Black bean salad

Black bean salad

15 min
Prepare a tasty black bean salad for a quick lunch or as the star of your next Mexican-themed dinner party. This recipe combines crisp cucumbers, sweet pineapple, and juicy cherry tomatoes with black beans. Topped with crunchy peanuts, cheeky mango and chilli-infused white cheese, and fresh coriander, this colourful salad is ideal when you want to impress without any stress!
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Instructions

  • Mix all the ingredients together and arrange on a big platter.
  • Distribute peanuts, white cheese, and coriander on top. Serve right away!
Enjoy!

FAQ: Questions about black bean salad

Find out how to make the black bean salad perfect with our answers to the most common questions.

Can I make black bean salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare our black bean salad ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh, and enjoy it within 4 days for the best taste. If the salad needs refreshing after storage, you can add some lime juice to revive it.
Can I use different types of beans for this salad?
Absolutely! You can switch out the black beans for other options like kidney beans or pinto beans in your salad. Kidney beans add a bit of a chewier bite, while pinto beans make the salad creamier. Try different types to see which one you like the best.
How should I store leftover black bean salad?
Keep your black bean salad tasting fresh by storing it in the fridge in a tightly sealed container. This will help keep the flavours nice and crisp. Ideally, eat it within 4 days to get the best taste. Do not forget to give it a good mix before you dig in, as the ingredients can settle or separate a bit while it is chilling.

Ingredients

Cucumbers, seeds scooped out and cut into half-moon pieces
250 g
Pineapples, cut into small pieces (grilled if preferred)
250 g
Cherry tomatoes, halved
250 g
Red onion, thinly sliced
1
Cooked black beans
250 g
Lime fruit, juice and zest
1
Salt
1 tsp
Freshly cracked black pepper
Topping
Peanuts, coarsely chopped
50 g
Apetina® Original White Cheese In Brine with mango & chilli
100 g
Fresh ground coriander
1 handful
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Tips: Make the tastiest black bean salad

Learn the secrets to making an outstanding black bean salad that will wow your guests. This section will give you some easy tips that will improve your salad, from choosing the freshest ingredients to preparing the best topping.

Pick the right pineapple

Look for a pineapple with golden-brown skin – the deeper the colour, the sweeter and riper it is. A ripe pineapple will have a sweet, fruity smell at the base. Steer clear of any with green patches since that means they are not fully ripe. Also, watch out for any soft spots or too much browning, as these could indicate it is overripe. Lastly, a good sign that a pineapple is ready to eat is if the leaves pull out easily from the crown.

Grill your pineapple

To give your black bean salad a delicious upgrade, try grilling the pineapple before adding it. Grilling caramelises the natural sugars in the pineapple, making it even sweeter with a hint of smokiness. This not only deepens the taste but also introduces a lovely contrast in texture. Once the pineapple is nicely charred, let it cool, chop it up, and toss it into your salad for that extra special twist.

Toast the peanuts

Toasting the peanuts brings out their rich, nutty flavour and adds a satisfying crunch to the salad. Simply toast them in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally until they are golden. It is a simple trick that makes a big difference, turning ordinary peanuts into a truly delicious salad topping.

Easy and fresh black bean salad

Our fresh black bean salad is packed with the best veggies, fruits, and extras to give you a salad full of wonderful flavours. It is loaded with black beans, crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and sweet, ripe pineapples. But we do not stop there – it is topped with some creamy white cheese and crunchy peanuts for the perfect finish. Plus, it is super easy to make in just 15 minutes!

For more salad ideas, have a look at our recipes for a gorgeous kale chickpea salad, quinoa avocado salad with blueberries, and a courgette pasta salad.

With crisp cucumbers, sweet pineapples, juicy cherry tomatoes, and zesty lime

Black beans provide a hearty foundation for this salad, which we have jazzed up with some of our favourite fresh and sweet flavours. Crisp cucumbers and juicy cherry tomatoes are the go-to ingredients for their simple, delicious taste and eye-catching colours. We have also thrown in chunks of tropical pineapple for a sweet, exciting twist. To finish it off, a squeeze and zest of lime adds a splash of citrusy freshness that really brings everything together.

Topped with crunchy peanuts and exotic white cheese

The toppings really make this black bean salad a hit at family dinners. Just toss in some crunchy peanuts and creamy white cheese with mango and chilli. The cheese has a gentle, spicy kick that really brings out the sweetness of the pineapple and the freshness of the veggies. For a herbaceous finish, the salad is garnished with a handful of fresh coriander, making it pleasing to the eye and palate.

A refreshing crowd-pleaser for many occasions

This black bean salad shines as both a main and side dish. It is a fantastic complement to grilled meats but also hearty enough to hold its own. Enjoy it as part of a Mexican-themed dinner with tortilla chips, stuffed into burritos and quesadillas, or sprinkled over cheese nachos. Its bold flavours are a great match for these Mexican-inspired meals, adding a fresh and tangy taste. It also goes beautifully with savoury pulled chicken, tasty falafels, or just a dollop of creamy guacamole.

Personalise the recipe

This recipe offers numerous ways to personalise it. Spice things up by adding chilli flakes or a few slices of fresh jalapeños to the salad. The spicy elements will contrast nicely with the sweet pineapple, making each bite more exciting.

If you are not in the mood for pineapple, try substituting it with mango or grilled peaches. Both options lend a softer texture and a tropical sweetness that pairs well with the zesty lime. Grilling the fruit will introduce a deeper, caramelised flavour that enhances the overall richness of the salad.

There are many alternatives to crunchy peanuts. Consider tossing in a handful of toasted seeds, such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds. They provide a subtler crunch than peanuts.

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