Print

The Ultimate Guide to Mexican Dense Bean Salad

Mexican Dense Bean Salad
Print Recipe

A hearty, colorful bean salad loaded with three types of beans, crisp vegetables, avocado, and a zesty lime-cumin dressing. Perfect for potlucks, meal prep, or as a nutrient-dense side dish!

  • Author: ranime
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 0 mins
  • Total Time: 15 mins (+ chilling)
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad/Side Dish
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Mexican/Southwestern

Ingredients

Scale
  • Beans:
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed/drained
  • 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed/drained
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed/drained
  • Vegetables:
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen/thawed, or roasted)
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded/minced (optional)
  • 1 avocado, diced (add before serving)
  • Dressing:
  • 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Herbs & Garnish:
  • 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup cotija cheese (optional)
  • Tortilla chips or strips (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Combine beans: In a large bowl, gently mix all rinsed beans.
  2. Add veggies: Stir in bell pepper, tomatoes, onion, corn, and jalapeño.
  3. Make dressing: Whisk lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  4. Toss: Pour dressing over salad and mix gently. Fold in avocado and cilantro just before serving.
  5. Chill: Refrigerate 1+ hour to let flavors meld (optional but recommended).
  6. Serve sprinkled with cotija cheese and tortilla chips on the side.

Notes

  • Meal prep: Store undressed salad (without avocado) up to 4 days
  • Vegan option: Omit cheese or use nutritional yeast
  • Spice control: Remove jalapeño seeds/membranes for mild heat
  • Extra protein: Add 1 cup cooked quinoa or diced chicken
  • Storage: Keeps refrigerated 3 days (avocado may brown)

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesfood.org/mexican-dense-bean-salad-bean-salad/