Mexican-Inspired Salad Recipe With Black Beans and Avocado

This salad draws inspiration from Mexican cuisine through its key ingredients and flavors. The use of black beans, a staple in Mexican cooking, adds a hearty protein element. Avocado, known for its prominence in Mexican dishes like guacamole, brings a creamy texture and healthy fats to the mix.

Additionally, the salad might incorporate ingredients commonly found in Mexican cuisine, such as cilantro, lime, corn, and maybe even some spicy elements like chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (I’ve shared an alternative down below – just in case you can’t get it from where you are!), chopped. These flavors and ingredients evoke the vibrant, zesty essence often associated with Mexican food.

Combining these elements creates a salad that mirrors the flavors and textures found in Mexican cuisine, making it a Mexican-inspired dish.

Mexican Inspired Salad Recipe With Black Beans and Avocado, travel inspired, #travelandhome, Mexican cuisine min

What you need and how to make a black beans and avo Salad

This easy recipe makes around 8 servings and can be prepared in about 15 minutes once all the ingredients are ready to go.

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons canola oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1½ cups corn
  • 1 mango, diced
  • 1 (425 gm or 15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed
  • ½ cup chopped red onion
  • ½ cup diced bell pepper
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, chopped
  • 1½ tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Warm oil in a spacious non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Toss in garlic and cook, stirring, until it releases its fragrance, roughly 30 seconds.
  • Add corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown, about 8 minutes.
  • Move the corn mix to a big bowl.
  • Mix in the rest of the ingredients and it’s ready to serve.

Substitute chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, chopped with this:

The adobo sauce surrounding chipotle peppers contributes significantly to the unique flavor of our Mexican-inspired salad recipe with black beans and avocado. To replicate this element along with the smokiness and heat, here’s a substitute:

Smoked Paprika with Tomato Paste: Mix smoked paprika with a bit of tomato paste. This combination can replicate some aspects of the smoky, slightly tangy flavor of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. The paste will help achieve a bit of the sauciness that’s present in adobo sauce.

Combine a small amount of smoked paprika with a bit of tomato paste to create a paste-like consistency. Adjust the quantities to match the flavor intensity and texture you desire in your salad dressing or marinade.

While it might not perfectly replicate the chipotle in adobo sauce, this mixture can provide a similar smoky and slightly tangy profile to your dish. Adjust the proportions to suit your taste preferences.

Where to get chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

You can typically find chipotle peppers in adobo sauce in the international or Hispanic foods section of most grocery stores. Here are a few places where you might find them:

  • International Foods Aisle: Many stores have a section dedicated to international or Latin American foods. Look for canned goods or Mexican ingredients; chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are usually in small cans or jars.

  • Hispanic Foods Section: Some stores have a specific aisle or section dedicated to Hispanic or Mexican ingredients. You’re likely to find chipotle peppers in adobo sauce alongside other Mexican staples like salsas, spices, and canned goods.

  • Canned Foods Aisle: In some stores, these peppers might be located in the canned goods aisle, possibly near other Mexican ingredients or alongside other canned peppers and sauces.

Look for small cans or jars labeled “Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce.” They’re often recognizable by their distinctive packaging and should contain whole or chopped chipotle peppers immersed in a reddish-brown, tangy, and slightly smoky adobo sauce.

Indulge in a Burst of Mexico

This Mexican-inspired salad bursts with lively flavors—avocado, hearty black beans, and a mix of vibrant ingredients. It’s a speedy recipe, perfect for a flavorful meal. Each bite is a fiesta of taste and freshness, bringing the essence of Mexican cuisine right to your table. Enjoy this dish at gatherings or for a tasty solo treat. It’s a delicious journey through Mexico’s diverse flavors in every bowl!