Cilantro Lime Black Bean Salad with Butter Beans

This fresh black bean salad with butter beans is a zesty mix of creamy beans, crunchy veggies, and cilantro lime dressing. It's one of my favorite easy salad recipes-perfect as a side, light lunch, or as a scoopable snack with tortilla chips.

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It's a must-make.

This Mexican black bean salad is a bright, crunchy side that checks all the healthy boxes:

• Full of fiber and plant-based protein from the black beans and butter beans
• Naturally gluten free and made with real ingredients
• Easy to meal prep for quick lunches or weekday dinners
• Pairs perfectly with tortilla chips for a fresh and filling snack

I love finding new ways to use canned black beans, and this one makes them the star.

Let's talk texture and flavor.

This black bean salad with butter beans is all about contrast. The black beans and butter beans bring a creamy, hearty bite, while the diced bell peppers and sweet onion add crisp texture and a touch of sweetness. Lime juice brightens it all up, and the cumin lends a cozy, earthy warmth. Fresh cilantro ties everything together with a citrusy finish that makes each bite pop.

What you'll need.

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Here's what you're going to need to make this black bean salad with butter beans:

• Beans: You'll need one can of black beans and one can of butter beans (or any white bean), both drained and rinsed. They create the perfect creamy and hearty base.
• Vegetables: A small sweet onion and one cup of sweet red bell pepper bring crisp texture and a pop of color. You can use red, yellow, or orange bell peppers depending on what you have.
• Optional Veggie Add-in: Add ½ to 1 cup of thawed frozen sweet corn, fresh corn, or canned corn if you want a little extra crunch and sweetness.
• Seasonings: Kosher salt, ground black pepper, and ground cumin give this salad warmth and balance. Start with the lower end of cumin and adjust to taste.
• Dressing: Fresh lime juice (start with half and add more if needed) and two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil pull everything together with a tangy and smooth finish.
• Herbs: Chopped cilantro adds a bright, fresh element that plays well with the lime and cumin.
• Garnish: This one doesn't need much, but you can always top it with a sprig of cilantro or a few avocado slices for presentation.

Customize it your way.

This butter bean salad recipe is made to be flexible. Want to mix it up? Try one of the following:

• Turn it into a black bean and corn salad by swapping the butter beans for corn kernels (thawed frozen, fresh, or canned corn)
• Cherry tomatoes for juicy sweetness
• Sweet yellow onion or red onion may be used
• Diced avocado would add a wonderful creaminess
• Cooked quinoa to make it more filling
• Substitute fresh lemon juice for lime juice
• Jalapeños or hot sauce if you like heat
• Swap in lima beans or garbanzo beans if you don't have butter beans
• Use colorful sweet peppers such as yellow, red, orange, or green peppers to play with color
• No cilantro? - Swap in chopped parsley or leave it out entirely

Flexible dietary swaps.

Here are some healthy alternatives for this black bean salad recipe:

• Oil-free - Skip the olive oil and use extra lime juice with a splash of water for the dressing
• Lower sodium - Choose no-salt-added beans and adjust the salt to taste
• Extra protein - Stir in cooked quinoa, add in edamame or chickpeas. Diced cooked chicken or shrimp can be added directly to the salad. Tip: you may need to increase the amount of dressing

How to make cilantro lime black and butter bean salad recipe.

Here's how it comes together-fast and easy:

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Mix

Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl and stir until combined. Chill and serve.

How to serve it.

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This black bean corn salad is endlessly versatile. Here are a few tasty ways to use it:

• Serve it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp
• Scoop it into tacos or burrito bowls
• Toss it over cooked quinoa or leafy greens
• Eat it with tortilla chips straight from the fridge

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