Southwest Black Bean Rice Salad

Southwest Black Bean Rice Salad: A vibrant and flavorful dish packed with wholesome gluten-free ingredients, bold flavors, and a rainbow of colors. This salad is a celebration of everything we love about Southwestern cuisine, from the hearty black beans to the fluffy rice, smoky flavor of roasted corn, crunchy vegetables, and zesty lime and cumin dressing. Every bite is like a fiesta. 

WHY WE LOVE SOUTHWEST BLACK BEAN RICE SALAD

Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this Southwest Black Bean Rice Salad a standout dish for any occasion. This gluten free dish isn’t just a feast for the eyes—it’s also a nutritious and satisfying meal or side dish. Here’s why we can’t get enough of it:

Protein-Packed: With hearty black beans and fluffy rice as the base, this salad is a protein powerhouse that will keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Bursting with Flavor: From the smoky sweetness of the roasted corn to the tangy lime dressing and the fresh crunch of vegetables, every bite bursts with flavor.

Customizable: Feel free to customize this salad to suit your taste preferences. Add more spice with extra jalapeños or switch up the vegetables depending on what’s in season.

Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep or bringing to potlucks and barbecues.

Nutritious: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious.

KEY INGREDIENTS FOR BLACK BEAN RICE SALAD RECIPE:

• Black beans
• Rice
• Roasted corn
• Bell peppers
• Green onions
• Olive oil
• Cilantro
• Lime
• Cumin
• Cherry tomatoes
• Salsa verde

TIPS FOR THE BEST BLACK BEAN RICE SALAD:

Cook the Rice Properly:

Ensure your rice is cooked just right—not too mushy or too firm. Generously season the water with salt and use the appropriate ratio of water to rice, following the cooking instructions carefully to achieve fluffy, perfectly cooked rice.

Roast the Corn:

By roasting the corn, you add a smoky flavor setting the salad apart from most. Yes, you can use cooked corn, but the smokiness and texture of roasted corn make all the difference.

Fresh Ingredients Matter:

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients like ripe sweet cherry tomatoes, crisp bell peppers, fresh cilantro, and crispy green onions. The taste and texture of your salad will be so good.

Marinate Before Serving:

For the best flavor and texture, allow your salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving. This will give the flavors a chance to meld together, making the salad extra tasty.

Garnish The Salad:

Garnish your salad with extra herbs, lime wedges, and avocado slices for a pop of color and flavor. Presentation is key, and a well-garnished salad is sure to impress your guests.

HOW TO ROAST CORN ON THE COB IN THE OVEN:

Create a mixture of olive oil, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of honey or brown sugar. Brush each corn with the mixture until evenly coated and place on a baking tray lined with foil paper. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F for 30 minutes, turning over halfway through for even roasting. When done, wrap the corn in the foil paper for 15 minutes or until ready to use.

SERVING:

One of the things I love about this Southwestern salad is that you can serve it cold, at room temperature, or warm. Be sure to garnish the salad just before serving.

STORAGE:

This salad is made with a light vinaigrette and will keep for up to five days when refrigerated. And the best part, if you are bringing this black bean rice salad to a potluck or a barbecue, it will keep for up to four hours without being refrigerated.

GLUTEN FREE RICE SALADS YOU MAY ENJOY

Moroccan Chickpea Rice Salad

Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad Recipe

Roasted Pepper White Bean Rice Salad

TAKEAWAY:

Whether you’re craving a wholesome meal for lunch, a colorful side dish for dinner, or a crowd-pleasing option for your next gathering, this Southwest Black Bean Rice Salad has proven to be a big hit at every occasion.

With its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and nutritious ingredients, it’s a dish that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of the Southwest. And, this is a gluten-free recipe and is super easy to whip up. I promise you this black bean rice salad combo will keep everyone coming for seconds. Enjoy!

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Kristina x