.

Summary

This Southwestern-Style Black Bean Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this salad is a healthy and satisfying option for a meal or side dish. Enjoy it on its own or as a side dish with your favorite grilled meats or Mexican-inspired dishes.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Southwestern-Style Black Bean Salad. It was back in the 1970s, when I was visiting a dear friend in New Mexico. We were having a cookout in her backyard, and she served this amazing salad that was bursting with flavor and freshness. I couldn't get enough of it, and I begged her for the recipe.

My friend, Maria, was kind enough to share the recipe with me, explaining that it was a traditional dish in her family that had been passed down through the generations. She told me that it was a staple at all of their family gatherings, and that it was always a big hit. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to learn how to make it myself, and I made sure to write down every detail so that I could recreate it at home.

The key to this salad, Maria told me, was the combination of flavors and textures. The black beans provided a hearty base, while the fresh vegetables added a burst of freshness and crunch. The dressing, made with lime juice, cilantro, and cumin, tied everything together perfectly. It was a simple recipe, but the results were truly amazing.

When I returned home from my trip, I couldn't wait to try making the Southwestern-Style Black Bean Salad for my own family. I gathered all of the ingredients and got to work in the kitchen, following Maria's instructions to the letter. As the salad came together, I could already tell that it was going to be a hit. The colors were vibrant, the aroma was enticing, and the taste was out of this world.

When I served the salad to my family that evening, they couldn't get enough of it. They raved about how delicious it was, and they asked me to make it again and again. I was happy to oblige, knowing that I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a beloved favorite in our household.

Over the years, I continued to make the Southwestern-Style Black Bean Salad for family gatherings, potlucks, and parties. It quickly became my signature dish, and I was always happy to share the recipe with anyone who asked. I loved seeing the looks of delight on people's faces when they tasted it for the first time, just as I had all those years ago.

As time went on, I added my own personal touches to the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes. Sometimes I would add a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat, or throw in some avocado for extra creaminess. No matter how I changed it up, the salad always turned out delicious, and I was proud to serve it to my friends and family.

Now, as I sit here reflecting on the journey that led me to this amazing recipe, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences and people that have shaped my culinary skills over the years. From Maria's generosity in sharing her family recipe with me, to the joy of cooking for my loved ones, each moment has been a treasure that I will always hold dear.

I may have learned how to make the Southwestern-Style Black Bean Salad from a friend, but it has truly become a part of me. It's a dish that brings people together, that creates memories, and that fills hearts and bellies with happiness. And for that, I will always be thankful.