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Donna R. Luis

Black Bean Corn Avocado Salad

A vibrant rice-based salad featuring black beans, corn, creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, and red onion, finished with a homemade lime vinaigrette. It comes together with simple ingredients and can be enjoyed immediately or chilled before serving.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
  • 1 avocado diced
  • 1 14-fluid-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 12-fluid-ounce can corn, drained, or fresh corn cut from the cob
  • 1 –2 tablespoons red onion chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan or pot for cooking the rice
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Large salad bowl
  • Spoon or salad tongs for tossing
  • Airtight cover or plastic wrap for chilling

Method
 

  1. Cook the Rice: Cook the white rice according to the package directions until prepared, then set it aside and allow it to cool.
  2. Make the Lime Dressing: Add the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, honey, chili powder, and garlic powder to a small bowl. Whisk until the dressing is well combined.
  3. Prepare the Salad Ingredients: Dice the avocado, chop the red onion and cilantro, drain the corn, and drain and rinse the black beans.
  4. Combine the Salad: Add the cooled rice, black beans, corn, avocado, red onion, and cilantro to a large salad bowl.
  5. Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared lime dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until the dressing is distributed throughout.
  6. Season to Taste: Season the salad generously with salt and pepper, then taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding a little extra lime juice if desired.
  7. Chill or Serve: Cover the salad and chill it for about 1 hour, or serve it immediately if preferred.
  8. Prepare Ahead: If making the salad ahead of time, add the avocado shortly before serving to help maintain its quality, and add the dressing at that time so the rice does not absorb too much of it.

Notes

  • The recipe makes 6 servings according to the source, although the notes indicate it can serve up to 4 as a main course or 4–6 as a side dish depending on the meal.
  • Fresh corn cut from the cob can be used instead of canned corn.
  • The avocado is best added shortly before serving when preparing the salad ahead of time.
  • For make-ahead preparation, add the dressing close to serving so the cooked rice does not absorb too much of it.
  • The finished salad can be enjoyed immediately or covered and chilled for about 1 hour.
  • Taste the salad after dressing and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a little lime juice as needed.