Name: Vibrant Black Bean and Mango Salad a Happy Accident
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced; 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional); 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe

Welcome back to our little corner of the internet! Today, I want to share a recipe that feels like a little burst of sunshine. You know, sometimes life gets going so fast, and you need something quick and fresh. Something that makes you feel good just looking at it. This vibrant black bean and mango salad with cilantro lime dressing is exactly that kind of dish.

It reminds me of those easy summer meals we’d throw together after a long day playing outside. My grandmother always said the best food didn’t need to be complicated, just full of flavor and made with a little love. That’s the heart of what we do here at 911Recipes – sharing simple, delicious food that fits into your busy life.

This salad is so easy, you won’t believe it. Just a few simple ingredients come together to make something truly special. It’s refreshing, satisfying, and just plain happy food.

Why You’ll Love This Vibrant Black Bean and Mango Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing

This salad is seriously a winner for so many reasons! Here’s why I think you’ll fall in love with it:

It’s super quick to make, perfect for busy days.
The flavors are bright and totally refreshing.
It’s packed with good-for-you ingredients.
It works as a side, a dip, or even a light meal.
The colors are just beautiful!

Simple Ingredients for a Vibrant Black Bean and Mango Salad

You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe. Just grab these simple things from the store:

1 can (15 ounces) black beans, make sure they’re rinsed and drained well
1 ripe mango, peel it and cut it into small pieces
1/2 cup of red onion, finely chopped up
1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, seed it and mince it really tiny (only if you like a little heat!)
2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon of good olive oil
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/8 teaspoon of black pepper

Equipment Needed for Your Vibrant Black Bean and Mango Salad

You probably have everything you need right in your kitchen drawers. Here’s the short list:

A big bowl for mixing
A smaller bowl for the dressing
A whisk or a fork
A knife and cutting board

How to Make Vibrant Black Bean and Mango Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing

Making this salad is so straightforward, it’s almost silly! It comes together in just a few easy steps. You’ll be enjoying this vibrant black bean and mango salad in no time at all. It’s perfect for when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss. Let me walk you through it.

Preparing the Vibrant Black Bean and Mango Salad Base

First things first, grab your big mixing bowl. This is where all the magic starts! Add your rinsed and drained black beans. Then, carefully add the diced mango. Toss in your finely chopped red onion and the fresh cilantro you just chopped. If you’re feeling brave and like a little kick, add the minced jalapeño too. Give it all a gentle stir just to get acquainted.

Whisking the Zesty Cilantro Lime Dressing

Now, let’s make that amazing dressing. Get your small bowl ready. Pour in the fresh lime juice. Add the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grab your whisk or a fork and whisk it all together really well. You want it to look nicely combined. This simple dressing brings everything together beautifully.

Combining and Serving Your Vibrant Black Bean and Mango Salad

Pour that zesty cilantro lime dressing right over the salad ingredients in the big bowl. Now, toss everything gently. You want to make sure everything gets coated with that yummy dressing. You can serve it right away if you’re hungry! Or, pop it in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This helps the flavors really hang out and get to know each other. Trust me, a little chill time makes a difference.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Vibrant Black Bean and Mango Salad

I always find it helpful to know a bit more about the ingredients and what you can swap out. For the black beans, make sure they are really well drained after rinsing. Extra water can make your salad watery. If you don’t have fresh mango, sometimes you can find frozen diced mango in the freezer aisle; just let it thaw first. Not a fan of spice? Easily leave out the jalapeño. You can also swap some of the black beans for canned corn for a bit of sweetness and a different texture. It’s your vibrant black bean and mango salad, so make it your own!

Tips for Success with Vibrant Black Bean and Mango Salad

Getting this vibrant black bean and mango salad just right is simple with a couple of tricks. Firstly, make sure your mango is ripe but still a little firm. Mushy mango isn’t ideal. Don’t over-mix the salad once the dressing is added; a gentle toss is all you need. The longer it chills, the better the flavors taste, so if you have time, let it sit for 30 minutes or even an hour. Taste the dressing before adding it and adjust the salt or lime if needed.

Serving Suggestions for Vibrant Black Bean and Mango Salad

This vibrant black bean and mango salad is so versatile! It’s fantastic as a simple side dish for grilled chicken or fish. I love scooping it up with tortilla chips – it makes a great dip! You can also use it as a fresh topping for tacos or burrito bowls. It really brightens up any plate.

Storing and Reheating Vibrant Black Bean and Mango Salad

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop any extra vibrant black bean and mango salad into an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold, so no need to reheat it. It usually stays good for about 2-3 days. The flavors might even get better as they sit!

Frequently Asked Questions About Vibrant Black Bean and Mango Salad

I get asked a few things about this salad, so I thought I’d share the answers here. It helps make sure your vibrant black bean and mango salad turns out perfect!

Can I Make Vibrant Black Bean and Mango Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes, you totally can! It’s actually best if you make it at least 15-30 minutes ahead of time. This lets the flavors really blend together. It’s great for meal prep too.

Is Vibrant Black Bean and Mango Salad Spicy?

The spice level depends on if you add the jalapeño and how much you use. If you leave it out, it’s not spicy at all. For a little kick, add the minced jalapeño. You can add more or less to your taste.

What Other Ingredients Can I Add to Vibrant Black Bean and Mango Salad?

You can get creative! Try adding diced avocado for creaminess, some cooked corn for extra sweetness, or even some bell peppers for crunch. A little red cabbage can add beautiful color too.

Estimated Nutritional Information

I know some of you like to keep track of the nutritional side of things. Based on the ingredients, here’s an estimated look at what’s in one serving (about 1/4 of the recipe). Please remember this is just an estimate, as things like the size of your mango or exact measurements can vary.

Each serving has roughly 150 calories, about 4g of fat, 5g of protein, and 26g of carbohydrates. It also gives you a good amount of fiber!

Share Your Vibrant Black Bean and Mango Salad Experience

I just love hearing about your kitchen adventures! If you make this vibrant black bean and mango salad, please come back and tell me how you liked it. Did you make any fun changes? Leave a comment below! You can also rate the recipe. And if you share a photo on social media, tag us so I can see your beautiful salad!