Rice, Black Bean, and Avocado Salad is an enticingly nutritious dish that celebrates the wholesome goodness of fresh ingredients. It combines the hearty texture of cooked rice and black beans with the creamy richness of avocado. The salad captures an array of flavors that can be both comforting and refreshing, making it an excellent choice for a variety of occasions, from a simple family dinner to a festive potluck.

This salad is incredibly versatile, allowing for numerous variations and additions depending on personal preference or dietary requirements. It serves as a substantial base for a meal that can be enhanced with a zesty lime dressing, spiced up with jalapeños, or adorned with a sprinkle of cheese for those who aren’t strictly plant-based. Tender greens, like spinach or arugula, can also be mixed in to add a splash of color and nutrition.

With its vibrant combination of ingredients, Rice, Black Bean, and Avocado Salad doesn’t just promise a treat for the taste buds but also delivers a powerhouse of nutritional benefits. Rich in proteins, fiber, and healthy fats, it supports an energetic lifestyle while contributing to a balanced diet. It’s a dish that easily adapts to the changing seasons and personal tastes, ensuring that each rendition can be as unique and delightful as the last.

Rice, Black Bean, and Avocado Salad

The Rice, Black Bean, and Avocado Salad is a healthful and versatile dish that combines the satisfying textures of cooked rice and black beans with the creamy taste of avocado. It's adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs, allowing for various add-ins like zesty lime dressing, spicy jalapeños, or cheese. The inclusion of leafy greens adds an extra nutritional punch, making the salad not only flavorful but also rich in proteins, fiber, and healthy fats. Suitable for many occasions, it provides both comfort and nutrition, catering to an energetic lifestyle while fitting into a balanced diet. Each version of this salad can be unique, reflecting personal preferences and ensuring culinary delight.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Course Salad

Cuisine French

Servings 6 servings

Calories 399 kcal

Equipment

1 medium pot

Ingredients

FOR RICE
2 cups slow-cooking jasmine brown rice
4 cups clean water
1 cup tomato puree not paste, mine has added salt
1 tbsp. salt-free chili powder
1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
FOR THE BEANS
15 oz. cans low-sodium black beans drained and well rinsed
2 tsp. regular chili powder
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
SWEET CHILI MUSTARD SAUCE
2 tbsp. regular chili powder
1/2 cup regular yellow wet mustard
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1-2 tbsp. clean water
REMAINING INGREDIENTS
1 cup tomatoes
1 medium avocado chopped

Instructions

Properly rinse the rice with cold water for 1 minute. It will help to prevent the rice from sticking together.
Place the rice in a medium pot, add water and the rest of the ingredient and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce the heat to low heat, cover the pot and let it simmer until very tender and no more water, for about 40 minutes
Remove from the heat, cover, set the timer for 5 minutes and let steam for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and leave it open.
When the rice is almost done cooking, combine the beans and it ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for few minutes
Combine all the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk well until smooth and Thicken. Add as much water as possible to get your desire taste and consistency
To assemble, Place the rice, beans in a serving bowls, to with the chopped tomatoes and avocados and drizzle with the sauce and toss until well coated. Enjoy!

Keyword black beans, brown rice, clean water

Cooking Tips about Rice, Black Bean, and Avocado Salad

Brown Rice and Black Bean Salad with Avocado & Cilantro

Serving suggestions about Rice, Black Bean, and Avocado Salad

Skillet Rice and Beans topped with Creamy Avocado – healthyGFfamily.com

As a Main Course: Serve the salad as a centerpiece for a light yet satisfying meal. It’s filling enough to stand alone, thanks to the proteins and fibers from the black beans and rice.

Picnic or Potluck: This salad is easy to transport and can be served cold, making it an ideal choice for outdoor gatherings like picnics or potlucks.

Side Dish: Pair the salad with grilled vegetables, tofu, fish, or chicken if you’re not strictly vegetarian or vegan. Its refreshing taste complements heartier main dishes well.

Taco Filling: Use the salad as a hearty filling for tacos or burritos, adding a flavorful twist to these traditional Mexican dishes.

With Greens: Toss it with mixed greens such as spinach, kale, or romaine lettuce to add volume and nutrition, creating a more traditional salad feel.

Wrap or Pita Pocket: Scoop the salad into a whole wheat wrap or pita pocket for a convenient, on-the-go lunch option.

Buddha Bowl: Make a Buddha bowl by starting with the salad as a base and adding various toppings like roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed greens, or sliced cucumber for extra diversity in texture and flavor.

Breakfast Hash: For a hearty breakfast, top a warm serving of the salad with a fried or poached egg.

Top 5 FAQs about Rice, Black Bean, and Avocado Salad

What makes Rice, Black Bean, and Avocado Salad healthy? This salad is rich in proteins from the black beans, fiber from both the beans and rice, and healthy fats from the avocado. It also provides vitamins and minerals from any leafy greens and additional vegetables added to the dish. Its balanced composition conforms to many dietary needs while supporting a nutritious lifestyle.

Can Rice, Black Bean, and Avocado Salad be made ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this salad in advance. The rice and beans can be cooked and seasoned beforehand. However, it is recommended to dice or slice the avocado just before serving to prevent browning. If you need to store leftovers, keep the rice and beans separate from the avocado and any leafy greens to maintain freshness and texture.

Is the salad suitable for vegans and vegetarians? Absolutely! As described in the introduction and summary about the salad, it is naturally vegan and vegetarian-friendly. However, if you’re adding cheese as one of the optional ingredients, ensure it’s a plant-based cheese to maintain its vegan status.

How can you customize Rice, Black Bean, and Avocado Salad for different tastes? The salad is adaptable to many additions and variations. You can spice it up with jalapeños or chili powder, add tanginess with a lime dressing, increase the savory element with garlic or cumin, or enhance the freshness with extra vegetables like tomatoes or corn. Cheese, herbs, and nuts like toasted pumpkin seeds can also be added for those who are not vegan or just prefer the extra flavors and textures.

What are some creative ways to serve this salad? You could present it as a main course, a side dish with grilled food, within tacos or burritos, tossed with mixed greens, scooped into a wrap or pita pocket, as part of a Buddha bowl, or even topped with a fried egg for breakfast. It’s a versatile dish that fits various meal types and occasions.

In conclusion, the Rice, Black Bean, and Avocado Salad stands out as a nourishing and adaptable meal that caters to a wide array of dietary preferences and occasions. Its harmonious blend of textures—from the fluffy rice to the creamy avocado and tender beans—coupled with the potential for diverse flavor profiles through various add-ins, makes it an appealing option for any table. Perfect for health-conscious individuals, it boasts high protein content, dietary fiber, and beneficial fats, ensuring that it is as wholesome as it is delicious. This salad can be effortlessly tailored to your liking, whether you are looking for a quick and satisfying main dish, a vibrant addition to a picnic, or an inventive side to accompany your favorite grilled items. Its ease of preparation and storage adds to its charm, making it a practical choice for busy lifestyles. The Rice, Black Bean, and Avocado Salad not only promises a gastronomic delight with each bite but also contributes positively to a balanced and mindful diet.

Comments

How to make Rice, Black Bean, and Avocado Salad