Fresh Black Bean Tomato Avocado Salad: A Flavorful Guacamole-Inspired Delight!
Experience the vibrant flavors of this incredibly simple black bean tomato avocado salad, bursting with freshness. A delicious bonus: it tastes remarkably like your favorite guacamole, but in salad form!
Avocados, glorious avocados, taking center stage in my latest salad obsession! It’s a culinary celebration when these creamy green gems are the star of the show. And with the avocado emoji now a staple, expressing my love for this superfood has never been easier. From casual chats to meal planning, a well-placed avo-moji instantly brightens any message – and certainly, any plate!
This Black Bean Tomato Avocado Salad isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience. Prepare to be utterly captivated by its addictive taste. I confess, I’m one of those people who meticulously plans their meals in advance. In today’s digital age, with restaurant menus just a few clicks away, it’s effortless to decide what you’re craving. For instance, I already know what I’m having for lunch tomorrow – quinoa-stuffed avocados, here I come! But for a homemade, effortlessly delicious meal, this avocado-centric salad is truly unmatched.
Let’s dive right into why this particular black bean tomato avocado salad has stolen my heart. It’s so much more than just an avocado salad; it’s a revelation. For years, I found myself in a rut with lettuce-heavy salads, often feeling unsatisfied. Then, one day, I decided enough was enough. I relegated the head of romaine to the back of the fridge, embracing the philosophy of “out of sight, out of mind,” and created a salad with true substance. This salad boasts hearty ingredients like ripe tomatoes, creamy avocados, and protein-rich black beans, completely ditching the need for any leafy greens.
I confidently predict that you, too, will be indulging in this black bean tomato avocado salad for countless meals to come. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a culinary game-changer. I am presenting you with the ultimate gift: the irresistible flavor of guacamole, ingeniously transformed into a wholesome and satisfying salad that you can enjoy for lunch, dinner, or as a vibrant side dish. It’s truly an elevated take on a beloved classic.
For those who love a little crunch, serving this salad with tortilla chips is entirely optional, but highly recommended!
Tips for Enjoying Your Guacamole-Inspired Salad
If you opt for the irresistible salad-and-chips combo, here’s an insider’s tip: resist the urge to sit down with the entire bag of chips. This avocado salad is so utterly delicious, it can disappear before you know it, and you might find yourself having consumed a portion meant for several people! It’s that good, and you deserve to savor every bite responsibly.
Now, let’s discuss how to effortlessly create this tomato avocado salad that I could praise endlessly. The beauty of this recipe lies in its speed and simplicity. From start to finish, you’re looking at a mere 10-15 minutes of preparation time. The bulk of this time will be spent dicing your fresh ingredients – tomatoes, avocados, and red onions – and simply opening and rinsing a can of black beans. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a quick, healthy lunch.
The Perfect Simple Dressing
The dressing for this salad is a testament to the power of simplicity. It requires nothing more than equal parts fresh lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil, seasoned with a touch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. This light and zesty dressing perfectly complements the richness of the avocado and the freshness of the other vegetables. For an added layer of smoky depth and a subtle kick, I highly recommend a sprinkle of ancho or chipotle chili powder. If those aren’t readily available, a dash of cayenne pepper works just as beautifully to introduce that desired warmth and spice.
Elevate Your Meal: Serving Suggestions and Variations
And speaking of delicious additions, I recently had a brilliant vision for transforming this salad into a complete dinner sensation. Imagine grilling up some flavorful cilantro lime shrimp skewers and gently tossing them into this black bean tomato avocado salad just before serving. This not only adds a fantastic source of protein but also elevates the entire dish, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. You could also do the same with grilled chicken, pan-seared tofu, or even chickpeas for a vegan-friendly protein boost.
This feeling, this flavor, it’s all we need – avocados all summer long, and frankly, all year round! This salad is not just a seasonal treat; it’s a pantry staple waiting to happen. The combination of creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and earthy black beans creates a harmonious blend that’s both refreshing and filling.
Black Bean Tomato Avocado Salad
10 minutes
10 minutes
This super simple black bean tomato avocado salad is bursting with incredible flavor, making it a truly satisfying meal or side. The best part? It has all the delicious notes of fresh guacamole!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 3 large ripe avocados (or 4 small), firm but yielding, diced
- 4 Roma tomatoes, finely diced
- 1/2 medium red onion, very thinly sliced or finely minced
- 3/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped*
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, thoroughly rinsed and well-drained
For the Dressing & Seasoning:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1-2 lemons)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- A dash of cayenne pepper, or ancho or chipotle chili powder, for a smoky kick (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the diced avocados, tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, fresh cilantro, and rinsed black beans.
- Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice evenly over the salad ingredients.
- Season generously with salt and pepper. Add a dash of chili powder or cayenne if you desire a smoky or spicy element.
- Carefully toss the salad until all ingredients are well combined and coated with the dressing. Avoid over-mixing to prevent mashing the avocado.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- This versatile salad is fantastic served with tortilla chips on the side, as its flavor profile closely resembles fresh guacamole – but it’s hearty enough to be a standalone meal!
- For a complete and protein-packed dinner, consider adding grilled chicken, pan-seared tofu, or our recommended cilantro lime shrimp skewers directly into the salad.
- If cilantro isn’t your favorite herb, fresh parsley makes an excellent and refreshing substitute.
- To prevent avocados from browning if preparing in advance, you can toss them with a little extra lemon juice before adding to the salad, or assemble just before serving.
- For extra crunch and flavor, consider adding a handful of corn (fresh, frozen and thawed, or canned and drained) or diced bell peppers.
Love This Black Bean Tomato Avocado Salad?
If you enjoyed making and eating this incredibly flavorful Black Bean Tomato Avocado Salad, please consider leaving a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and a comment below! Your feedback helps us and other home cooks. You can also share a picture of your creation on Instagram with the hashtag #LITTLESPICEJAR, we’d absolutely love to see your delicious results!
Nutritional Information: Is this a good choice for you?
The nutritional facts presented are calculated for 1/6th of the entire recipe, which we found to be a perfectly satisfying single serving size.
