Alton Brown Black Bean Salad

This delicious and refreshing black bean salad is a quick and easy dish packed with zesty lime, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs. It’s light yet filling, making it perfect as a side or a healthy meal. You can customize it with extra veggies or your favorite toppings, and it tastes even better after chilling!

Recipe Ingredients:

• 1 stalk celery
• 1 medium carrot
• 2 to 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 to 3 sprigs fresh parsley
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups dried black beans
• 1/2 medium onion, halved
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus extra to taste
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup lime juice
• 1 medium red onion, minced
• 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How To Make Black Bean Salad?

1. Prepare the Herb Bundle: Tie the celery, carrot, thyme, parsley, and bay leaf into a bundle using cotton butcher’s twine.
2. Cook the Beans: Place the black beans, herb bundle, and onion into a large pot. Add just enough water to barely cover the beans.
3. Simmer Until Tender: Bring to a simmer, partially cover, and cook until the beans are barely tender, about 1 to 2 hours. After 30 minutes, add the salt. Occasionally check and add water as needed to keep the beans covered.
4. Drain and Discard Herbs: Once the beans are just barely tender, drain them and remove the herb bundle.
5. Mix the Salad: While the beans are still hot, toss them with olive oil, lime juice, red onion, cilantro (coriander), cumin, and chili powder.
6. Chill and Season: Let the salad chill completely, then season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Recipe Tips:

• Soak the Beans for Faster Cooking : If you want to reduce cooking time, soak the black beans in water overnight. This helps them cook more evenly and prevents them from splitting.
• Salt at the Right Time – Always add salt after the beans have been cooking for at least 30 minutes. Adding it too early can make the beans tough and take longer to cook.
• Use Fresh Lime Juice : Bottled lime juice won’t give the same fresh, zesty flavor. Squeeze fresh limes for the best taste!
• Chill Before Serving : Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors blend together and makes the salad taste even better.
• Adjust the Seasoning After Chilling : Cold foods can taste less salty and flavorful. After chilling, taste the salad and adjust the salt, lime juice, and spices as needed.

How To Store Leftovers?

First, let the leftover Black Bean Salad cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Stir before serving, as the dressing may settle at the bottom.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 217
• Total Fat: 8.9g
• Saturated Fat: 1.3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 809mg
• Potassium: 487mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 29g
• Dietary Fiber: 7.9g
• Sugars: 8.2g
• Protein: 7.1g

Check out More Recipes:

• Alton Brown Turkey Salad
• Alton Brown Smoked Turkey Salad
• Alton Brown Green Bean Casserole